Despite bigger crowds, clubs disappoint
For those who purposely avoided Club Rush because of the obnoxious hip-hop music or overly delightful school-spirited smiles: You didn’t miss much. Clubs weren’t very different from last year and the heat would have melted most of your free chocolate anyway.
Considering that our university status requires a more serious and respected tone, Club Rush needs to reflect the importance of these clubs. Club Rush should, therefore, set an example of who we are as an institution and set in motion what the possibilities are for the coming semester.
Location, location, location
The issue of placement for certain clubs was apparent; for example, the lonely, disgruntled music club was placed on the outskirts of the courtyard. Consequently, the booth runners expressed discouragement with the lack of importance of music education. Any visitor to our university might come to the same conclusion as well.
According to Ashlee Head, assistant to the VP of Student Clubs, those interested in having a booth were asked to sign up early in order to get a good location. This does not guarantee that relevant clubs get the attention they deserve while some irrelevant clubs (we have an International Modeling Club?) received more attention some might deem meritable.
UVU has made it a priority to increase freshman participation in activities and therefore deliver a better first year experience. Even President Holland’s stroll down the hallway could have been interpreted as more nonchalant than engaging; he seemed to only greet some (or certain) booths and not give much expression of supporting club success, which on an institutional level really downplays the whole idea of Club Rush.
It’s important for President Holland to address those with enough initiative and belief in a concept that they are willing to hang themselves up for spectators to look at and critique.
Needed improvement
Club Rush was a mix between a musty high school hallway and a sixth grade science fair. Air conditioning would have been greatly appreciated in the hallway, as would umbrella tables for the booths outside. Additionally, entertainment and food – two student favorites – are often provided at student government sponsored events, but neither was present for Club Rush.
A more efficient and updated online club presence would be more beneficial, considering the current website is outdated. This could save money, time and headaches.
Additionally, the clubs should not only engage with passing students, but also one another. For example, perhaps the most interesting booth setup was the Baptist Club, not because of their flyers or message of Jesus, but rather for their neighbor booth, who was none other than Spectrum: Queers and Allies (formerly known as the Gay-Straight-Alliance).
Trevor Zobell, the booth runner and former president, commented that throughout the event, the Baptist booth wasn’t rude or anti-Christian by any means. “However,” said Zobell, it seemed like a weird coincidence to be placed next to the Baptist table. I think next year we should also have the LDS Institute Club to our right and the UVU Republicans across from us.”
But such situations only add a much-needed boost to an event that is considered non-existent. Our solidarity as a university matters most when it comes to the interest of our students; therefore, these clubs next to one another represent the freedom of ideas and interests all supported underneath one roof and one name.
In the future, Club Rush booths should be encouraged by the organizers to meet certain requirements that have been pointed out: organization, location and quality. This is necessary if they plan on continuing representing the rest of us.
