Getting involved is often a top priority for incoming freshmen who want to experience all that college has to offer.

Joining clubs and participating in events allows students to open up and meet hundreds of new people, thus enhancing college life, University College freshmen Megan Salisbury said.

“I think it [involvement] helps students be successful in life and meet others,” Salisbury said.

Dozens of campus organizations strive for that goal. Zachery Stevens, a representative for the Center for Student Life, said involvement on campus is important because it helps students connect with OU.

“Of course they are here for an education first and foremost, but some of those out-of-the-classroom experiences are just as vital to their success after college,” Stevens said.

Students who make an effort to acquaint themselves with OU’s organizations early in their college careers will find out about a huge range of student groups, Stevens said.

“There is something for everyone to get involved in and have a blast being a part of,” said Lindyn Lamb, an OU alumnus who was heavily involved in Campus Activities Council (CAC).

Salisbury said she hopes to get involved in activities such as Undergraduate Student Congress and the Pre-Med Club as soon as possible.

Lamb said it is simple to get involved in organizations such as Student Life, CAC, Greek groups and cultural organizations.

Many OU students have met their best friends through campus involvement and have simultaneously learned about their own strengths, he said.

“Working with other young people who were passionate about what they were doing taught me more about life than I ever could have learned in the classroom,” Lamb said.

Lamb says working with others helped her become a leader by helping her improve her teaching skills, and these enhancements in her leadership style will continue to help her throughout her life.

Although being involved on campus while keeping up with classes may be overwhelming for some students, there are ways to remain connected to campus activities without committing to a large organization.

Throughout the semester, the Union Programming Board (UPB) hosts several activities at the Oklahoma Memorial Union, such as free movies and parties for all students.

George Gust, UPB Vice President and business junior, said the events provide a way for students to meet other students.

“Our events are a good outlet for students to come to the Union and have some fun, safe activities during the weekend,” Gust said.

UPB often teams up with CAC to host their events, which happen about once a week.

“We try to cater to the freshmen because they don’t know much about campus,” Gust said. “Research shows that students who get involved do better in the classroom; as long as they don’t get over-involved.”

With all the organizations across campus, OU is sure to offer an event for everyone, Stevens said.

“There are literally thousands of opportunities to experience life outside the classroom at OU,” Lamb said. “The key is jumping right in.”