Francis Marion University (FMU) students filled the University Commons (UC) on Jan. 29 to attend the 2015 Spring Involvement Fair. The involvement fair gave students the chance to gather information from and to talk with representatives from various campus and community groups.

36 campus and community groups hosted tables at the involvement fair.

Freshman pre-nursing major Shalonda Johnson said that she enjoyed her first semester in the fall at FMU but regrets that she did not get more involved on campus. She hopes to change that this semester and going to the spring involvement fair was the first step in that process. “I am looking for more friends and hope to be more social and involved in more groups,” Johnson said. “I want to gain cherished memories from my time at FMU.”

Johnson was excited about the opportunity to talk with people from a wide variety of organizations. She was particularly interested in the Alive in Christ and Praise in Motion campus organizations. She also plans to fill out an orientation leader application.

Junior early childhood education major Brianna Easterling is heavily involved with the Young, Gifted and Blessed Gospel Choir and has enjoyed being involved on campus.

“[Being involved] has given me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds,” Easterling said. “I have learned how to relate to people with other experiences and have formed relationships beyond school.”

Senior history major Chelsea Barlow says she is grateful for the memories that being involved with campus organizations has brought. However, being a senior, she is also grateful for how it has helped her prepare for life outside of FMU.

“Being involved on campus has helped me with networking,” Easterling said.

Since Easterling is currently involved in four campus organizations in addition to being a full-time student, she has also developed time management skills.

Many campus organizations welcome students on an ongoing basis. Students do not have to join at the beginning of a semester. The Patriot Players theater group is one such organization. They host meetings every Monday and welcome students from all majors.

Some organizations tried creative ways to attract students to their table. While candy baskets and free pens were prevalent, the free massages offered by Advantage Health and Wellness were a favorite among students.

Assistant Dean of Students LaTasha Brand explained that it is fitting to have an involvement fair in the spring as well as the fall because some students transfer to FMU for the second semester.

While organizing the Spring Involvement Fair, FMU reaches out to health and fitness groups. At the beginning of a new year, many students have New Year’s resolutions and plan to eat healthier and exercise more often. Brand said that having health and fitness groups at the fair is an attempt to get students pointed in the right direction to meet their goals. The University Programming Board also helped Brand get in contact with organizations and plan the 2015 Spring Involvement Fair.