If there’s one word that can be used to describe UTD, it’s diverse. There are over 300 registered student organizations on campus, in essentially any category you can think of. With all these options, it can get a bit overwhelming to find an organization that’s right for you. That’s why it’s super important to read up on joining UTD clubs to make sure you “know your onions.”
Presence
Presence is a useful website that allows you to find organizations with just a few key words about your area of interest. The Match Card you can fill out on their website is the bee’s knees, prompting you to answer various questions in order to match you with the right organization. Presence effectively narrows down your search and allows you to access specific information about each club, including the big shots, the joining process and much more.
Join In-Person
Wanna make a deal directly under the table? Plenty of cool cats like hanging around in the Student Union. This dive has multiple booths occupied by different clubs on a rolling basis. Stop by from time to time to take a look at what’s in store, and to get in-depth organizational insight from club dons themselves.
Mailing Lists
As a student at UTD, your university Outlook email will be your main source to contact people throughout campus. Since you’ll be on it every day, the most effective way to stay updated on club activities would be to step on it and join organization mailing lists. Addresses for these lists can be found on Presence and through directly contacting club members who can help you out.
Creating an Organization
If you couldn’t find the organization you were looking for, don’t get the heebie-jeebies. The Student Organization Center has easily accessible resources to help you create a new group. Just go on the SOC website and fill out a “New Student Organization Application” or contact the SOC directly. While there isn’t a clear minimum number of people you need to start a club, you should be able to clearly explain why UTD needs this new organization.
Joining an organization is a swell way to integrate yourself into the UTD community and find a group of people who share your interests. Adjusting to college life can sometimes put you behind the eight ball, but getting involved on campus allows you to have a more balanced and enjoyable experience.