Drexel University boasts more than 15,000 undergraduate students. With so many opportunities to get involved, you might check out clubs on campus but realize they don’t necessarily align with a specific interest or purpose you’d like to explore. They’re not quite you.
Well, chances are that amongst Drexel’s more than 350 organizations and clubs, you’re bound to find the likeminded peers that you seek — you just might not be looking in the right place. Here are a few active affinity groups on campus that you may not have heard about. Joining up might just be the you kind of opportunities you’ve been searching for!
Drexel Veterans Association (DVA)
Of Drexel’s more than 24,000 total students (including graduate, professional and online students) more than 1,000 of them are veterans. This is a significant number made possible by Drexel’s military-friendly students services. The DVA is one of these services, which aims to enhance the educational experiences of veteran students as well as function as a support structure that empowers veterans as they make the transition from military life to student life.
The association meets on the last Friday of every month at 11 a.m. in the Veteran’s Lounge, and meetings usually include featured speakers, a review of upcoming events and deadlines, as well as time to address questions, comments and concerns. Plus, the association also makes its way off campus for veteran students events.
If you’re a veteran student looking for a way to get involved on campus and build valuable relationships and connections, stop by the next DVA meeting!
Students of Color in Psychology
The Students of Color in Psychology group is a student organization on a unique mission to create an avenue for addressing the importance of diversity and representation within the psychological field. Through discussions and events, they present a forum for inclusivity and intercultural awareness.
The group meets once a month, and prospective members can follow their Facebook page to keep up with what they are doing and planning. Meetings typically focus on discussing a topic that relates to marginalized groups in psychology. One way to see what these students have been up to recently is to stop by the I am Pyched! opening reception on Feb. 25. This exhibit from the American Psychological Association explores the legacy of women of color in the field of psychological science, and the members of the group will serve as docents giving tours of the exhibit. Enjoy!
After being started previously, the Drexel Robotics Club was jumpstarted again in 2017, and did so with a bang. The small team of 14 members competed in the MATE Underwater ROV Regionals 2018 and received first place, which sent them to the international competition in Seattle, Washington, where the group ranked 14th out of 38 teams.
The club meets in The Innovation Studio at 11 a.m. on Saturdays, but that sometimes varies as they are split into sub-teams for mechanical, controls and administration. New students are welcome to stop by a weekly meeting or email drexel.dart@gmail.com to speak with the appropriate sub-team leader based on your interests.
Despite the groups growing prestige, there are no previous skills or experiences necessary to join — just a willingness to learn along the way!
West Indian Student Establishment
The West Indian Student Establishment (WISE) was founded in 1993 on the premise of socially, academically and culturally uniting the West Indian student population at Drexel in order to provide a channel for sharing their culture, traditions and beliefs with the rest of the University community. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the organization’s establishment.
WISE aims to bring together students of Caribbean decent by providing a “safe space” that is a “home away from home” for members, but lovers of Caribbean culture are also invited to join in the fun!
Over the last three years, the student group has hosted a number of memorable events, including World AIDS Awareness Week programming, quarterly Caribbean Dance workshops, the Professional Standard Development workshop, Blackout, International Student mixers and annual Bob Marley dinners. In fact, the 15th annual Bob Marley Dinner is this Saturday, and will include cuisine, entertainment and live music in honor of the world-renowned icon and musician.
Come see what this organization has planned. Get involved by attending an upcoming general body meeting, requesting membership on DragonLink to be added to their listserv or contacting dsowise@gmail.com for more information.
The Drexel TrebleMakers are a diverse group of girls coming from all different backgrounds and majors, but bonded by one common love — a love of music. The TrebleMakers is the University’s first all-female a cappella group, and cover everything from EDM to pop music utilizing unique arrangements created by the group’s members.
Students who identify as women and are interested in joining must go through an audition process at the beginning of fall term each academic year. Before then, catch their performance at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Mid-Atlantic Quarterfinal right here on campus on March 9, or the group’s spring concert which will be announced via the group’s Facebook page.