On Sept. 5, 2018, Cypress College hosted their Club Rush on the center of campus. Cypress College students and faculty showcased clubs that not only act as extracurricular activities, but an opportunity for students to prosper which may not be easily accessible to their families or society.
From Incarceration To Empowerment (FITE) Club is among some of the clubs that provides validation of the identities of and redemption for previously incarcerated students- though all are welcome, with or without a history of incarceration. FITE club provides a range of goods and services- free of charge- including tutoring, education, and food. They also provide benefits one wouldn’t be able to buy, such as self-esteem and emotional support. FITE Club meets Sept. 13, 2018, from 4:30 p.m – 6:30 p.m at the Humanities 131 Lecture Hall.
The Queer Straight Alliance, formerly the LGBTQ+ Club, is “a safe space for LGBTQ students AND their allies”. The QSA helps give students and allies a space to share their experiences and educate each other on the state of the community as well as how they can come together to find a solution, according to one member. The QSA can be found in Humanities 327 on Mondays from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Disability Awareness and Empowerment Club is another club on campus that looks to make a difference on campus, providing services and awareness in addition to what the Disabilities Services Cypress College already supplies. The DAE Club is open to all students, including those without disabilities. A member of the club said the club’s goal is to spread awareness on the life and experiences of those with disabilities. In addition, joining the DAE Club gives you the opportunity to participate in volunteer gatherings and social events. The DAE Club can be found in Humanities 123 on Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. – 4:40 p.m.
For those looking to get ahead, the Cypress College Honors Program is a faculty taught program designed to motivate students who are transferring to a four-year university through social events and community services. Eligibility for the program requires a minimum 3.25 GPA in high school coursework or a 3.0 GPA in a minimum of six units of college coursework, verified by transcripts, and eligibility for English 100. Being apart of the program has benefits like priority consideration for admission at the junior level to selected four-year colleges. The Honors Program members meet every other Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. in the second floor of the Student Center.
Currently standing at 30 members and counting, the Muslim Student Association (MSA) aims to bring awareness on behalf of the Muslim community. President Asmaa Tabban passionately expressed that one of the greatest things they can do is, “spreading awareness is one aspect…but we want to make sure we empower other Muslims”. The MSA is all about community, empowerment, awareness, Islam, and enhancing the college experience by connecting with people who share common goals. The MSA, starting Sept. 13, 2018, meet every other Thursday at 2:30 p.m. in Humanities 201.
Club Rush members are set out to make aware the opportunities they can provide for students and ultimately to create that sense of community. Sign up and get involved in your community today.
