As Oakland University welcomes a new semester, its quiet summer corridors beam with renewed excitement as many student organizations put plans into action at OU.
As of Aug. 18, OU is home to 315 student organizations ranging from sororities and volunteering groups to pre-professional associations and competitive clubs. Dozens of events are hosted weekly by these campus communities. Over the summer, e-board members plan semester-long initiatives to bring about the campus’ dynamic atmosphere.
“Over the summer I have been meeting with the administration more often than I see students, as the campus has been rather vacant lately,” Jimena Garcia, OU Student Congress (OUSC) president, said. “I have been working with other OUSC members on exciting ways to engage with students once fall comes around.”
The former OUSC President and Vice President took the summer to help Garcia transition into her new role — answering questions, working on initiatives and providing her with campus connections.
“In my role, it’s crucial to consider how you can benefit the most students in the most meaningful way possible,” Garcia said. “It’s demanding but also a privilege to be able to impact so many people.”
“I don’t think anyone is prepared to be a leader,” Mathew Seidel, the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights (MCHR) president, said. “But if you have a vision of what you want to do, a goal, the work ethic to keep moving and compromise with others, then you are ready to go.”
Meetings with board members, making connections on campus and sending emails are the daily management duties of a student organization president, Seidel said. “As president, I have been given the opportunity to not only give back to the community but also build my own social skills and leadership skills.”
Emily Romero, Formula SAE treasurer, echoed Seidel’s vision of enriching campus life and personal development through leadership.
“I get to learn every day about the complexity of the team and the automotive industry,” Romero said. “I also really enjoy how I can apply my accounting knowledge to my [treasurer] role and expand on my major through my position at Formula SAE. I love how this role also allows me to be creative.”
Romero also contrasted the summer and the winter semester’s workload as treasurer.
“In one [winter] day I can receive nearly 15-20 purchases that need to be approved, sent to administration and purchased,” Romero said. “I am a student and work, but you learn very quickly how to manage your time and understand there will be moments like this where you fulfill your role responsibilities at atypical times.”
Madelyn Barker, president of the Zeta Upsilon chapter of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, highlighted the joy that comes from the community building provided by student organizations.
“Being in a sorority, I’ve been able to build such strong connections with every single person,” Barker said. “These ladies are more than just my friends, they are my sisters. I have met people who I can call my best friends and future bridesmaids. I am able to lead my best friends and sisters every day and do everything I can to benefit the sorority in years to come.”
As more students return to OU’s gardens to enjoy the renewed excitement around Welcome Week, Barker reflected on the importance of leadership during the college experience.
“I have been able to grow and learn how to handle unexpected situations,” Barker said. “Being able to think fast on my feet has helped me handle whatever was thrown my way last semester. Knowing what I know now, I’m learning to embrace the uncertainty of being a leader and growing from experiences.”
