With more than 140 activity booths to choose from, the Kansas State biannual Activities Carnival had something to offer for every student, whether they were looking to join an academic club, Fencing Club or the Medieval and Renaissance Interest Association.
Bill Harlan, director of student activities and services, said the event is planned to give students a look at the many opportunities offered on campus.
“The goal is to provide students who are looking to get involved with student organizations the one place they can go to meet a whole bunch of different groups,” Harlan said. “Whether it’s something specific they are interested in, or as a browsing opportunity to come see what is available and meet the people who are involved in those groups and see if it’s a good fit.”
Jessica Olday, junior in computer science, said she attended the Activities Carnival for the second time this year. Last semester through the fair, Olday joined Alpha Omega Epsilon, an engineering sorority, as an opportunity for networking within her major.
This semester, Olday said she is considering joining the Creative Writing Enthusiasts club, even though it has nothing to do with her academic aspirations.
Other students attended the event because due to the offering of other forms of entertainment in addition to the activity booths.
Daisy Ralston, senior in architectural engineering, said she took part in the event because of the promise of free snacks.
Aside from snacks, Ralston, who was previously part of the Water Ski Club, said she returned for another activities fair to catch up with some friends and because, in the past, she found professional connections after spending time with students in other clubs.
“I have been offered engineering interviews because of parents of the water ski people,” Ralston said.
On top of the variety of cookies and candy to choose from throughout the fair, there were K-State themed gift items such as tissues, hand sanitizer and phone accessories available at the Welcome Desk.
Other than networking and activity searching, the Activities Carnival is a place to meet new people.
Mitchell Alexander, junior in history, said he was previously involved in the former Magic Club at K-State, where he connected with new friends he otherwise would not have met. Alexander is now part of the Freethought Discussion Group.
For more information about how to get involved on campus, check out the Center for Student Involvement website.
