Despite COVID-19, Student Organizations Were Busy in 2020

By Amy Everson
Senior Manager, Student and Alumni Affairs

Our student organizations were highly active this year, despite the changes that occurred due to the coronavirus pandemic. Highlights from 2020 include:

1. In June, the Psychology Club launched “Be ALIVE in 2.5!,” focusing on personal health choices that utilized the small increment of 2.5. For instance, participants were challenged to make a meal for $2.50 or walk for 2.5 minutes.
2. The Model UN Club and Phi Alpha Delta hosted a virtual meet and greet event in July with guest speaker Benjamin Dille, the Executive Director of Bureau of African Affairs in the State Department. Dille shared his experience as a diplomat, with a Q&A and networking session afterward.
3. The National Society for Collegiate Studies collaborated with the Association for Latino Professionals for America, the Jewish Student Association, LGBTQ+ Students and Friends, and Active Minds to host a webinar on belonging in an online environment on October 14.
4. The Alumni Advisory Council partnered with the Office of Alumni Affairs to host our first Virtual Homecoming from October 19 to October 23. Many student organizations participated in this event.
5. The West Virginia Students’ Alliance participated in multiple service projects around the Charles Town and Ranson, WV area, including updating and stocking a Little Free Library, a school supply drive for a local elementary school, and a feminine hygiene drive for Stars that Shine.
6. The R.E.A.D. Book Club held monthly book discussions. Three authors — David Becker, Paulett Golden and Alex Westmore — were guest speakers.

The Chapter Standards Program and Our Student Organizations

Our student organizations follow the mandates of the Chapter Standards program, which was created in 2013 to help student organizations create opportunities for leadership and engagement with other students, alumni, faculty, and staff. This program was also intended to build a sense of community among and within our student organization member populations.

However, there are a few requirements that student organizations need to follow in order to maintain an active standing (bronze, silver, gold or platinum) with the university. The more activities that an organization is involved in, the higher their university standing. The chapter’s standing also determines its annual funding.

Over the last seven years, our student organizations have seen a tremendous amount of growth. Now, 57 student organizations have received bronze, silver, gold or platinum medal standings from the university. We are looking forward to continued success in 2021, including the establishment of new student organizations and opportunities for engagement!