Although there are currently 20 active and 29 inactive clubs at Los Medanos College, some students may not have found one this semester that suits their intrests. If you are one of them, you may be wondering how to start a new club for the coming spring semester.

“For any club/organization to become recognized by Los Medanos College, it must have the approval of the LMC Administration, the Contra Costa Community College District and conform to the requirements set up by the Education Code of the State of California. These approvals are granted by the Office of Student Life,” says information provided in The Guide, the student club handbook that can be found on the LMC website at www.losmedanos.edu/studentservices/clubs.

Student Life Coordinator Ashley Adams said students interested in starting their own club should begin the process by completing a Club Charter Application Packet available at the Student Life office.

Students must also find a faculty or staff member willing to serve as club adviser and identify at least four student officers, each of whom has a minimum GPA of 2.0, said Adams.

“Lastly,” said Adams, “two officers must attend a Club Chartering Orientation with me.”

After the application packet has been turned in and the orientation requirements are met, it should take no more than three weeks for the charter request to be accepted or denied, said Adams.

The process to activate one of the 29 inactive clubs on campus is the same as a regular club charter, said Adams.

Clubs and organizations are an important part of student life at LMC.

“Clubs and organizations are seen as an extension of the classroom learning experience. Students are encouraged to organize and participate in clubs that reflect their interests,” says The Guide.

Adams explained how clubs equip students with important skills and create opportunities for the future.

“They provide an opportunity to learn and develop leadership skills, team building, time management, event planning,” said Adams, “Also, you gain lifelong friendships and obtain networking opportunities for future career goals.”

Rosa Osuna, Treasurer for LOUD (Leadership Organization for Undocumented Dreamers), said clubs are important because they bring people together.

“I’ve met a lot of people I would have never talked to,” said Osuna, “Clubs are really important because if they weren’t here then people would just go to class and go home. They would never interact with other people.”

The RPG (Role playing games) Club’s Inter-Club Counsil Representative Monte George said that being in a club is a good way to pass the time and have fun.

“Clubs allow students to identify with a group,” said George, adding that being in a club raises self-esteem and is “a really easy way to get comfortable in a new environment.”

A list of active and open clubs available for students who are interested in becoming involved or want more information can be found online at www.losmedanos.edu/studentservices/clubs.