Why Student Organizations Matter for Online Students
Did you know that there’s a growing problem of loneliness among college students? Such is its scope that the US Surgeon General launched the “We Are Made to Connect” campus tour in 2023. The nationwide tour seeks to address the challenges of social isolation and loneliness. In it, college students get inspiration to build and strengthen their relationships.
Indeed, there’s an epidemic of loneliness, and the numbers back it up. In February 2024, Active Minds and TimelyCare surveyed about 1,100 college students. The numbers are a cause for concern:
- Almost two-thirds reported feeling lonely
- Over half expressed concern over their friends’ mental health
- Almost one-third reported experiencing severe psychological distress
Loneliness also increases the risk of severe psychological distress more than four times. College students also reported feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness.
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Do you relate to these feelings as an online student? If it’s any consolation, you’re not alone either. Online students are more likely to feel isolated and lonely for these reasons:
1. Absence of their physical presence in a brick-and-mortar classroom.
You’re less likely to feel authentic human connections when you’re in front of a screen. Being able to see facial gestures and body language reinforces human connections. Reaching out and touching another person also does it.
2. Limitations of technology
You can be less engaged in a group chat, an online class, and a discussion forum for one reason or another. There’s simply little to no human vibe. Human connections mean being in the moment and observing nuances.
Fortunately, there are affordable online student organizations to the rescue. These organizations play crucial roles in the lives of online students, including:
- Provide opportunities for social interactions and peer connections
- Promote a sense of community and belongingness (i.e., lessen FOMO)
- Foster soft skills, such as teamwork and leadership
- Provide a support network for academics and extracurriculars
- Enrich the online college experience
Indeed, you must look into affordable online student organizations as soon as you’re able. Your online college experience isn’t only about learning for a career, after all. It’s also about making human connections – and that’s the best thing ever.
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- Affordable Online Colleges: Exploring Programs With Low Student Fees
- How to Find the Most Affordable Online Education: A Guide for Total Costs
How Online Student Organizations Work
Online colleges with student organizations use many formats to provide students with access. Many virtual student organizations for college students also have on-campus offices. You can also visit on-campus offices and participate in on-campus events.
Here are the common formats in which online student organizations provide access:
Official websites
We live in a digital world where personal websites are common. It then goes that online student organizations have their official websites, too. Applicants can ask questions about application requirements and look for other information. Members can look for updates about activities, connect, and more.
Many online colleges also provide dedicated pages for student organizations. You can then browse and choose from online student organizations. Check out the University of Florida’s Gator Connect “Find an organization” page.
Most college students have Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts. So, it makes sense that online student organizations maintain a strong presence. Group chats, regular updates on pages, and other social media activities provide access.
Virtual meetings, forums, and discussions
College students are already familiar with Zoom, Discord, and Microsoft Teams. You and your fellow members use these tools for connection.
Virtual events
You can attend webinars, workshops, and seminars wherever you may be. We love that these events are excellent for networking and learning.
Collaborative projects
Slack, Google Workspace, and Trello are popular among college students for their collaborations. Online student organizations also use these cloud-based tools for the same reason.
On another note, here are the types of free and low-cost student clubs at online colleges.
Student government organizations
Check out Liberty University Online and the University of Maryland Global Campus. You will gain leadership experience, among others.
Academic clubs and honor societies
Academic clubs cater to specific academic interests, such as math and English. Consider the Cybersecurity Team (UMGC) and Nittany Data Labs (Penn State).
Honor societies recognize outstanding academic and leadership achievements. Delta Mu Delta, Alpha Chi, and Beta Gamma Sigma are examples.
These student organizations are mostly for social interactions and geared toward common interests. UF has a Chess Club, and Penn State has a Photography Club.
Culture, ethnicity, and diversity-based organizations
You and your fellow members celebrate specific cultures or inclusivity and diversity. El Concilio (ASU) and Islam on Campus (UF) are examples.
These are only a few examples of online student organizations. When you browse through the selection in your online college, you may find more. Keep an open mind because you may find your niche.
Benefits of Joining Affordable Online Student Organizations
The foremost benefit of joining affordable online student organizations is cost savings. You will enjoy membership benefits without breaking the bank. With the rising cost of tuition and fees, you don’t want another financial burden.
Keep in mind, too, that not all online student organizations have low-cost fees. You must check the membership, maintenance, and other fees first. Otherwise, you can be in for a big surprise – high fees only rich kids can afford.
Fraternities and sororities tend to charge higher fees ($300-$2,000+/semester). Student government associations, academic societies, and student clubs usually have lower fees.
Once you’re in, you will love these benefits of student organizations in online colleges.
- Learn more about yourself, including your interests, strengths, and goals. You may even discover things about yourself you didn’t know before.
- Enjoy a sense of community and belongingness. Your online tribe will be your source of support and strength.
- Be an advocate. You can raise awareness about issues close to your heart, such as LGBTQIA+ rights.
- Develop your soft skills. Your communication, collaboration, and leadership skills will get a boost.
- Learn to work with diverse people. You will find that the online student population is as diverse as they come.
- Maximize your networking opportunities. Your job prospects increase, too.
- Apply your knowledge in real-world settings. You can apply political science concepts as a student government leader.
- Give back to your online community and beyond. You may want to consider community service organizations.
And the best benefit is you’ll have fun with your peers. Getting a break from your studies sounds great, too.
Top Online Colleges with Low-Cost or Free Student Organizations
These are among the prestigious colleges that offer affordable online student organizations. Check out their official student organizations pages for more information.
Southern New Hampshire University
SNHU features more than 75 recognized student organizations. Members must maintain a minimum GPA to stay in their preferred clubs. There’s something for everybody – special interest groups, academic societies, diversity groups, and more.
Arizona State University Online
ASU Online has more than 35 student organizations involved in academics, culture, and advocacy. Most organizations offer free membership, too.
Western Governors University
WGU’s virtual student communities become hubs for learning, networking, and socialization. Membership is free, too. There’s also a WGU LinkedIn group and the Night Owl Network.
University of Florida Online
UF’s GatorConnect offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations. Everybody’s welcome, too, including online students, to virtual and on-campus events. You can use filters, such as keywords, to find your preferred organizations.
Liberty University Online
LU’s diverse range of student organizations makes its online students’ lives more exciting. There are more than 150 clubs to choose from. Choices include academic clubs, spiritual groups, and diversity organizations.
University of Maryland Global Campus
UMGC offers free access to its diverse range of student organizations, too. Every interest will find its match here, with choices ranging from social clubs to honor societies.
Penn State World Campus
With many student organizations to choose from, online students will have a field day. Affinity, interest, and advocacy groups are available. Registered student organizations make for more exciting online social lives.
Colorado State University Global
CSU Global offers free access to diverse online student organizations. Choose from student veterans associations and academic groups, among others.
Purdue University Global
There’s no need to feel isolated at Purdue Global, thanks to its free membership organizations. There are educational and professional organizations alongside general interest clubs. Affinity and Identity Groups (AIGs) and honor societies add more spice.
University of Illinois Springfield Online
UIS Online offers free membership organizations, too, which enrich the online college experience. More than 60 student organizations welcome applicants.
How to Join Online Student Organizations
But there’s the question of how to join online student organizations. As a newbie, you may be shy about reaching out to student organizations. You may also not know where to begin. There’s also the reason that you’re already juggling work and family obligations.
Whatever your reason, you shouldn’t let it hold you back from grabbing these online student engagement opportunities. These college student organizations for online students are yours for the taking. Here’s how to start.
- Ask questions about student organizations from your academic advisor and student services support staff.
- Explore your online college’s webpage for student organizations. UF Online, for example, has a dedicated page. You can hide behind your anonymity if you’re feeling shy.
- Use filters, if any, to narrow down your choices based on your interests and goals. If you’re more into socialization, choose a social club. Go for the student government if you’re interested in leadership.
- Read the information about the student organizations you’re interested in. Know their target audience, mission, and activities. Note the cost of membership and other fees, if any.
- Check out the web pages and social media pages of the student organizations on your shortlist. Get more information, even send PMs to ask questions.
Once you’ve decided on your choice in student organizations, send in an application. Being a member means you’re in for a ride – and we mean it in a good way. Indeed, virtual campus life at online colleges can be as exciting as on-campus life.
Making the Most of Virtual Student Clubs on a Budget
Of course, getting the most out of your virtual student engagements is your ultimate responsibility.
- Start by taking full advantage of free and affordable student organizations. You can have an enriching college experience without paying more fees.
- Use free communication tools, such as Zoom, to maintain your human connections. Even a simple hello and small talk can keep a friendship going despite the distance.
- Collaborate on activities and projects with your fellow members and others. Initiate these collaborations, if possible. Even a simple project, like feeding the homeless, is a start.
- Share your resources. It isn’t only money but also your time, books, and information. You’re strengthening connections by saying that you care about them.
- Be a positive person. Being kind makes our world a better place.
In conclusion, every online student can combat the epidemic of loneliness among college students. Being part of student organizations is a start.