With one year of college under their belts, sophomore students now face a new challenge - sorting through all of the involvement opportunities available on campus.  With more than 300 student organizations, CSU is saturated with activities and programs to enhance the college experience and keep students connected to campus life.

Sorting through the massive involvement buffet can be intimidating, but a few simple questions can help guide students through the process:

1. What activities interest you?  Do you like recreational activities?  Social activities? 
2. What level involvement are you seeking?  The Spectator, Participant and Leader Philosophy of Involvement from the University of Maryland can be helpful.
   1. Spectator - involvement as a spectator includes learning and experiencing new things by attending events or by being exposed to new ideas.
   2. Participant - involvement as a participant is devoting time to being actively engaged in an organized activity, whether it be volunteering or holding a student staff position.
   3. Leader - involvement as a leader includes investing and committing time and talent to foster change or create impact within an organization.  Examples include becoming an officer within an organization or taking on the role of an orientation leader or resident assistant.
3. Which opportunities compliment your academic or career inspirations and how do they complement it?
4. How much time do you have to devote to an organization?
5. Which opportunities will expose you to new ideas and be challenging?

Before getting involved, students should also thoroughly explore and assess the organization's mission and goals.

Involvement is not necessarily limited to student organizations.  Other campus offices also offer opportunities for students to enhance their college experience.  The Career Center assists students with exploring career options and internships, the Alumni Association provides programs geared towards networking and mentoring with CSU alumni and the Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement office offers countless opportunities for volunteerism and community outreach.

Whichever way a sophomore looks, they are bound to find an involvement opportunity that suits their interests.  The trick is conducting the proper assessment to determine which involvement(s) would be most beneficial.  The Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA) has an Orientation and Transition Programs department, which is a great resource for second year students.  They provide a wealth of resources for returning students including links to helpful campus resources, such as academic resources and the Career Center, and information about helpful programs such as Year 2 at CSU - a new program designed specifically for second year students.  It aims to enhance student connections with the University by partnering with key campus offices and organizations to promote programs and services to benefit sophomores.

Involvement in campus life enhances a student's college experience in so many ways. Involvement can provide practical knowledge, establish connections and relationships, offer a fun and social release, and open doors to new ideas, exciting opportunities and growth.