By Hannah Gonzalez
Pulse Staff Reporter
Palo Alto College has 24 active clubs and organizations this Fall 2018 semester. Joining clubs or organizations provides students an opportunity to get more involved and connect with other students who share their same interests. Students learn new skills, find new hobbies and create lasting friendships.
“Any students who are involved tend to be more successful academically,” said Erica Muñoz, coordinator of Student Success. “The more time they spend on campus, the more successful they are in their courses.”
Orgsync, which is in the student tab in ACES, helps students become more engaged at school by providing information on all of the clubs and organizations. It also allows students who are interested to start their own club. Ten students and one faculty or staff member are required to begin. Orgsync will have its name changed to Alamosync on Nov 15.
The president of Phi Theta Kappa International Society, Angelica Martinez, gave numerous reasons why joining PTK is beneficial. It helps students develop leadership skills and earn scholarships. It looks great on transcripts when applying to a university, and members receive a seal on their transcripts and diploma. Students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher to be formally invited and pay a one-time fee of $75. Meeting times are monthly in San Marcos Hall, Room 109.
Another beneficial organization is the Honors Legacy in Medina Hall, Room 101. They provide a friendly environment to study from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., while helping you reach your goals. To become involved in the program, students must send in an application online through the campus website with a written essay while having met the required GPA of 3.25 or higher. Once accepted, STEM-related students get to register for their classes first.
“There’s amazing opportunities to travel without having to pay to study abroad,” said sophomore honor student, Maryjane Garza.
The Student Government Association is where students can let their voices be heard by discussing any issues they have on campus. Every year in April, students vote on who they want to represent them. Executive officers who maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher and take six hours receive a $500 scholarship. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 2 p.m to 3 p.m in the Student Center Annex.
“Everybody can join and be aware,” said Kayla Rodriguez, president of Student Government Association. “If you want to make friends and connections, join an organization.”
For more information about clubs and organizations on campus, visit the Student Life Office.
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