(Part 3 of 5)
Since graduating from HCU 10 years ago, Mon鈥橲her Spencer has been part of furthering what was so fundamental to her own time at the University. Spencer serves as the HCU director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, where she oversees student clubs, organizations, Greek Life, Commuter Life, First-Year Experience, and signature Student Life events.
鈥淲hen I was a student, I was on the worship team, the recreation team, involved with discipleship, and quite a few areas. I know being part of those things was the reason why I grew as a person spiritually, academically, and in character and maturity,鈥� Spencer said. 鈥淭hose are the areas I envision the students growing in here as well. I want them to be the leaders they can be.鈥�
Throughout HCU, there are about 50 clubs and organizations, and that number is ever-growing. From the Student Government Association, to Greek Life, to the Student Programming Board, there are numerous ways for students to explore their interests and try out their talents. Of the options, there are hundreds of opportunities to be in leadership roles. 鈥淚 tell students, 鈥榊ou鈥檝e got to get out of your dorm or your house and plug yourself in. The college experience is what you make it,鈥欌�� Spencer said.
Roles in student organizations facilitate friendships and provide the kind of experiences that make college such an enriching time in a young person鈥檚 life. Furthermore, participation gives students a sense of belonging, making them more likely to persevere through obstacles and continue to graduation.
Student Brook Chatagnier said his time as a head musher and a member of the Sled Team, caring for the University mascot, Kiza, is one of the highlights of his college tenure. 鈥淚 would encourage all students to find the organization that fits them best, and plug themselves into the school,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou truly get the most out of college by these experiences and the close-knit group of friends you make.鈥�
Student Leah Townsend emphasized that students don鈥檛 even have to find an existing group to join, but can formulate one that meets their interests. 鈥淚f there is a club or organization that you would like to initiate on campus, the doors are always open for that,鈥� she said. 鈥淭here is something for everyone.鈥�
Spencer agrees. 鈥淭he benefit of being somewhere smaller is that it鈥檚 not cookie-cutter. You鈥檙e not just jumping in as a number. You can actually be part of the history, of creating and sustaining something,鈥� she said.
While new traditions are formed, time-honored ones are cherished and continued. Some of those are Welcome Days, a new student orientation event; Spring Fling, a summer kickoff; Homecoming events, International Week, Husky Revue, a talent show; and Late-Night Breakfast, a pre-exam week meal.
And if the Student Involvement office doesn鈥檛 host or sponsor an event or organization, they鈥檒l connect students with other departments and resources. 鈥淭he beauty of this place is that there are so many things to do here and wonderful avenues that students can be part of,鈥� Spencer said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a place where they can find their niche. There鈥檚 support here, love here and a spirit of pride and relationship that I don鈥檛 think you get at a lot of other places.鈥�
Visit HC.edu/StudentLife for more information.