Published: Sept. 13, 2024

By Iris Serrano
Photos by Jack Moody

Attending a school as large as the University of Colorado Boulder means you get access to incredible resources to help you shine as a student—so much so, in fact, that it can be overwhelming for new students.

That’s why, each fall, the College of Media, Communication and Information hosts an Involvement Fair connecting students to the extracurricular, cultural and academic opportunities available at the college. They can also get to know faculty and staff while meeting new friends. 
    
First and foremost, the event is a chance to meet leaders and members of the many student organizations that call CMCI home. Patrick Dawson, executive producer of Sko Buffs Sports, is eager to talk to potential members about the sports media and broadcast club. 

“We are really committed to giving people as many opportunities as possible,” he said. “The more hands on deck, the better our collective product is, and the better each individual is because of it.” 

From student government to sports, the organizations attending the fair will showcase how students can explore their passions while developing skills and starting new friendships.

“There are so many cool things you can get involved with at CMCI,” said Dawson, a sophomore majoring in journalism. “At the end of the day, you chose your CMCI major for a reason—through these organizations, you can do exactly what it is that you came to learn to do.”

Chip, the CU mascot, takes selfies with students at a table. In addition to Sko Buffs Sports, organizations planning to have tables at the event include the Public Relations Student Society of America, Radio 1190 and the Adobe Creative Club. Students will also learn about CMCI in D.C., a study abroad-style experience in Washington that includes internships, and New Venture Challenge, which recruits CMCI students to help entrepreneurs communicate and execute their startup strategies. 

“The Involvement Fair is a great opportunity to speak directly with students who have benefited from being in an organization, and ask questions you may not have had the opportunity to ask before,” said senior Olivia Quintana, events director of PRSSA, who also spoke to potential members at last year’s event.

The fair is open to all CMCI students and features food and fun in addition to opportunities to engage with student organizations. Last year, more than 200 students attended the inaugural event.

“We know that students who engage in education abroad, media and student-led organizations often have strong portfolios and higher levels of career readiness upon graduation,” said Jill Jones, assistant dean of student experience at CMCI. “That alone is a reason to attend.”