LSU’s size provides different extracurricular choices for its 30,000 students, but it can also isolate and make students struggle to find their place.
“Sometimes the size of LSU makes me feel anonymous, and I have to take a step back and find my niche to keep from feeling lonely,” said Amy Wormsley, a petroleum engineering sophomore.
Involvement in school organizations immerses students in the student body’s cultural diversity that makes LSU unique. LSU students take matters into their own hands and form clubs that cater to their own interests. Club agendas span a wide variety, from sports and hobbies to politics and passions.
Michelle Lowery, Union/Programs Assistant Director from The Center for Student Leadership & Involvement, said students registering an organization must complete an application, have the support of a current faculty or staff adviser, five full-time LSU students who wish to be in the organization and a permanent mailing address for the organization’s official University correspondence.
Kristen Mason, an architecture junior, began the Women’s Lacrosse club last month because she found other students who wanted to continue to play lacrosse in college.
The club will be considered a club sport after a few years, and teams will travel and play Auburn, Tulane, the University of Texas and other Southeastern Conference teams.
“Not many people in South Louisiana know much about lacrosse, and this club will spread the message that this is a new, enjoyable sport,” Mason said.
Sarah Masson, an English literature sophomore, began the Book Club Aug. 1 and intends to lead roundtable discussions on books as well as serve the community by reading to children at public libraries once a month.
“Reading is my hobby, and I want to meet with others who share my interests,” Masson said.
Club enrollment and generating adequate participation can be a problem. Mason has recruited 15 to 20 people for women’s lacrosse and plans to post fliers advocating the club.
Planning and implementing a club is a huge commitment. The Women’s Lacrosse and Book Clubs are the only two clubs that have been formed this semester.
Those who do have the determination to start a club must keep the club involved in the LSU community and avoid isolating potential members.
The Antipop Music Coalition is endeavoring to regain its membership, which was lost during the summer. It began under the guidance of graduate Chris Gomez, who began the Alternative-Music-Supporting club April 24 to “bring something unique to better the LSU music scene.”
The coalition plans to replenish its membership by hosting a party on the Parade Ground. Local bands and DJs specializing in funk, progressive house, hip-hop and brass band music will play at this show.
“Local artists are really into the cause, and some are actually students at LSU,” Gomez said.
If this party successfully draws interest, the club hopes to host two to three more shows this year.
The Student Organization Fair Wednesday will host informational booths from 10 a. m. to 2 p. m. in the LSU Union Ballroom.