Yesterday the annual Student Activities Fair was held in the Amphitheater. The event featured a collection of nearly 300 organizations of every kind, from intramural sports to service clubs and cultural organizations set up booths and advertised their offerings to prospective members from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the 85-degree heat.
While the intent of every group was similar, their methods for attracting passers by were diverse. Many displayed colorful posters and signs or sported their group uniforms. Others offered free shirts, cups, hats or opportunities to try out their organization's particular activity. Still others, specifically those given more space outside the amphitheater, chose to show off larger representations of their organizations, such as a fire truck and ambulance for the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad and a boat for the crew team.
Despite heat and humidity, turnout was strong throughout the day. Many attendees came with an open mind, just to see the range of activities offered by the University's Contracted Independent Organizations. However, numerous individuals also came with the intent of joining a specific group or type of activity.
"When a lot of people come to the fair, they're not looking in general, but for a specific activity that would help further their academic and other goals, and meet other like-minded people," second-year student Tiffany Cline, who was promoting the Lions Club, said.
While most groups appeared to be well-represented at the fair, a major concern this year is decreased funding from Student Council. According to Student Council Vice President for Organizations Anna Popova, the number of student-run organizations has virtually exploded recently, nearly tripling in the past five years to over 580, which has resulted in lower appropriations for some groups. While the sports organizations and student publications tend to receive the largest funding allocations, Student Council has been trying to streamline the appropriations process for all groups. Council plans to implement online budget submissions and sign ups for hearings and keep CIOs updated on their current financial resources more often. In addition, Popova said she is hoping to move the Activities Fair to a location that can accommodate more groups, such as John Paul Jones Arena.
For now, she points out, "groups are really eager to recruit first years, and it's amazing to see the diversity of CIOs at U.Va."
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