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Student Involvement

Make the most of your college experience by getting involved. Meet new friends, learn more about becoming a campus leader, develop skills and knowledge by working with others and enrich your learning in and out of the classroom. Student Involvement offers programs and services that support student success.

Delta Gamma Sorority and Panhellenic Council
Lauren Smoot
Delta Gamma Sorority and Panhellenic Council
Involved since: February 2008

What motivated you to get involved on campus? I had recently transferred to Fresno State after my first semester of college at San Francisco State and knew no one. I was introduced to some members of Delta Gamma and from there knew it was the perfect opportunity to meet people and get involved. It was definitely the perfect opportunity.

How would you describe Greek Life to students looking to get involved? Greek Life is an experience that can enhance your personal, professional and educational skills. Being a "Greek" is nothing like in the movies. You gain insight to professional meeting behavior, leadership skills, networking opportunities, continued community service, importance of education and friendships. It really is something to look into!

What have you gained from being involved with Greek Life? Everything I have accomplished at Fresno State all began with getting involved with Greek Life. I have gained great networking opportunities, which have gotten me involved with numerous other organizations on campus and with on-campus jobs. I have developed communication skills that have helped me excel in interviews, meeting new people and even in classroom projects. Mostly, I have gained friendships stronger than I ever imagined and self-worth by being a part of organizations that make a difference.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? Do as much as you can. Don't hesitate to try new organizations and branch out of your comfort zone. If you have the opportunity, become an active member of an organization by holding a position or speaking up to enhance your group!

USU Productions
Dana Elkins
2010-2011 Director of USU Productions
Involved since: August 2009

What motivated you to get involved on campus? I wanted to feel like I was a part of this campus. After two years, I had finally declared my major and wanted to get out into the campus community and find a different way to interact with the students and meet new people. I heard about USU Productions and felt that they were the perfect group for me to join, and it was.

How would you describe USU Productions to students looking to get involved? We [USU Productions members] always say that we are “where the fun’s at”—and to a certain extent that is true. USU Productions is the student programming board here at Fresno State, which means that we are the organization in charge of putting on the fun events here on campus. Some of our more popular events are our movie nights, nooners (local bands perform in the Pit during the lunch hour), homecoming activities, bus trips and comedy nights.

What is one thing you look forward to most about being part of USU Productions? My favorite part about being a member of USU Productions is interacting with the students, and not just those who are a part of the organization. I have met so many students in my first year on USU Productions at the various events we have put on, and I look forward to meeting more students this year.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? Really get out there and research your options. There are so many ways to get involved here at campus; don’t be afraid to get involved. And most importantly, whatever group you get involved with, have fun!

WAG Pack Leadership Council
Arthur Montejano
Team Leader, WAG (Welcome and Guidance) Pack
Involved since: April 2010

What motivated you to get involved on campus? Being involved and serving others was something my parents raised me to value as I grew up, and service is a huge component of the values of my fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. The Leadership Council's "Emerging Leaders Retreat" first introduced me to the WAG Pack, which felt like a natural fit for me—it allowed me to get involved, meet new people and help others in the process.

How would you describe the WAG Pack to students looking to get involved? The WAG stands for "Welcome and Guidance," and, as an organization, that's exactly what we're here to do. We help new students get acclimated with campus, help them find classrooms and put on activities, as well as provide other services that make those first few weeks easier. We're also here to help returning students get reacquainted with campus and transition into their next semester. Our goal is to be that friendly, familiar face that reassures students and makes them feel at home on campus.

What is one thing you look forward to most about being part of the WAG Pack? Getting the opportunity to meet the university's new students and help them feel like a part of the Fresno State family. After attending three colleges, I know firsthand that a new college can be daunting and I welcome the opportunity to make that transition easier for others. I feel confident that what the WAG Pack has in store for students this semester will really make them feel like part of a bigger family.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? From "Tuesdays with Morrie": "Remember what I said about finding a meaningful life? Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning." To get the most out of your college experience, and life, you need to get involved; stop wondering if you have the time: make the time and stop by the Student Involvement Office to find out more!

Associated Students, Inc.
Steven Chabolla
Senator for the College of Science and Mathematics, ASI
Involved since: With ASI, June 2010; On Campus Fall 2007

What motivated you to get involved on campus? I actually began in the fall of my freshman year. I wanted to make a difference on campus and became an officer on the Council of President's Scholars. Over the next few semesters I became an officer in various groups on campus, including the Recycling Club and Chemistry Club. Both the success and failures I have had leading those groups has been a motivation for me to keep going. It is fun for me to keep busy with motivated people who have similar interests and even those who do not, for there is usually hidden an opportunity to grow.

How would you describe ASI to students looking to get involved? To be honest, I am not sure, you would have to ask me after a few weeks of being in office. Right now I just feel like I would be able to bring something to the table. Any job of leadership is a job of service. If you feel like you have something to offer, be a leader. Start with something you are interested in, whether it is a club or ASI; just try something new and give it your best.

What is one thing you look forward to most about being part of ASI? I look forward to working in a new dynamic. I have only worked with clubs before and am excited for how many more new people I will get to work with now.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? Take a chance. Join a club, be an officer, join ASI, try a lot of things and find a few you really like and stick with them. It will pay off. You might meet new friends, build your resume and have a lot of fun.

USU Board
Yesenia Z. Carrillo
Chair for the University Student Union Board of Directors
Involved since: June 2009

What motivated you to get involved on campus? I felt like I wasn't part of the school and I wasn't having the college experience. I wanted to be involved to help others and have the opportunity to impact college life by making sure students’ suggestions and needs are heard. I wanted to make the best out of college and being at Fresno State. I wanted to be proud of being a Bulldog and make memories and friendships.

How would you describe the USU Board to students looking to get involved? The University Student Union Board of Directors is a group of student leaders who are responsible for maintaining and making recommendations for the University Student Union and Satellite Student Union. It’s made up of a diverse group with different ideas and experiences. It is also a great way to make good friends with students from different organizations and majors, and we also have the opportunity to meet with faculty and staff. It’s also a great way to build your resume and grow as a person through the different responsibilities and experiences.

What have you gained from being involved with the USU Board? I have learned how our Student Union and Satellite Student Union function and the opportunity to meet with President Welty, Dr. Oliaro, Dr. Coon, Dr. Hoff, Dr. Reese, as well as the staff from Student Involvement and student leaders from other organizations. I've learned how to collaborate with other organizations to accomplish a common goal. I've gained leadership skills and built friendships, as well as had the opportunity to network with faculty and staff from the university. I have learned the importance of student leadership and participation in student funded facilities and programs. There are a variety of opportunities and events that are hosted for students.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? I would advise students to research organizations and find the one that most interests and suits them and to make sure they are aware of the time commitment and responsibilities associated with the organizations. Also that the best way to have a college experience and have Bulldog pride is by getting involved and making sure their priority is academics.

Vintage Days
Blair Smittcamp
Student Director

What motivated you to get involved on campus? I have always been passionate about Fresno State and the organizations on campus. It wasn’t until the end of my junior year when I would get email after email about opportunities to be a part of different clubs and orgs on campus. I first interviewed and became a part of the WAG pack. I guess you could say I was hooked. I wanted more of Fresno State, I wanted to be more involved.

How would you describe Vintage Days to students looking to get involved? Vintage Days is a great event to be a part of.ÊThere are so many different avenues you can take. I would recommend getting involved somehow to every student, but I would push them towards Vintage Days because we have so many great options.

What is one thing you look forward to most about being part of Vintage Days? I'm looking forward to just the event itself. This year is huge for us as we're the official Birthday Bash for Fresno State's Centennial. We're making this year bigger and better with different events and showcases.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students who are thinking about getting involved? It's never too late to get involved. If I had the time, I would have loved to have started earlier. Do whatever you can to be a part of this school and its great heritage and tradition. Fresno State has so many great things to offer to students. My advice would be to take advantage of it, leave your footprint at Fresno State; it will make your experience herethat much better.