Western Carolina University is home to over 120 recognized student organizations (RSOs) and seventy of those were present at the Campus Connections: RSO Fair on Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the University Center (UC) Grand Room.
An RSO is a club or organization that is officially recognized and supported by WCU’s Student Government Association (SGA). RSOs consist of student-led clubs, Greek organizations, and sports clubs. Once recognized, an RSO can book spaces at the University Center, use Engage to advertise upcoming events and show when and where they meet. They can also apply for supplemental funding of up to $3,000, and undergo developmental training with Clubs and Organizations Reaching Excellence (CORE).
Associate Director for Student Programs and Activities, Coleman Leopard, took over for Kelsey Jones, the senior assistant director for leadership programs, as the new overseer of student organizations in December 2024. Leopard said he would like to continue having an RSO Fair in future spring semesters, similar to Valley Ballyhoo in the fall semesters. Having an event at the beginning of a semester allows new students to meet these organizations and find like-minded people.
RSOs provide places for students to explore their interests, make new friends, and get involved on campus and there was a club or organization for everyone at the RSO Fair.
From major-related clubs such as the Anthropology Club to the twenty club sports, including Women’s Soccer, which plays across North Carolina, and the multitude of other student clubs. One club is all about Star Wars and lightsaber duels, the Catamount Saber Legion, which can be spotted on the Blue Ridge Lawn every Wednesday and Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.
Alpha Omega Epsilon, a sorority for non-male presenting people who are in or support people in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), also attended the RSO Fair. Madelyn Gregory, a chemistry major and an active member of Alpha Omega Epsilon, says she found her people here.
“I have learned professional and social skills I can apply to my life in and out of school. Along with educational betterment, I have made lifelong friends who have the same goals as me. I have felt supported and encouraged by all of my sisters,” said Gregory.
“It’s given me a chance to help foster a space for people to spend time together which is pretty cool.” said Ryan Creel, the vice president of the Salty Spitoon Smash Club, the campus Super Smash Bros club.
If you missed the fair and would like to see which RSOs are at WCU, check out Engage. If you are interested in making your club an RSO or making a new RSO, check out the Recognized Student Organization page on the WCU website.