Blog post written by Andrew Marshall
When I first arrived at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, my first thought was, “ I have to find something to do.” That’s when I discovered the different involvement opportunities available here.
On this campus, you will start to understand that being involved isn't just about joining an organization or a club that bribes you with pizza, but it's about meeting new people and finding a sense of belonging. It's also an amazing way to show you want to be involved in the community. Whether you choose to join an existing organization or start one of your own (because, for some reason, there still isn’t a movie club), there's always going to be a place that fits your interests. Now let’s look at some of those opportunities.
The Different Types of Opportunities
UM-Dearborn is home to more than 150 student organizations. These range from Greek life and media groups to professional, cultural, and health and wellness organizations. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here. Greek life, for example, plays a major role on campus and promotes values such as leadership, service, brotherhood, and sisterhood.
Fraternities and sororities host service events, fundraisers, and campus activities that bring people together. I, myself, am a part of Phi Beta Sigma, which has been an incredible learning experience. It’s helped me grow as a person and learn how to be of service to others. Many other Greek organizations share these same values, hosting events like tree plantings and community outreach projects. Greek life isn’t just about parties (shocking, I know). It’s truly about building a strong sense of community and giving back.
Plus, Greek life is just one part of UM-Dearborn’s involvement scene. There are also creative and media-focused organizations like WUMD College Radio, where I’ve had the chance to use my creative skills outside the classroom as a media production major. Some people make music, host radio shows, dance, etc. Being part of WUMD has allowed me to connect with other creative students who share similar passions, and I’ve come to appreciate how diverse and open-minded the organization is. It’s truly a space where ideas and creativity thrive.
Beyond Greek life and media, there are also academic and professional organizations, such as the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective, which provide students with opportunities to learn beyond the classroom through guest speakers and networking events. Even if you’re not a criminal justice major, it’s a great way to gain insight into law and social issues while meeting like-minded students.
Then there are cultural and identity-based groups. Personally, I am a member of the Black Student Union (BSU). BSU is led by Black students who are dedicated to supporting and uplifting their peers while creating a welcoming space for all students to learn, connect, and celebrate culture. They host events that encourage success, unity, and fun. This helps students find a sense of belonging and pride on campus, and these groups are open to everyone!
How to Join and Where to Look
Finding an organization at UM-Dearborn isn’t as tough as it sounds. Orgs are so welcoming that even if you’re not officially a member yet, they will make you feel like you are—like in this blog post about the Swing Dance Club. Many encourage you to stop by their meetings or events just to see what they’re all about
Some of these opportunities will be posted on bulletin boards around campus that are covered with flyers for current and upcoming events. You can find them in many buildings, but the Renick University Center has the largest and most frequently updated collection, making it the best spot to see what’s happening on campus.
Seeing things about campus life at UM-Dearborn helps you realize there is something for everyone. Every organization values participation in different ways, whether it’s helping at events, volunteering, or simply showing up to support others. The key is to explore. Attend a few events and talk to members so you can see what feels right for you. If one group doesn’t quite fit, don’t be discouraged; try another. Eventually, you’ll find a community that feels like home.
Once you find an organization that interests you, joining is simple. You can connect with someone on the executive board or reach out to the organization’s president to learn more about how to get started. You can also explore VictorsLink, UM-Dearborn’s online platform that houses information on all of our student organizations. It’s an incredibly helpful tool that allows you to browse all active groups, read short bios, and even filter organizations by category or interest. Whether you’re looking for something creative, professional, cultural, or social, VictorsLink makes it easy to discover what’s happening on campus and can help you take the first step toward getting involved.
My Reflections on Campus Involvement
During my time on campus, I’ve realized that the organizations I joined have played a huge role in my growth. I honestly feel like a tree… which sounds weird, but it’s actually a pretty solid analogy. They taught me not to be afraid to reach out, because so many of these groups are genuinely welcoming and want to hear from you. They value feedback, and they’re always looking for new members. The more people involved, the more perspectives you can learn from. It's important to realize that engagement on campus is a vital part of building a strong community, because without community, a campus can’t thrive. It takes more than one person to create something meaningful, and these organizations truly believe in that. After being part of them, I do too.
