One of the ways college students can get involved on campus is by joining clubs. Clubs can be a way for students to meet others with similar interests and learn something new outside of the classroom.
SUNY New Paltz has over 200 clubs on campus for all students. These clubs range from dance teams to honor societies. Out of the 200 clubs, some are geared toward creating a community that holds appreciation for a particular culture. Although students of color only make up less than two-thirds of the overall enrollment in SUNY New Paltz, 34 clubs are dedicated to embracing and teaching others about their culture. The number of clubs on campus has increased 5 percent since 2010 and continues to grow with every passing semester.
[lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”false”][/lgc_column][lgc_column grid=”50″ tablet_grid=”50″ mobile_grid=”100″ last=”true”][/lgc_column] As students involved in cultured-based clubs can attest, participation is a way to bring awareness to their culture and build relationships within their group. Culture-based clubs like the Black Student Union, Chinese Students and Scholars Association are student-run, but have the support from faculty. This support brings together students and faculty together.
However, a huge misconception of these clubs is that students that don’t identify as that particular race or ethnicity are prohibited to join, but that’s not the case. Most of these clubs encourage students of other backgrounds to participate in programs and events to learn and find appreciation for the culture. The representation of cultured-based clubs on campus gives students an opportunity to create an atmosphere filled with diversity and acceptance of others.
The Faces of New Paltz
The four clubs interviewed have a particular goal on campus. Each provided a different perspective of representing their club to all students. Whether they are the president of the club or the secretary, each student explained the importance of culture-based clubs.
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Noreli Norena is a third-year international relations and Latin American studies major with a minor in Black Studies. She is currently the historian and public relations for the Black Student Union. Norena has been involved with the club for three semesters. 
Kyra Andrews is a third-year digital media production and psychology major. She is currently the secretary for the Black Student Union. Andrews has been involved with the club for three semesters.[/lgc_column]
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National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
(Second from left) Charles Thomas is a fourth-year electrical engineer major. He’s the treasurer of the National Society of Black Engineers. Thomas has been involved with the club for three semesters.
(Back row, second from right) Tyler Cox is a third-year electrical engineer major. He’s the president of the National Society of Black Engineers. Cox has been involved with the club for six semesters.
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African Women’s Alliance (AWA)
Marsha Moriah is a fourth-year psychology major with a Black Studies minor. She is the president of the African Women’s Alliance. Moriah has been involved with the club for six semesters.[/lgc_column]
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Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA)
Zhenkang Yao is a fourth-year computer science major. He’s the president of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association. Yao has been involved with the club for six semesters.[/lgc_column]
If you’re interested in joining these clubs or any clubs on campus, check out their social media pages, flyers on campus or the SUNY New Paltz website for more information.
