Top 5 Organizations To Join At UNT
Are you looking to make friends? New to campus and feeling lonely? Join an organization! Getting involved is one of the best ways to create friendships and make connections.
UNT has over 100 organizations appealing to different interests, fields of study, ethnicities, and religions.
Here are the 5 best organizations you should join:
GLAD: UNT Queer alliance
This organization helps those who are sexual minorities, queer, trans or nonbinary. They host special events, such as dances and shows, that cater to the LGBTQ community in a unique way. Their mission is to spread awareness and educate the campus on the various sexual and gender identities. This is a safe space for those who may be struggling with these issues and need guidance. GLAD hopes to assist UNT in its effort to create a welcoming and tolerant environment in which students can learn. Everyone deserves equality. There is also a Pride Alliance office located on the 3rd floor of the Union. GLAD meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Wooten Hall 122.
Talons
Are you full of school spirit? Do you enjoy keeping traditions and cheering on your team? Then Talons might be right for you. This is an organization that focuses on the traditions of UNT by spreading school spirit across campus. Traditions are what make each university unique. Football games are where you may see many of these traditions. During the tailgate, the band and the North Texas Dancers walk down the hill while playing the fight song. During the game, there are many chants that go with the fight song to get the crowd into the game. The Talons help lead the crowd and promote positive sportsmanship. The tower lighting after a win is led by the Talons, anyone can join this event. They meet every Wednesday, 6 p.m. for associates and 7 p.m. for members.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Giving a voice to the student body is crucial to creating an open and inviting environment. It is important for executives to hear the concerns of the students attending their university. The Student Government Association is that voice. They represent the majority and present the concerns and solutions to the professional staff. Anyone is welcome at the Senate meetings to present issues on campus and their possible solutions. These meetings are a space where change can occur. If speaking on issues and finding solutions to benefit the majority is your thing, join the Student Government Association. Senate meetings are held every Wednesday at 5:30.
Active Minds
If you enjoy helping others navigate through their mental illness and want to spread awareness, join Active Minds. This is an organization that focuses on assisting those who suffer from mental illness. College can be taxing. Students are expected to juggle homework, a job, extracurricular activities, along with a social and personal life. This can be difficult for people who have depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, bipolar depression and so forth. Active Minds’ goal is to create an environment for students to unwind and destress. Their goal is to help everyone better understand and identify mental illness. Active Minds meetings: Sep 18 – Suicide Prevention & Recovery Discussion in Union 394 from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct 02 – How To Be a Stigma Fighter in Union 394 from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct 16 – Self Care Discussion & Crafts in Union 341 from 5 to 6 p.m. Oct 30 – Stigma Is Spooky Party in Union 338 from 5 to 6 p.m. Nov 13 – Gratitude & Holiday Stress Discussion in Union 225 from 5 to 6 p.m. Dec 04 – Goodie Social in Union 394 from 5 to 6 p.m.
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Community service is a great way to open your mind and build a resume. This organization mentors young children in the Denton area. It is designed to give a child someone to look up to for advice, friendship, and guidance. Some children may not have this relationship with someone at home, and this group gives that to them. If giving back to the community is a passion of yours, this is an organization for you.
Getting involved on campus helped me gain a sense of community. I have made life-long friendships and memories. It has also helped me grow as a person and break out of my comfort zone.
Some people may be able to make friends by just going to class, but not everyone has those social skills. Being surrounded by people who share similar interests and passions can make it easier to relate and start a conversation. Getting involved provides the space for students to express themselves and care about something other than academics.
Joining organizations not only helps you, but it looks good on a resume as well. Companies and employers want to know that you are able to work with others, solve problems and multitask. Being aware of what is happening around you is important in society. Joining an organization makes us look at the campus through an entirely different lens. You are now a part of something and you share that with others you can relate to. Getting involved also means making connections. Knowing professionals in the field you want a career in, can help shed light on that reality. Talking to people that are where you want to be can be beneficial in the long run. They may share advice and personal experience.
Friends from college could also be friends in high places. There are future scientists, politicians, teachers, writers, and musicians all around you. Take advantage of getting to know people who will one day be somebody they can change society for the better.
UNT has an organization for everyone. Take your favorite interest, your religion, heritage, major or something you are curious about and apply it.
You can find out about any of these organizations and more by clicking here.
What are your favorite organizations on campus and how did you get involved?
Featured Image via UNT’s Facebook and Ashley Medina
