A Guide to the FAIR

Hi! I’m LiLi, a fourth year student pursuing degrees in Literature & Culture, Creative Writing and Psychology (with a concentration in Child Development). I also am pursuing minors in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and Music. Outside of academics and being a Tartan Ambassador, I am involved in things such as Infant Cognition research, All University Orchestra and Sustainable Earth club. 

At CMU, it’s really important for students to have a work-life balance. Many students participate in clubs, which can give them a break from academic work to explore outside passions and social connections. Thus, CMU’s club fairs are such a great place to see all the different clubs CMU has to offer. 

There are a few logistics to know about the club fair before you attend. First off, there are two club fairs during the academic year- one in the fall and one in the spring. For both of these fairs, student organizations are set up in different sections based on organization type. These sections make it easy for students to find the type of clubs they may be looking for. For example, we had categories such as Sports/Fitness, Student Government, Arts/Performance, Greek Life, Community Engagement, Technology, Diversity and Religion. Each organization is further identified by their assigned table number so you can find them within their section. 

At first, the club fair can look like a very large and confusing grid. It can be really overwhelming because it feels like every organization under the sun is out there trying to get you to join their club. However, it’s very organized and there’s a way to navigate through the maze. Here’s a few tips I’d like to share that can help you prepare before you attend. First, I would suggest browsing the list of organizations before the day of the club fair. This can be seen on our club management page, TartanConnect, where you can see every organization at CMU. Have a list of clubs that really stand out to you and make a point to find out where they’ll be. This can help you feel less overwhelmed when arriving, because you’ll have a plan in place to guide you. 

Second, most CMU organizations will have a social media page linked on their TartanConnect page or easily searched up on social media platforms. Don’t be afraid to follow the pages of clubs that interest you before the club fair. This can give you insider information such as their table number, events they’ve done in the past and the general vibe of the group. You can always follow their page and support their club from a distance without being an active member. 

Another tip along the same lines, don’t be afraid to sign up for an absurd amount of clubs. Organizations will have QR codes, mailing list signups and communication information posted everywhere. It is perfectly fine to scan 50+ clubs’ signups and only end up attending two or three. Signing up for a club is not a commitment! It is basically indicating that you want to learn more about what they do. Additionally, it is ok to attend a specific club’s first one or two meetings and decide it’s not really for you. Clubs are used to people coming and going, so just think of the first meetings as a trial period. 

I’ve mentioned a lot about signing up and what happens after the club fair. Another thing I want to mention involves actually approaching tables. Every table will be calling you over and enticing you with candy, games and other fun things. Do not feel like you have to go to every table that calls out to you. You are welcome to approach a table, listen to their spiel, take a piece of candy and choose not to sign up. It’s ok to make a decision on the spot that this organization is not for you. There are so many people at the club fair that the organization will be on to their next person as you walk away. 

The last thing I want to emphasize is that it is okay to join a club late. Three or four weeks into the semester is still a great time to join a club. The start of the spring semester is a great time to join a club. There really is no right or wrong time. Although the common times are at the beginning of each semester (especially for certain clubs that are audition based), clubs want to meet new people and share their interests with as many people as possible. A lot of clubs are open to accepting new members all year long. 

The main point I am driving home is that the club fair is truly a trial and error process. It is the best time to explore all the opportunities that CMU organizations have to offer. Take advantage of this time, and be ready to get involved and make lifelong friends.