Best Ways for Freshman to Get Involved at Utah Tech University

Think you're too shy to get involved on campus? Think again. There are plenty of ways for freshmen to get involved at Utah Tech University, and most don't require you to speak up in front of a crowd.

From joining a student club to volunteering your time, there's something for everyone. Here are the best ways for first-year students to get involved at Utah Tech U!

Join a Student Club or Organization

One of the best ways to get involved on campus is to join a student club or organization. There are organizations for just about every interest, from business and tech to outdoors and recreation.

Joining a club is a great way to meet new friends, learn new skills, and get involved in campus life. It's also a great way to build your resume and prepare for your future career.

There are 88 other clubs on campus, including:

  • American Medical Women's Association
  • American Sign Language Club
  • Black Student Union
  • Chemistry Club
  • Chess Club
  • Dixie State Competitive Table Tennis Club
  • Dixie State Esports
  • Finance Club
  • Futsal Club
  • Garden Club
  • Healthy Trailblazers Coalition

  • Hot Commodities Club
  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
  • Institute of Politics and Public Affairs
  • Legal Clinic
  • LGBTQ+ Resource Center
  • Pixels and Halides Photography Club
  • Pre-Law Society of Dixie State University
  • Quantum Computing and Cryptography Club
  • Exploring Quantum Computing 
  • Cryptography
  • Radio Dixie
  • Resident Hall Association
  • Sigma Tau Delta
  • Students United for Reproductive Freedom
  • The Honors Club
  • Trailblazer Water Polo
  • Utah Tech Premedical Alliance
  • UTU Hiking Club
  • Women's Rugby
  • X Club

There's an organization for everyone, so take your pick and get involved. Check out this link for the full list of clubs.

Volunteer in the Community

Students who want to give back to the community and make a difference can do so by volunteering. At Utah Tech University, three major organizations coordinate volunteer opportunities:

United Way Dixie

The regional group United Way Dixie collaborates with several organizations in the neighborhood to offer volunteer and service opportunities for people in the St. George and Southern Utah regions. This society is currently focusing on building its COVID-19 Community Response Fund to help children, families, and vulnerable Utahns.

Chamber Serves

A new initiative from the St. George Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Serves, is a way for businesses and individuals to get involved in the community through service projects.

The Dixie State University Student Association (DSUSA)

Each year, the DSUSA collaborates with charities to offer outreach programs. Their initiatives aim to equip students with the tools they need to become community leaders, engaged citizens, coherent, responsible, innovative, professional, creative, and effective.
Likewise, the Utah Tech University campus annually holds a Volunteer Fair-Annual Event that connects students with local volunteer opportunities. The event also has a Donation List of items each organization is always in need of.

Enjoy Campus Recreational Facilities

There's more to do on campus than just attend classes and study. The Campus Recreation has a state-of-the-art facility that offers students many options to stay fit and have fun, making it the perfect place for students to get involved.

The recreation center has an impressive list of activities and facilities, including:

Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy the southern Utah landscape by taking advantage of the Outdoor Adventures program. Under the guidance of experienced staff, students can participate in various activities, including excursions and rock walls (climbing, bouldering, and sports climbing). Students can also borrow and use any available equipment. Anyone can reserve gear for camping, biking, fishing, climbing, hiking, water sports, and sand.

Fitness & Wellness

The Fitness & Wellness program offers many services and facilities to help students achieve their fitness goals. There are FAST academic courses to get credit for workouts, personal training for those who need a more hands-on approach, and free group fitness classes like yoga, spin, and Zumba.

Aquatics

Students who love the water can take advantage of the Aquatics program, which offers pre-made swim workouts, swim lessons, and stroke refinement. You can find the pool on the lower level of the Human Performance Center, which is open on weekdays (6 am to 10 pm) and Saturdays (8 am to 8 pm).

Intramural Sports

Anyone can compete against their fellow students in intramural sports. Many different leagues and tournaments are available, such as basketball, softball, flag football, pool, soccer, sand volleyball, ping pong, video games, and more.

Club Sports

If you're looking for a more competitive environment, check out the Club Sports program. It's an organization that students run that competes against other universities, colleges, and associations. Many different sports are available, such as table tennis, wrestling, competitive climbing, lacrosse, women's lacrosse, rodeo, men's volleyball, and weightlifting.

Be a Part of the Raging Red

No university is complete without its performing group. The Raging Red is the dance and song team representing Utah Tech University at various events. They perform at public schools (elementary, junior high, and high school), community and civic events, alumni gatherings, and care and rehab centers.

The Raging Red travels throughout California, Arizona, and Idaho. They also journey across the USA and internationally. In fact, the Raging Red recently returned from performance tours in China, Washington DC, New York, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Philadelphia.

Anyone enrolled at Utah Tech University can audition for this organization. There are no experience or skill requirements. All that's needed is a willingness to learn and perform.

You'll receive a scholarship if you're one of the lucky few selected. You'll also get the chance to travel and perform at some of the most iconic locations in the world.
Being a part of the Raging Red is a great way to get involved at Utah Tech University. You'll make new friends, learn new skills, develop your talent, instill discipline, gain confidence, have experiences you'll never forget, and represent your school positively.

So if you're ready to unleash your artistic side, audition for the Raging Red. It may just be the best decision that you ever make.

Visit the Booth Wellness Center

Entering college can be a stressful time. There's so much to do and learn that it can be overwhelming. Thus, Utah Tech University has a Booth Wellness Center to help students with the transition.

Getting engaged with the Booth Wellness Center is a great way to get involved at Utah Tech University. The Booth Wellness team can help you with time management, stress relief, nutritional needs, and more.

Services are free for all currently enrolled students unless otherwise specified. You only need to book an appointment for the following services:

Medical Health Services

  • Sick visits (i.e., colds, flu, sore throats, etc.)
  • Minor wound care (i.e., minor cuts, bruises, sprains, etc.)
  • Medical testing (i.e., strep, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, drug, STD, UTI, etc.)
  • Medical lab work (i.e., glucose, hemoglobin, STI, etc.)
  • Medical exams (i.e., physicals, well-woman, etc.)

Mental Health Services

  • Individual counseling
  • Couples counseling
  • Group counseling

Resources For Students With Basic Needs Insecurity

  • Food & nutrition assistance
  • Mental health & medical services
  • Transportation, childcare, and living expenses
  • Housing assistance
  • Legal information & support
  • Mindfulness resources
  • Relaxation recordings
  • Meditating with YouTube
  • Anxiety relieving apps
  • Wellness-based websites
  • Other suggestions

Health Education and Prevention

  • QPR-Suicide Awareness & Prevention
  • Weekly Wellness Check-In

Work Part-Time on or Off-Campus

Extra money can help you pay for books, groceries, and other necessities. It can also alleviate some of the financial stress of college.

For instance, the bookstore hires students to help with tasks such as stocking shelves, working the register, and helping customers. The on-campus library is also always looking for student employees.

You can also find part-time jobs in the community. For example, many restaurants in town hire college students as servers, cooks, and dishwashers. Utah Tech University has a Career Center that can help you find a job that's right for you.

The key is to look for something you're interested in that will work around your class schedule. That way, you can earn money while also gaining valuable experience.

Join Cultural and Social Clubs

College is a great time to explore new things and learn about different cultures. And what better way to do that than by joining a cultural or social club?

Utah Tech University's Center for Inclusion & Belonging (CIB) is one such organization. The CIB is dedicated to promoting equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus and in the community. They have weekly meetings and encourage students of all backgrounds to join.

The CIB's clubs include the LGBTQ Student Association, Pagan Ideology, Dixie Hispanic Student Association, Black Student Union, Pacific Island Student Association, and Native American Student Association.

Below are all of CIB's programs and events that help students feel connected to the university and build a sense of community:

  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • LGBTQ+ Awareness Month
  • Inclusion Week
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • Black History Month
  • Diversity Week
  • Women's History Month
  • Asian Pacific Heritage Month
  • Bingo Night
  • Club Rush
  • Cultural Celebration
  • Food Drive
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • CIB Open House
  • Native Fry Bread Making
  • Taste Around the World
  • Diversity Dialogues
  • Freshman Orientation
  • Open Mic Night
  • Parade Marching
  • Polynesian Luau
  • Salsa Dancing
  • Service Projects
  • Drag Show

Joining cultural and social clubs fosters a sense of belonging and community. It also helps students learn more about other cultures, leading to a more tolerant and understanding world.

Doing so also supports the university's commitment to inclusion and excellence. Students who join increase their engagement and success while at college.

Become a Student Leader

Student leaders are important in making Utah Tech University a great place to learn and live. They help create a positive and supportive campus environment.
Likewise, student leaders also have opportunities to develop their leadership skills, build resumes, and make connections. Thus, the Student Involvement & Leadership (SIL) Department always looks for talented and ambitious students to fill various leadership positions.

SIL offers many leadership roles in the Utah Tech University Student Association (UTSA), Spirit Squad (including Stampede, Cheer, Dance, and the Mascot), the Applied Leadership Program, and the UTSA Student Government Branches.

UTSA is the official student government at Utah Tech University. It is made up of the following:

Executive Council

The Executive Council is the governing body of UTSA. It consists of the Student Body President, Vice President of Academics, Vice President of Clubs & Organizations, Vice President of Student Life, Vice President of Marketing, and Vice President of Service.

Academic Senate

The Academic Senate is the governing body of UTSA for academic and general education policies. It voices the concerns of students to the faculty and administration. It consists of each college's representatives, the Vice President of Academics, and the Student Senate.

Clubs & Organizations

Clubs & Organizations are in charge of all the 70+ clubs and organizations on campus. They help students start new clubs, maintain old ones, and plan club events. Students who join this branch have the opportunity to work closely with other students and make a difference on campus.

Student Life

The Student Life branch is in charge of all things related to student life, including social activities and traditions. They introduce new activities and events each year to keep students engaged, which the Vice President of Student Life and three Event Directors oversee.

Marketing

The Marketing branch is responsible for communicating UTSA's message to the student body. The Vice President of Marketing and three Marketing Directors make up this branch. They use various marketing techniques, such as social media, graphic design, and storytelling.

Service

The Service branch helps students get involved in service projects on and off campus. The Vice President of Service and four Service Leaders make up this branch. They work with at least one of the university's 13 community partners each week throughout the semester and carry out two big Campus to Community service projects, a major monthly service project, and four Alternative Breaks service opportunities that fall on Fall and Spring Breaks.

Stampede

The Stampede is UTSA's cheerleading and dance team. They perform at all home football games, other sporting events, and university functions. Moreover, they are a highly visible and spirited group that loves to get the crowd pumped up and support the student-athletes.

Conclusion

All freshmen entering Utah Tech University have many options to get involved on campus. They can join one of the many clubs and organizations, enjoy recreational activities, become a student leader, volunteer in the community, join the Raging Red and cultural activities, visit the booth wellness center, and work on and off-campus. There are endless opportunities for students to get involved and make the most of their college experience, so get out there and have fun!

And, if you need a great housing option that is close to campus, check out our floor plans! 

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