Mystics Go Clubbing
On August 26, Bismarck State College hosted their first club fair of the school year in the Student Union. The club fair had an exceptional turnout compared to past fairs, likely due to the partnership between the Congress of Student Organizations and clubs across campus. Erin Schwalk, the CSO adviser, gives insight into what CSO is and what they do.
“CSO stands for Congress of Student Organizations and that’s the governing board that oversees all of the clubs and organizations on campus that fall into that purview,” Schwalk said. “What I do is I coordinate with club advisers on the rules for the year; I help students with [their] questions… and I get to set up some pretty fun events for the clubs too. Like [the] club fair.”
While the Student Government Association can still help with event coordination, CSO is meant to take the burden off of their shoulders.
“It was a nice way to keep us separate so that SGA could focus on their things without being overburdened by clubs because there’s [quite] a few of you,” Schwalk said.
The intention behind CSO is to ensure clubs are seen and heard by the student body while still getting to interact with students too. Events for clubs are what can attract new members, create interest, and cultivate ideas for new clubs.
Setting up events is no easy task. CSO helps make it easier for clubs to do so. For this year’s club fair, Schwalk wanted the spotlight to be on the clubs and what they offer.
“Technically, I’m the one who planned it all,” Schwalk stated. “So, I like to think of it as like I set the stage and then it’s the clubs and their advisers and students, who are the actors, really put it together.”
The planning, creation, and timing of the event made the club fair stand out this year with an admirable turnout. However, Mystics were the ones that made it special.
“It is the club advisers and the students who come and actually participate that really bring it to life and make people want to come,” Schwalk said. “It’s kind of like an art gallery otherwise if I can set it up and make it look pretty, but it’s way cooler to speak with the artist. We had a fantastic turnout this go around because of that.”
BSC is always willing to add new clubs if students wish to create one. Information and requirements for club creation is listed on the BSC website under Student Clubs & Organizations. Mystics are also encouraged to email Erin Schwalk or the CSO email for any further questions.
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