Published: Jan. 13, 2021

Classes are well under way, but you might feel like something is missing to complete your college experience. Now is the best time to step out of your comfort zone, connect and find your community on campus!

You can start by attending the virtual Be Involved Fair that will take place on Jan. 26 from 1-5 p.m. This can be a great place to familiarize yourself with student organizations, volunteer opportunities and non-profit programs on and off campus. ­It will give you the opportunity to talk to different clubs and organizations to learn more about what they do, when they meet and how you can start to get involved. Plus, you can learn about volunteer opportunities with local organizations.

What to expect

The Be Involved Fair is a great place to start looking for your community at CU. Use this day to explore what opportunities might be right for you. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the fair. 

  • Follow the HeySummit link to connect. 
  • Use the chat feature. Don’t be shy to use the chat feature on HeySummit. You can ask members of the organization questions directly, like “What are your meeting times?” and “How do you keep in touch?”

Why you should go

Whether you’re starting your first year or final year at CU Boulder, there’s something for everyone at the virtual Be Involved Fair. Here are some reasons to go if you’re a…

  • Freshman: Find your place at CU and make connections by getting involved. Do you want to excel in your academics or perhaps you’re interested in the field of environmental justice? The fair will introduce you to different opportunities. Getting involved can make campus feel “smaller” by helping you find your niche.
  • Sophomore: After a year on campus, you have a better understanding of what extra time you might have available. Use your free time to get involved by finding something that is a perfect fit!
  • Junior: The activities you do on campus can help build out your resume. Find something to specialize in or something you excel at. There are many opportunities to gain leadership skills and get ready for internships.
  • Senior: It’s your final year! Find ways to boost your resume by getting involved. Consider potential experience in your chosen post-school employment field.

Get ready for the fair

  • Take the Involvement quiz to get a sense of what kind of clubs you might be interested in. 
  • Look for organizations on BuffConnect, and once you’ve found a few that you’re interested in, ask for more information about these during the fair. 
  • Be sure to have your class schedule handy, to make sure their meeting times don’t intersect with other commitments you may have.
  • You can also make a short list of things you want from a club or volunteer opportunity. For example: gain work experience, meet new friends, be more active, etc. Check out several options and weigh them against your list.

Questions to ask

At the fair, use the chat to ask questions and get an idea if an opportunity is a good fit for you. Here are some examples:

  • What does your organization do?
  • What does it look like being a part of your organization?
  • How can I sign up to get involved?
  • What kind of time commitment is there to be involved with your organization?
  • When do you meet?
  • Where are you located?
  • What do volunteers do at your organization? 

Whether you’re looking to find a community or to gain experience for your resume, the virtual Be Involved Fair can be the best place to start. Want to know more ways to get involved?