If you’re looking to feel more at home on campus, joining a registered student organization (RSO) can be a good place to start.
An RSO is a group of at least five students and one Ferris employee advisor that share a common interest. Over 220 different RSOs exist at Ferris. They’re based upon anything from academics to athletics to Greek life and more.
Ferris digital animation and game design junior Matthew Findley is the president of Active Minds, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
“The best part about being in an RSO is the fulfillment that comes from doing something you are so passionate about. It has a nice way of making you feel complete and like you’re doing something to help those in need,” Findley said.
Each RSO has different requirements set for membership, which students can learn by reaching out to individuals in the organization. A complete list of all RSOs and contact information for leading members can be found under Orgsync on the Ferris website.
“It is never too late to get involved and you’ll meet many people and make a lot of friends in the process,” Findley said. “I would encourage everybody to find something they are passionate about and be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
Many students in RSOs feel that there are numerous benefits to gain from membership. Alpha Phi Sigma is a co-ed honors society for criminal justice students, which seeks to provide necessary career skills for its members. Ferris criminal justice and psychology senior and fundraising chair of Alpha Phi Sigma Margaret Trinka feels that her involvement in the RSO will benefit her future.
“Being in an RSO like Alpha Phi Sigma that is part of your major shows you who you will be working with once you complete college. These people in the RSO can help further your learning while in college and guide you to career opportunities once you have graduated,” Trinka said.
Trinka credits the organization for her leadership skills.
“RSOs are a great opportunity to obtain leadership roles and community participation. Even if you do not join a major-specific RSO, other RSOs can also show you new opportunities in the world that you would have never seen if you had not gone out and explored new interests,” Trinka said.
RSOs that are not major-specific often serve to unite students from diverse educational fields. You Beautiful Black Woman (YBBW) is an organization that promotes unity among black women of all majors and strives for cultural enhancement on campus.
“You connect with so many different people and are able to make a positive impact on campus,” Ferris political science junior and YBBW community service chair Charnice LaGrone said. “You get the opportunity to network with different businesses and other organizations on and off campus, and you gain valuable skills that help you in whatever career you’re pursuing.”
Through YBBW, LaGrone has formed close friendships with other students.
“The best part about being in an RSO, to me, has to be all the friendships you gain. My org sisters are my best friends and whenever I need help with something, I know I can definitely count on them,” LaGrone said. “I cannot imagine making it this far at Ferris without my org sisters.”
Any students interested in creating a new RSO should contact the Center for Leadership, Activities and Career Services (CLACS) office in the University Center.