Aug. 28 initiates a new semester at Eastern Michigan University. With a fresh start and campus buzz, students seeking to join a new organization are in luck: EagleFest runs from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, outside the Student Center.
EagleFest is a club fair, with student organizations stationed at tables stretching around the campus pond and club members hosting games and talking to those interested in getting involved. The festival is one of many opportunities allowing new and returning students to explore the 182 student organizations at Eastern. Students can gather contact information and talk directly with club members to learn more about how to get involved in the organization that aligns with their interests.
“Joining a student organization is a good way for students to make friends, build a sense of community at EMU, and explore their interests and hobbies,” said Karen Thompson, coordinator of Student Organizations and Fraternity & Sorority Life. “Depending on what student organization they join — for example an academic-related student organization — it can help them with their major and future career after EMU.”
Students can start their search by reviewing the organizations by category. Below are 11 categories, featuring a number of organizations each. To view the full list of organizations, visit EagleSync, the webpage that lists all the organizations, or look for options in the EMU Engage app, available through app stores.
1. Academic, Business, and Professional Development
These organizations are educational in nature. Dedicated to furthering the academic and professional careers of students, these organizations give students an opportunity to gain more knowledge and network. Some examples of these organizations are the Accounting Club, the Black Honors Student Organization, and Future Physicians.
2. Music, Art, and Entertainment
EMU has various organizations dedicated to the arts, both when it comes to students interested in entertainment, or creating art themselves. The Anime Music Club, Amplifying the Arts, and Diversion Dance Troupe are all music, art, and entertainment organizations a student can join.
3. Activism, Service, Philanthropy, and Advocacy
For students who have an interest in helping and advocating for the community, there are Amplifying the Arts; Sistas That Care, which focuses on Black women and their mental health; and Best Buddies, whose members befriend people with developmental disabilities.
4. Fraternities and Sororities
EMU offers many fraternities and sororities. View the full list of these organizations on this page of the university website: Fraternity & Sorority Life - Campus Life - Campus Life (emich.edu)
5. Multicultural and Racial Identity
Several student organizations acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of the EMU student body. These include, but are not limited to, the Japanese Students Association, International Student Association, and Students Organize 4 Syria.
6. Gender and Sexuality
These organizations are dedicated to women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. There are several organizations for women such as the Society of Women Engineers and Crystal Queer, dedicated to members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.
7. Religion and Spirituality
For students interested in spirituality there are many to choose from. These include Christian organizations, a Jewish organization, Hillel at Eastern Michigan University, and the Muslim Student Association.
8. Gaming and Technology
Many organizations that feature gaming and technology at EMU often dedicate their organizations to specific video games such as Call of Duty, Minecraft and Super Smash Bros. In addition, students can join the EMU Game Developers Guild.
9. Political, Historical, and Social justice
These organizations hone in on various different political issues. Examples include the Student History Association, NAACP, and Rise which helps students get involved in elections.
10. Health and Wellness
These organizations help students with both their physical and mental health. Some even focus specifically on topics such as exercise, psychology, and medicine. This can be found in the Gymnastics Club, Psychology Club, and Student Nurse Association.
11. Environmental and Science
There are several organizations in this category, each one dedicated to a different science. There are the Astronomy Club at EMU, Botanical Society of America at Eastern Michigan University, Future Physicians, and the Sierra Club Eastern Michigan University Chapter.
Learn more about student organizations and how to get involved in EMU’s community through Campus Life.
