By Janet Athanasiou
Student Affairs Liaison, APUS

The APUS Virtual Organization Fair is your opportunity to network with fellow students and faculty members representing more than 65 different student clubs and organizations. These organizations range from honor societies and professional organizations to clubs that promote awareness, education, and diversity among the university’s community members or historical studies through the encouragement of academic research.

As an online institution, we know that online learning can be an isolating experience. But experts on student involvement believe that your interactions with faculty members and participation in campus activities contribute to your satisfaction and success in school.

Whether you’re a current student or an alumnus, we encourage you to join us at our upcoming virtual organization fair to learn about our clubs, professional organizations, and honor societies. They can provide you with opportunities to collaborate with your peers and faculty and to develop your leadership skills.

How to Attend the Virtual Organization Fair

Our second annual Virtual Organization Fair will be held on November 13, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s easy to attend – all you’ll need is a computer with Internet access and maybe a cup or two of coffee as you embark on learning about the many clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Some of the student organizations that will have representatives at the Virtual Organization Fair include:

• Active Minds, the 2019 Student Organization of the Year
• Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
• Women in STEM
• Newman Center
• Association for Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
• Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
• Model UN Club
• Sigma Iota Rho
• R.E.A.D. Book Club
• Golden Key International Honour Society

What to Expect at the Virtual Organization Fair

Organization representatives will be online at varying times throughout the fair, and you can attend various sessions if you’re interested in chapter membership. The fair’s schedule will be made available prior to the event, and it will also be posted in the fair’s online platform.

You will be able to learn about membership and campus leadership opportunities, and you’ll be able to ask questions through an online chat portal. Also, anyone interested in forming a new organization can learn more about the process for obtaining recognition.

Benefits of Getting Involved in Student Organizations

What are the benefits to getting involved in virtual student organizations? By getting involved in a particular organization, you can:

• Make connections to other students with shared interests
• Develop your skills in collaboration, communication, leadership and time management
• Boost your self-confidence

Current students who are involved in our student organizations have reported establishing friendships and creating professional networks. They have also gained skills that aid their job performance.

If you are interested in gaining some skills to round out your resume or want to connect with other students to make online learning a little less isolating, register to attend the Virtual Organization Fair. It’s a great way to find out some of the ways to get involved!

About the Author

Janet Athanasiou has worked for American Public University System since 2011, holding positions such as Academic Advisor, Senior Manager of Advising Schools, and Graduate Academic Advisor. Previously, she worked as a Residence Coordinator for the University of Alberta in Canada. Her academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in history from Dalhousie University and a master of education degree in counseling psychology from James Madison University. Janet is currently working on her doctoral degree in higher education and higher education administration at George Mason University.