When it comes to living the full college experience, Suffolk County Community College offers something for everyone, from clubs to service organizations to athletics and more. In fact, the College has an Office of Student Affairs that promotes yearlong activities, including “Club Days” each fall and spring. Suffolk students can participate in upwards of 90 academic, cultural and special-interest clubs, as well as leadership organizations, student government, honor societies, publications and more (see sidebar for a partial listing). The first step, of course, is to simply get involved.
“It’s so important to pursue your passion,” says Lisa Hamilton, Director of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development at Suffolk’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. “Employers want graduates who demonstrate a willingness to get involved and lead others. Our clubs and organizations provide students with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”
The National Center for Education Statistics states that extracurricular activities have become as important as schoolwork in producing well-rounded, confident, successful students. The statistics also show that those who are involved and participate in some aspect of student life tend to see themselves as part of the community, do better academically, and continue their education more than those who do not engage in campus activities. Typically, students who get involved make friends, build interpersonal skills and improve their lives after graduation.
“There are many reasons to join a club,” says Sharon Silverstein, Director of Campus Activities and Student Leadership Development at Suffolk’s Ammerman Campus in Selden. “Some help you with social skills and personal development, others help you with your career. Clubs are a great way to network with students who have similar interests and explore areas you may never have been exposed to before. Your communication skills will expand and your involvement will improve your time management skills. Equally important, joining a club is a great way to build friendships and have fun.”
“I encourage all students to get involved in student life because the activities they can participate in are amazing and can be life-changing,” says Christina Felix, a theatre arts major at Suffolk. Ms. Felix serves as the Executive Recruitment Coordinator of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Treasurer of the Animal Awareness and Rescue Club. “Getting involved can open so many doors and lead to exciting opportunities. It allows students to get the benefit of a full college experience.”
Making a Difference Through Student Government
In addition to an abundance of clubs, students can also choose to become members of campus governance at Suffolk. The Student Government Association (SGA) at each campus represents students and promotes democracy by supporting the goals and objectives identified by the student body. The SGA acts as a liaison between the students, faculty, staff, and administration.
“Joining the SGA is rewarding on so many levels,” says Jesse Pazmino, SGA President at the Michael J. Grant Campus. “During our meetings we are able to discuss topical issues that affect the College and develop action plans to affect positive change.” Mr. Pazmino is studying accounting and plans to transfer to Baruch College after graduating from Suffolk. He speaks with both pride and passion when discussing his involvement with the SGA. “There’s a whole world of possibilities here,” he says. “I’ve had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the Dream Act. I’ve met elected officials. I’ve made new friends. I’ve learned that I can make a difference to others.”
Through his participation in the SGA, Mr. Pazmino has also learned professionalism. Recently, he helped to coordinate the Special Olympics, Floor Hockey Challenge. “Each year, the SGA hosts the Special Olympics and this past year I took on the responsibility of helping to ensure a successful event,” he says. “It was heartwarming but hard work. From getting volunteers to coordinating with event planners, I realized the importance of personal presentation and how I should conduct myself. It was a learning experience that I think will serve me well when I transition to a career in accounting.”
Officers in the SGA are elected during the spring semester each year and vacancies are filled in the fall. The SGA works with all facets of the campus community through various avenues including campus committees, ad hoc committees, and student forums. General meetings are open to all students.
Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders
In accordance with the College mission, the Offices of Campus Activities are committed to creating leadership opportunities through co-curricular activities that transform lives, build communities and improve society. As part of this effort, Suffolk has developed a Tri-Campus Leadership Retreat on Shelter Island each summer. The two-night, three-day retreat is grounded in the Social Change Model and features experiential learning, team-development workshops and hands-on activities designed to help students become agents of positive change.
The Social Change Model of Leadership Development was created more than 20 years ago by the Higher Education Research Institute of UCLA in an effort to enhance student learning and facilitate positive social change. It emphasizes the need to understand self and others in an effort to create community change. The model is designed to enhance the development of leadership qualities in all participants, whether they hold formal leadership positions or not. Leadership is viewed as a process rather than as a position and the values of equity, social justice, self-knowledge, personal empowerment, collaboration, citizenship, and service are actively promoted.
“Students leave the retreat with a greater sense of self, a greater understanding of their strengths, a heightened understanding of the importance of collaboration, and often a newfound appreciation for service,” says Denny Teason, Acting Director of Campus Activities on Suffolk’s Eastern Campus in Riverhead. “We work hard to give them tools for real-world skills that may be translated to their future occupation or a greater awareness of their role in contributing to the common good.”
“The Office of Student Affairs is committed to providing leadership training for our students. This approach is closely aligned with the development of the whole student, and allows students to supplement classroom learning with co-curricular leadership development opportunities. The Tri-Campus Leadership Retreat is a perfect example of the value that the College places on these opportunities and is an outstanding way to set a positive tone for the next academic year,” says Dr. Christopher Adams, Vice President for Student Affairs at Suffolk.
Always Something to Do
Even if a student doesn’t join a club, there is enough of a selection of events and opportunities around campus that no one should feel left out. For instance, students can take advantage of intramural sports, NJCAA-sanctioned athletics, campus publications and more. Many students utilize the campus health clubs and there are always a number of students who go to events because they get to meet people they wouldn’t normally interact with during classes. In short, there is a deep connection and personal satisfaction that comes to those who discover the community around them.
- Drew Fawcett
A sampling of clubs at Suffolk
African Peoples Association
Anime Club
Asian Cultural Club
Aspiring Teachers Club
Anglers Club
Association of Latin-American Students
Astronomy Club
Biology Club
Business Club
Ballroom Dance Club
Black Male Network
Broadcasters Club
Campus Activities Board
Caribbean Club
Chemistry Club
Chess Club
Christian Faith Club
College Choir
Comic Book Club
Computer Club
Criminal Justice Club
Culinary Arts & Baking Club
Desi International
Design & Art Club
Digital Filmmaking Club
Disney Club
Early Childhood Education Club
Economics Club
Entrepreneurial Club
Environmental Club
Fashion Club
Fitness Club
Gaming Club
Guitar Society
Hip Hop Dance Club
History Club
Hogwarts at Suffolk
Honors Club
Horror & Sci-Fi Club
Hotel, Tourism & Event Management Club
Latin Dance Club
Legal Studies Club
LGBTQ/Gay-Straight Alliance
Marine Science Club
Math Club
Music Society
Muslim Club
Nursing Club
Nutrition Club
Occupational Therapy Club
Opera Club
Orchestra Club
Phi Theta Kappa
Philosophy Club
Photography Club
Physical Therapy Assistant Club
Physics Club
Psychology Club
Poetry Club
Republican Club
Rotary Volunteer Club
Social Justice Club
Society of Writers
Spanish Club
Speech & Debate
Student Government Association
STEM Journal Club
Student Veterans
Technology Club
Theatre Club
Trail Runners
Women’s Club
Urban Explorers Club
Vet Science Club