Syracuse Sun

The start of the academic year brings excitement for students at Syracuse University. They reconnect with friends, embrace new opportunities in both classroom and community settings, and seek ways to make a difference on campus.

Joining a club or recognized student organization (RSO) is a popular way for many students to get involved. With over 300 RSOs, club sports offerings, and Greek life chapters available, there are numerous options catering to diverse interests.

"Involvement on campus is important to student success. There is a significant body of research on college students that indicates that students who are involved and find their 'home' on campus are more likely to be successful and more likely to graduate," says Anne Lombard, executive director of student engagement.

However, Lombard also notes the importance of balance. Overcommitting can lead to poor academic performance, burnout, and feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities. She advises new students to exercise patience as they learn time management skills.

"Don’t get over-involved, especially in your first semester. It’s important to get yourself on solid ground academically before getting involved in RSOs and activities. For many students, academic expectations are much greater than they were in high school. Involvement outside the classroom is important, but students’ academic pursuit is why they are here," Lombard states.

Lombard offers advice on avoiding involvement burnout: "I generally encourage new students to join one RSO in their first semester so that they can get used to college-level coursework, living away from home (if applicable), and being more independent."

Students should ask themselves what they hope to gain from joining an RSO and how much time they can realistically dedicate outside academics. Attending events like the Student Involvement Fair or using 'CUSE Activities—a web-based portal—can help them make informed decisions.

Signs of overcommitment include cutting corners, not enjoying responsibilities anymore, or feeling burdened by them. Lombard advises listening to one's intuition: "Most students probably recognize when they're getting overextended."

For those who realize they've taken on too much: "Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Students should know there are faculty and staff who care about them and their experience."

More information about resources available—including lists of RSOs and upcoming involvement fairs—can be found online at Student Experience.