Student Involvement
At Messiah University, we value student involvement in the cocurriculum because we know it helps students to adjust to academic life, encourages students to develop relationships with others, and increases leadership skills, organizational skills and self-esteem. In addition, we know that students who are involved are more likely to earn better grades, graduate from college and have greater success in landing a job, and/or gaining admission to graduate school.
There are many ways to get involved at Messiah University and we list numerous links on this page. We encourage you to explore the many options provided, but, with so many options, it can sometimes be difficult for students to make decisions about where to spend their time. While we want students to be involved, our hope is that this involvement is purposeful.
Tips for Choosing Where to be Involved
Choose opportunities that interest you.
Some students are tempted to choose an involvement opportunity simply because it's what their friends are doing. While participating with friends is fun, make sure you chose to get involved with activities that appeal to you. This way, you'll get the most benefit from your involvement.
Don't be afraid to try something new.
If you've never done something before, don't be afraid to try something new. Part of the fun of involvement is trying new things.
Find a balance.
Don't neglect your academics or your health. Keeping a planner and having friends who can hold you accountable to take time for rest, exercise and academic pursuits can help you in living a balanced life.
Don't take on new activities all at once.
Start slow and add activities as you get comfortable with your schedule. Taking on too much at one time can lead to burn out.
Consult with others.
It's often a good idea to talk to someone regarding your interests and long- and short-term goals and to get feedback about options. You may want to contact your academic advisor, mentor, residence director (RD), coach or someone who can give you sound and objective guidance.