Student apathy: a growing issue across our two college campuses

“I’m busy.” Two seemingly simple words used by students at St. John’s and St. Ben’s. The fall semester is well underway as classes and labs heat up. Student-led clubs and organizations have begun to plan events and student employees are back at work. The transformative life of a Bennie or Johnnie is profoundly connected to our involvement between our two campuses. As a community, we make these walls come alive. From our fresh-water lakes and beautiful arboretum, to our ever-working culinary services employees and Link bus drivers, and the professors that make each day of learning worthwhile. What’s Missing? You.

Bennies and Johnnies, our campuses need you to form lasting memories. Simply saying “I’m busy” hurts not only yourself, but our community. Sept. 5 marked the annual Involvement Fair at CSB+SJU where over 75 clubs and organizations tabled, hoping to meet enthusiastic, passionate and driven individuals to join their respective missions. Despite this, organizations such as the St. John’s and St. Ben’s Senates have faced difficulty in recruiting board members, athletes have dropped their sports teams and clubs are constantly battling for better attendance at events. Kobe Forbes, student Chief Programming Officer with the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement (CSLE), added that, “at the Involvement Fair this year, there was just not as many people. It was kind of empty.”

Ella Beeler, a CSB sophomore, elaborated on this, sharing that there is a lack of motivation from leaders who are struggling to find ways to keep events entertaining. It’s easy to do the bare minimum when everything becomes overwhelming. Forbes also commented on this point, stating that the school would like to be involved in more events on campus, but that requires clubs to coordinate with them and plan ahead.

Aaron Voth, Assistant Dean for Student Leadership and Engagement, shared that, “the one thing that I do feel is under considered when it comes to this question of involvement and engagement and student participation is the impact that the drop in enrollment has had.” He also remarked that CSB+SJU has seen a drop of 541 students since 2019. Engagement opportunities have remained, but this drop in enrollment may require us to readjust our expectations. Voth commented that there may even be more opportunities to engage on campus than in 2019.

Isaid Rodriguez, treasurer of the Black Student Union (BSU), said, “I myself am introverted, so I am presently involved with the [BSU], I go to the meetings and I try to set up events, but student outreach is not one of my strengths.” His words are truthful and may be applicable to other club leaders. There is nothing wrong with knowing and understanding your strengths and weaknesses. That is why we have so many resources to help elevate your meaningful work here on campus.

We implore you to visit the CSLE in Mary Hall 025 at SJU. Their mission is dedicated to creating a vibrant campus life by encouraging student involvement, development and growth through experience. CSB senior Jane McMahon, a staff member with the CSLE, said, “A lot of [lack of involvement] is kind of a slow result from the pandemic. I think it is really a bummer, but I hope the training sessions we’re doing is helping to better prepare student leaders.”

You can visit Clemens and Alcuin Libraries, both of which have numerous pieces of equipment for video recording, podcast production, board and video games and so much more. The Outdoor Leadership Center at St. John’s has lots of sports and hiking equipment available. If you want to better understand email etiquette, Outlook calendar tools, resume-building or other professional topics, visit Experience and Professional Development (XPD) in Clemens Library, where hub ambassadors and career mentors are ready to help. The Study in Alcuin library can help with time management, connect you with campus resources, and provide good study habits. Finally, utilize our extensive alumni network through email, LinkedIn, Instagram and other social platforms. These will allow you to contact previous students and professionals who were once in your shoes. They, much like the majority of us within this community, are eager to see you succeed.

At the end of the day, we empathize with you. You are a student first, and that’s always been understood within our community. However, part of being a liberal arts student means expanding your learning beyond the classroom setting. Consider this your call to action. Start a club. Attend events. Enjoy your four years here.