NDSU students participate in organized clubs to enhance their educational experience
Friday, June 30, 2017
Hannah Youngdeer was new to NDSU in fall 2016. She didn’t know anyone and wanted to find a place she could feel comfortable, have fun, learn and meet new people.
She knew exactly where to go. Youngdeer joined the Native American Student Association, where she became president within the year and built a support system that helped her excel in the classroom.
“It was very important for me, being Native American, to find people who understand my community and my culture,” said Youngdeer, who recently finished her first year in the Master of Public Health program. “I made so many great connections. I was able to fit in and felt part of the university very early.”
Youngdeer isn’t alone. NDSU’s STEPS to Success research showed three of four students participate in organized clubs or student groups during a typical week.
Three of four students participate in organized clubs or student groups during a typical week.
Student organizations enhance academic success at NDSU by:
- helping students apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios
- strengthening professional ties and building a sense of community
- developing leadership and communication skills
- interacting with the community and other professionals in a student’s area of interest
“One of the biggest skills that I’ve developed in student organizations is leadership,” said Youngdeer, who is also a member of the Public Health Association. “It’s definitely going to help when I get into my career.”
NDSU has nearly 300 student organizations. Examples include the Songwriters’ Guild, Paintball Club, Muslim Student Association, Chess Club, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Public Relations Student Society of America, National Society of Black Engineers and Cricket Club.
STEPS to Success
NDSU’s STEPS to Success initiative highlights the actual attitudes and behaviors held by the majority of NDSU students, like Youngdeer, and gives tips on how to achieve success in college.
The information is based on research. The STEPS to Success team gathered information from a large sample of NDSU undergraduates in spring 2016, asking both about their own academic behaviors and attitudes and their perceptions about other students’ academic behaviors and attitudes.
