Finding your niche may be hard at first, but events like the Student Organization Expo allow students the opportunity to become more involved on campus. The Student Organization Expo, held Wednesday Sept. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m., expanded from the College Union Ballroom to the lobby and even the third floor. One hundred ninety-six organizations were represented, and each had something to offer.
Students walked through the Union talking to many different organizations and signed up for what interested them the most. According to Assistant Director for the Department of Student Life Lauren Dougherty, the expo is not only a way for students to become more connected, but it is also for the organizations to get their names out there.
“Each organization has something important to bring to Geneseo, and each organization wants to be known by the Geneseo student community,” she said. “[It's] one-stop shopping to come see what we have and get involved on campus.”
In addition to the tabling at the expo, some of the participating organizations also performed. There were 13 performances by 13 student groups throughout the two hours, from dancers to the chess club to juggling and even rugby.
“Performing and nonperforming clubs have the opportunity to get on stage and promote their organization[s],” Coordinator of Student Programs and Activities Tiffany Brodner said. “It keeps it exciting while the rush of people moving around the tables and getting their information; it gives them a different experience within the experience.”
This expo has expanded over the years and has had more positive feedback by the students. According to Dougherty, the event has increased in size over the years, in large part because of student interest.
“Because it's gotten so big, it can be a little overwhelming for students because it can be hard to move around, to navigate,” she said. “Unfortunately we have run out of space; we will have to start getting creative on how to fit all these organizations into the Union.”
The popular event is held twice a year, at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.