Festifall connects students, 'U' groups

Groups seek to draw new members at annual activity

Compiled from staff reports

It doesn't matter if your interests include politics, the arts, religion or the student media. On Friday, Sept. 5, student groups of every stripe will camp out on the Diag for Festifall and attempt to draw interested students to their organizations.

At a school as large as the University, opportunities for involvement abound. Ranging from the Alpine Ski Team to the Zoroastrian Student Association, more than 600 campus organizations are out there, and eager for students to get involved.

Festifall is an annual event where campus organizations attempt to gain new members. Last September, more than 275 campus organizations gathered around the Diag in an attempt to attract students to their offerings. Display tables, signs and other, more boisterous attention-getting methods are used to gain student interest in one of many groups on campus.

Roger Fisher, assistant director for campus activities and programs, as well as one of Festifall's organizers, said that "well over 300, maybe 350" organizations are expected to gather on the Diag. Fisher said Festifall is a popular event with many students on campus.

"Certainly for the participants themselves ... it's their chief opportunity to find out about organizations on campus," Fisher said.

Fisher described Festifall as a good opportunity for student leaders and organizations to draw new members. "It's probably the single largest event on campus to do just that," Fisher said.

Entertainment of some sort will be provided, Fisher said, which will probably include "some a capella groups and live demonstrations."

While time spent in meetings and running around to activities and events may keep students frazzled and exhausted, many students say the toil is worth the effort.

"Learning happens outside the classroom just as much as it happens inside," said Fiona Rose, former Michigan Student Assembly president.

-- If inclement weather affects the scheduled Festifall date, a make-up event will take place Friday, Sept. 12. Festifall is planned to occur from 11 a.m.- 4.p.m.

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