Tables lined the MC quad on Oct. 31 in participation with Club Rush, the semi-annual event sponsored by Associated Students.
Approximately 20 clubs were present promoting their club and recruiting new members. Each set up a table that exemplified their purpose.
Kristopher Dowling is the Associated Student representative in charge of the event and serves on the board as the Director of Student Organizations. He is the liaison between student government and the over 30 clubs on Moorpark’s campus.
“Club Rush is for the students. It’s for the clubs too, but it’s mostly for the students,” said Dowling. “To find what they like in a club and join, that’s the point and that’s the benefit of Club Rush.”
Students were able to see the vast amount of clubs the college offers and find a way to get more involved based on their interests.
Gabrielle Young, an International Relations major and president of the budding Democratic Club was at the event registering voters, educating students on current issues that are affecting community college students and encouraging students to join the club.
“This is legislation that will specifically affect students, so it is important,” Young said.
Not just the Democratic Club was advertising beyond club membership, MERGE, The Environmental Club on campus, decorated their booth with plants and recyclables promoting sustainability. All of the members present were very vocal and interactive with students passing by. MERGE is currently MC’s largest club and continues to grow in membership and campus wide impacts.
Gray Jordan, Vice-President of MERGE, wants to get people on campus on board with their recycling program through education and understanding, not regulation.
“We already have a lot of rules in society, if we create a movement of grass roots enthusiasts, we, as a club, would feel so vindicated,” Jordan said.
Beyond politically and issue affiliated clubs, Moorpark College boasts clubs that are derived to unite people with similar interests. The Knitting Club and The Role Play and Tabletop Club are just two examples of the array of clubs based on hobbies.
Associated Students offers this event twice a year as a way for students to get in contact with people who have similar interests. Any group of four or more currently enrolled students and an advisor are able to start a club through the Student Activities Office. More information on forming a club can be found on the Moorpark College website or through the office located in the Campus Center.
“One of my goals as director of student organizations is to unify the student body in their interests and what better way with a club,” Dowling said. “That’s the whole point of student organizations in my opinion. That’s why I’ve been pushing for student organizations to make an impact with advertising for Club Rush.”
Students took note that the Club Rush was held on Halloween and showed off their costumes.
