Arnie’s Winter Warm Up launches the semester

By Michaella Lesieur, Staff Writer

Wednesday January 31, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. clubs and organizations filled the campus center cafeteria for Arnie’s Winter Warm Up, which was part of SAIL’s Welcome Back Week.

Students were also encouraged to bring in a canned good for Arnie’s Cupboard, defined on their website as: “Arnie’s Cupboard is sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs.

The purpose of Arnie’s Cupboard is to supplement the food supply for any UMass Dartmouth students/faculty/staff who may be experiencing food insecurity.”

If looking to get in contact with Arnie’s Cupboard you can call 508-999-8872 or send an email to Foodpantry@umassd.edu. The pantry is located in the campus centers main auditorium, room number 208.

The evening consisted of club/organizations tabling and seeking out new members who may be interested, free stuff and activities, like make your own picture key chain.

Many groups’ and organizations feel like this event is essential for students to attend. “I think it is a good idea for students to come who were not here last Fall, who want to get involved and see what is available on campus,” said freshman nursing major, Kelsie Scholz.

Some felt that it was a great way to spread the word for their club/organization. “It lets our organization [cheerleading] get out there and spread the word that cheerleading is here while having the opportunity to promote ourselves,” said freshman nursing major, Camryn Hancock.

Organizations and clubs give students the chance to make new friends and be a part of the UMass Dartmouth community. “I like cheer, while being a freshmen it helped me to make friends and create a bond,” said Scholz proudly.

Hancock agreed that friendships are a huge part of getting involved on campus. “It allows us as freshmen to become more involved in our school, it makes me feel like I am a part of something while creating friendships,” said Hancock.

There are so many different ways to get involved on campus such as: the school newspaper, The Torch, the school magazine, The Temper, sports, American Sign Language, Debate Club, Black Student Union, Dance Team, Cheerleading, Finger Drawing Club, Environmental Law Society and more. A full list of clubs and organizations can be found at UMass Dartmouth MyOrgs website.

Sororities and fraternities were also able to table and spread their message to students. The I∆N organization thought it was a great way to get to know each other. “It is a good place for clubs and organizations to get to know other organizations and to get your name out there and for other students to know who you are,” said graphic design major Cassandra Lyon.”

These types of events also prove to show how clubs and organizations come together to support one another. “It is a great support system,” said graphic design major Kaleigh King.

“I came to this school not knowing anyone and this is how I met my two roommates [I∆N].”

Spring semester 2018 has launched off at a great start and all in all by joining a club or organization you are not only creating friendships and community leadership but adding to your resume as well.

Stay tuned for more events happening this semester by following the SAIL office on Facebook.