Shippensburg University hosted its bi-yearly Student Involvement and Services (SIS) Fair on Friday afternoon after classes. The event drew a large crowd of interested students from a variety of backgrounds, from traditional to non-traditional, first-year students to graduate students. 

The temperature soared above 90 degrees Fahrenheit at the outdoor event, leaving many students to hunker down inside with their AC’s cranked up to the maximum. Still, dozens upon dozens of clubs braved the scorching heat for this semester’s SIS Fair, a school-organized event designed to make students more aware of what clubs and organizations the university could offer to them. 

“I won’t lie — the heat is difficult, but the connections we’re making are worth it” said Piper Kull, the editor-in-chief of The Slate. “We’re trying to not only get involvement in our organization, but also just get our name out there so we get more readers.”  

Many clubs shared these same sentiments and hallmarked the importance of the SIS Fair when it came to getting attention. Hundreds and hundreds of students walked the street talking to club members and filling out pamphlets. Some organizations even ran out of applications, demonstrating the importance of this event for recruitment. 

Students also found value in what services clubs can offer. I spoke with the president of Shippensburg University’s chapter of Alpha Phi, Haley Modene, about their experience with philanthropy. “We raise money for the Alpha Phi Foundation, which supports women’s heart health. We do a lot of fundraisers for that,” said Modene.  

“Every sorority or fraternity has their own cause. I feel overall that’s a huge part of Greek life, but also being a part of a sisterhood that has each other’s backs no matter what; kind of like a home away from home. Personally, when I came to the SIS Fair for the first time I was scared and didn’t have any friends, and this is where I found them,” said Modene. 

The SIS Fair allows students who may feel unfamiliar with their surroundings to find their footing. It also affords opportunities to bond with others over the shared love of a subject or cause.  

Share