Student Activities

College is About More Than Hitting the Books

A Successful College Career Includes Being Involved

Attending college is about so much more than sitting in class or studying in the library. Yes, that’s why students go to school, but a big part of the education they receive is not found in the classroom. It’s all the things outside the classroom they experience and that helps prepare them for, well, life.

When considering a college, it’s important to focus both on the academics, as well as explore student activities available outside of the classroom that might help them grow. Being involved in student activities, whatever form they take, expands students’ experience, perspectives, leadership, and social skills.

“Employers don’t want someone who got straight As and flunked life. They want someone who can communicate and relate well with others. They want a person who does well inside and outside of the classroom,” said John Yarabeck, dean of students and campus life. “The world needs individuals who can be people savvy. Being actively involved outside of the classroom is a great way for our students to bolster a resume and develop marketable skills, in a safe and supportive learning environment.”

McMurry intentionally develops its student programming to support a traditional wellness model – mind, body, spirit for the whole person. Recently expanded opportunities address students’ emotional, interpersonal, mental health and leadership development. Soon, opportunities will encourage students’ growth in community service and financial management.

“If we focus on just some and not all of these areas, then we’re out of balance and not nearly as effective,” said Yarabeck. “Creating opportunities in all areas gives students a place to strengthen and develop where personally needed.”

While opportunities abound on campus, it takes effort to be involved. It is fully worth it, given all the intangible benefits students receive in return. The bonus? The benefit payoff is both immediate and long-term.

The Student Affairs team approach to student involvement is about more than recruiting students to attend events or join organizations. It’s about giving them tools to succeed both now and after college. The goal is to set the tone to empower students to excel as much outside the classroom as they do in it.

While many students are athletes, fans cheering on the War Hawks are also engaged and just as important. Being involved can also mean participating in a plethora of events that Student Affairs provides, regardless of whether you live on campus, have a job, or chose a career first and are returning to school later.

Social Clubs are experiencing a revitalization on campus. They have now become fraternities and sororities collectively referred to as Greek Life. By shifting some traditional rush activities from the spring to the fall, students can get plugged in earlier. Having connectivity to a campus right away increases the likelihood that a student will stay at McMurry. Greek Life, which can be a great unifier for students, is also becoming more engaged in partnering with campuswide activities, such as Welcome Week.

Student Affairs staff is becoming more intentional in developing leadership training for student leaders, including orientation leaders, student government, and resident assistants, as well as other organizational leaders. Meant to be an integrated training, it will offer lifelong skills such as goal setting, how to run a meeting, handle conflict, and support each other. It’s both beneficial to their resumes and to the student organizations they serve.

“We want to make sure our students have an opportunity to develop skills in each of these areas, have a good time, and meet new friends. After they graduate, we want them to look back fondly on their college experience and seek ways to get involved helping the next generations of students to come,” said Yarabeck.