In what has been an extremely successful year, the office of Student Affairs has passed their usual tally of roughly 225 recognized clubs. The recognition of the Cricket Association of the University of Toronto on Feb. 4 marked the 300th student club to be recognized in this academic year.
Wishing to boost the popularity of cricket on the downtown campus was the driving force behind the establishment of this club. A growing U of T has produced a growing list of student clubs.
In a university as large as U of T, student clubs play a vital part. They provide students with entertainment and activity outside the classroom. Giving students a chance to meet others with similar interests or backgrounds helps them become involved in the U of T community. The clubs are open to all students, faculty, staff and alumni of the university. Some clubs have membership fees while others are free to join.
With interests ranging from politics to religion, sports, literature and food, the student clubs offer something for everyone’s tastes. Planning a career in corporate law? Check out the Corporate Law club. Interested in dance? You can pick from one of the eight student dance clubs. Want to be a socialist activist? Try the Spartacus Youth club. Need a study buddy? Look up the Student Buddy club. Have a sweet tooth? The Yummy Food club can help you out. Are you a fan of Freud? Perhaps the Psychoanalytical society will be of interest. Always wanted to join a book club? The Enriching Our Lives Book club might be what you’re looking for.
Thinking of starting a club? For a club to become recognized by the Office of Student affairs, the members must produce a constitution, detailing the purpose of the club and how the club would function with regards to elections, finances and meetings. After your constitution is created, you can apply for official recognition from the University and the Students’ Administration Council. According to Jim Delaney, the associate director of student affairs, the recognition process usually takes around two weeks to complete. If a club is refused recognition, Delaney recommends that they review their constitution and make any necessary changes.
If a club is granted recognition from the university, it is eligible for space for meetings and events, office areas, and Web space. Recognition from SAC gives clubs eligibility for funding, publicity, planning and free photocopying. Student clubs are granted recognition for one year, beginning on Aug. 1, and expiring on Sep. 30 of each year. Recognized clubs must renew their status each year, and last year more than half of the clubs decided to renew their recognition.
