Igniting Campus Passions
New clubs are bringing fresh energy to the student body.
During their time on Washington’s campus, students are empowered to shape their own college experience. With a thriving club scene, students can take the initiative to create and lead organizations that align with their interests. This dynamic approach fosters a sense of ownership and community, allowing students to make a lasting impact on campus. While the College currently has over 80 recognized clubs and interest organizations on campus, there has been a boom in new clubs and groups forming in the last few years as students step in to increase representation in club membership and offer clubs catering to a more diverse range of interests.
In the last year alone more than five new clubs have formed, including the Asian Culture Club, Filmmaking Club, and Reading Society, as well as the Crafting Club which embraces communal crocheting and knitting, and the Mosaic Society, a group for “supporting, educating, empowering mixed identity and disability at WAC,” according to their Instagram.
“Our student clubs and organizations are really the lifeblood of student engagement on our campus,” said Sarah Feyerherm, vice president of student affairs.
“These are groups that students create for themselves and places where they find like-minded friends. They reflect the changing demographics, culture, and interests of our students and they also sponsor events that keep the campus vibrant and full of activity every day of the week.”
Starting a new club is more accessible to Washington students than ever. Take for example The Reading Society, founded by Le’Zaura Howard ‘27.
“I was like, why don't we start a book club on campus? Because I felt that there were other book clubs here, but you never really hear about them, or they are really private and not a lot of people join,” Howard, who now serves as the club’s president said. “I immediately got the computer and started doing a little form to start the club.”
Clubs may be made up of people with similar interests, but they can also be an important place for people with similar cultures or those craving knowledge of other cultures. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a Chinese Culture Club on campus. When student Jessica Kelso ‘27 got to campus in the fall of 2023, however, the club no longer existed.
“I truly believe that there was a lack of Asian representation on campus. I wanted to start the club so that myself, and others with similar backgrounds or heritage, could have someplace to feel represented,” she said.
Kelso became the founder and president of the Asian Culture Club, which she said was a surprisingly easy process.
To start a club on campus, a student or group of students must go through the Student Government Association (SGA). First, the group has to be recognized by the SGA as a “Special Interest Group,” (SIG) which means that the group has many of the same qualities of the club with some limitations. For example, a SIG can hold events, but they do not have a budget and instead can create a fundraising account with the school government. To qualify as a recognized organization by the school, a group has to have a minimum of 10 members.
After having a successful semester as a Special Interest Group, a group must hold an interest meeting before applying to the SGA to be recognized as an official club. Once the SGA approves a club, it receives several benefits, such as having a semester budget and access to a discretionary request fund. There are many steps to follow, such as having enough members in the club, having a full executive board, and filling out the club status applications on Campus Groups.
“With a new club on campus, it can be pretty difficult to find people willing to form an executive board,” said Sparrow Hall ‘27, the president of Crafting Club. “Currently, it is just me, which is part of the reason that the club hasn't been active this semester. I want to craft and to do it in an environment with other people who love crafting or want to learn how to craft, but I simply don't have the time to do it all by myself. Despite this, I do genuinely think that starting up a new club is worth it, and I am looking forward to hopefully have Crafting Club running in earnest next semester.”
A club may be easy to form on campus, but it takes considerable effort and teamwork to keep one running. There are many events held by the SGA that club members must attend as well as many events that are necessary to a club’s growth.
“To draw awareness, I would say that a large part of it is participating in as many events as possible. Club fairs are especially important,” Kelso said. “I think one of the challenges is gathering interest. Most people aren't aware of Asian holidays or with the culture in general, so advertising what we are doing is really big for me.”
Whether students feel there is a lack of a safe space or want to find a group with similar interests or experiences, Washington College makes it possible to create an on-campus organization. These organizations promote a more universal college environment while encouraging students to get to know one another better.
Those interested in joining one or more of the many clubs and organizations that are active on Washington’s campus can check out the listing on the Campus Community’s listing. Students interested in starting their own club can hit the ground running thanks to a bevy of resources available online.
- Faith Jarrell '25