Every year, social clubs across campus begin a week-long search to find the next class of recruitments. Social clubs, a longstanding tradition at AU, are campus-based associations that complete various service projects around the City of Anderson.
Each club has their own quirks and unique approaches to their services. During recruitment week, these clubs compete to gain the affection of returning AU students in hopes of attracting more members to their clubs.
The week consists of each club putting their new recruits through various feats of loyalty in order to show their dedication to the club. These are mostly harmless events such as serenading fellow students, barking back commands to club leaders or even carrying signs around campus. All are done in good fun and in good faith to help strengthen the bonds of these various clubs.
“Recruitment is a time to understand what our club values and how we come together as sisters in Christ,” said Heather Krapfl, a representative for Leona. “It’s a time to get to know one another and open up to the fun and exciting possibilities Leona has to offer.”
According to Courtney Cook, the president of the women’s social club Alacritas, recruitment week is important for clubs.
“This week is crucial for the success of a club,” said Cook. “Although recruitment week is not mandatory to join a club, it is highly encouraged. Recruitment week can seem intimidating at first, but this is a precious amount of time where recruits, members and officers all get to connect on a deeper level than just weekly meetings. It’s where you cultivate that bond between people who have diverse backgrounds, and give them something to have in common.”
For some, as Cook pointed out, the process of recruitment may seem overwhelming or even embarrassing. Club leaders have made a point to nix this view of recruitment week and social clubs in general.
Many question what these clubs will ask students to go through for recruitment week.
“We will just be asking our recruits to come to recruitment with an open mind and to go outside of their comfort zone,” explained Emily Schmelzer, a representative for Leona. “We also ask them to put forth effort in getting to know, not only the other recruits, but the current members and officers. We are emphasizing intentionality this year; therefore, spending time to truly get to know one another is our priority.”
Leaders and presidents from various social clubs have started to elaborate on the commitments of social clubs enact.
“I would say that joining a social club is one of the most rewarding things you can do on campus,” said Dennis. “For anyone worried about time commitment, just know that everyone is busy. People can find time for the things they love, and I’ve yet to meet someone who regretted joining any club, so find one that fits your personality and needs.”
“Even if you are on the fence about it, do it,” stated Cook. “It’s not about social status or being cool—the clubs are supposed to bring people together for community and service. Alacritas and Boosters have been some of the biggest highlights of my college career so far. I promise you will find a place where you belong in at least one of the clubs, and we are here to help you discover that.”
The clubs have all tried to add to the ever-expanding community at AU. They’re here to help others find their place and thrive within AU’s community in a safe and positive way.
“We have people join from sophomores to seniors,” said Krapfl. “It’s all about finding your community.”
“Recruitment week, for our new recruits, is all about understanding the core pillars of community, servitude and humility, shown through fun activities like helping clean the MP, learning the club’s mission statement and prayer and memorizing some fun facts,” said president of Adelphi Colby Dennis.
“The community really pulls together to make the week fun, and getting to know the other members has made for some great friendships,” stated Dennis. “I’ve been involved in recruitment for the past two years and helping initiate the recruits has made for great memories and even better relationships.”