What’s Important: Campus Involvement and Extracurricular Activities

There are many factors that can influence your college decision. In our What’s Important series, we are unpacking seven common factors parents and students tell us are influential when they are choosing a university. This series will also provide resources for your college search based on the factors that are most important to you. Today’s factor is Campus Involvement and Extracurricular Activities.

You’ve probably heard it before: When you are putting together a résumé, your goal is to show your potential employer that you are a well-rounded individual who is qualified for the job. The technical skills required to do the job are certainly important, but a résumé showing more than technical skills can really distinguish you from the competition.

You can set yourself up for résumé success by participating in extracurricular activities while you are in college. Campus involvement can develop your leadership talents, demonstrate your ability to keep your schedule organized, and help you acquire skills beyond your major that could be useful later. Résumé aside, extracurricular activities can also be a lot of fun, introduce you to lifelong friends, and open doors to experiences you could never have imagined otherwise.

If campus involvement opportunities and access to extracurricular activities are at the top of your list when it comes to choosing a college or university, you will want to approach the college admissions process with an understanding of what you are already interested in. What did you do in high school that interested you? What would you like to continue doing in college? In what areas (leadership, philanthropy, public speaking, meeting new people, etc.) would you like to grow? What new topics have piqued your interest that you would like to explore in your free time? Take these ideas and compare them to what each school can offer you, then pick the school that will give you opportunities to grow and enjoy your college experience outside of class.

What to look for on a college website

• A directory of organizations you can join and more information about the clubs, societies, campus jobs, or other opportunities on that list
• Photos and stories of students getting involved in community service and community outreach through the school
• Information from the student government association (sometimes called the student council or the student senate) about the involvement students have in campus government

Example questions to ask your admissions counselor

• What are a few of your biggest student traditions?
• Are there opportunities for leadership development on campus?
• What extracurricular activities or clubs are available for students to get involved in?
• Are there opportunities for community service or volunteering?
• What types of jobs are offered to students on campus?

What to look for on your college visit

• Pay attention to the bulletin boards around campus, as these boards typically contain information about upcoming campus events, tryouts, and leadership elections, clubs that are accepting new members, and more
• Look around residence hall lounges for announcements of upcoming hall events, hangouts, service opportunities, and other fun ways students can get involved and relax together
• Talk with students about how they get involved on campus; ask them why they chose to participate and what they have experienced
• Attend a student-sponsored event (a trivia night, a cookie and canvas event, etc.) if you can
• Attend a concert, show, or sporting event, especially if you are interested in participating in music, theatre, or athletics as a college student

Links to HU resources related to campus involvement and extracurricular activities

• Our ongoing list of events throughout the year
• Our list of student activities through the Office of Student Life
• The Friesen Center for Service and Experiential Learning, which connects students with community service opportunities as well as internships, practicums, and job shadows
• The Center for Spiritual Formation, which provides resources and opportunities for spiritual formation through events, small groups, and more
• The Merillat Centre for the Arts, including the MCA Box Office, which handles the ticketing for our music and theatre arts season, and our on-campus art gallery
• Huntington University athletics

“One more experience from HU that I believe has made a difference in my life is the opportunity to work [on campus]. I have gained office experience and office knowledge that I would have had to frantically pick up in a job setting. My internship seemed much less overwhelming because of my campus job.”

Denali (2023)