Open House: What Makes us Unique
Many University of Guam students are seeking organizations that cater to their interests and hobbies that will help bring balance to their academic life.
Students aren’t aware of the plethora of active clubs at UOG. Organizations at the university range from academic to cultural, affording students the opportunity to explore what each group has to offer and cater to individual needs and interests.
During my first semester at UOG, I attended the Student Government Association’s Welcome Back event, which showcased a limited selection of student organizations, services and local businesses.
The student organizations at the event were mostly major-specific clubs (Communication Society, Bio Club, Criminal Justice Honor Society, etc.). But there’s more to UOG student organizations. Some are new, while others have been around for a while but remain relatively unknown.
UOG takes pride in its diversity and inclusivity. Clubs are open to everyone, regardless of whether they feel they belong, and their leaders actively encourage shy students or those who may not be part of the immediate community to join. These leaders welcome them with open arms.
These clubs are an extension of the resources UOG provides for its students.
“If you think about it, students tend to flock with student organizations that align with their majors,” said SGA Vice President Keana Ardiente. “But I think… their purpose is to create a support group and a community for either a student’s interest, cultural interest, their hobbies, and of course their academics.” Ardiente expresses.
Here’s a rundown of more specialized clubs that might interest you:
The Collective Dance Team
A lively and passionate club, The Collective Dance Team was created as a platform for students to gain or expand their experience. Formerly known as Tritons Collective, the club rebranded itself to help fit its new mission of being a platform for students both on and off campus to express themselves through dance.
“We accept non-UOG students. Basically, if you are a high school graduate and don’t attend the University of Guam, you can still join The Collective Dance Team,” President Tai-ana Salas expressed.
The Collective Dance Team regularly performs at campus events hosted by the SGA or various schools within UOG. The type of dance genre they specialize in is hip-hop.
“If you are willing to try out and learn, we welcome everyone! We host auditions at the beginning of every semester for those interested in performing. And we also have members who want to be part of the team but don’t necessarily want to perform.” She says.
Chuuk Student Organization
But if you’re looking for more cultural student organizations, UOG has no shortage of those either. If you want to connect with the culture and see how it's being represented, this is a great opportunity.
Janessa Quitano, the vice president of UOG’s Chuuk Student Organization says, “We actively promote diversity. That encourages students to join the Chuuk Student Organization even if they’re not Chuukese.”
“We seek to be the voluntary organization committed to enhancing the relationship between the Chuuk youth on the island of Guam, and the Guam community,” Quitano says.
They appreciate all backgrounds and ethnicities and are always looking forward to bonding and working together with others. Open to all majors, The Chuuk Student Organization opens up their club to everyone.
Triton’s Pride Alliance
UOG also features a growing community of LGBTQIA+ students. Brian Teodosio, the President and Founder of Triton’s Pride Alliance, created the club to spread awareness and advocate for LGBTQIA+ students at UOG.
“We collaborate with non-profit organizations that cater towards the LGBTQIA+ community. Like Gala Guam and also Equality Guam we do partnerships and activities that are island wide for the community,” Teodosio notes.
The Triton’s Pride Alliance hosts fundraisers for its club, the LGBTQIA+ Scholarship, and Giving Tuesday with UOG’s Endowment Foundation.
“That was one of the activities that really made us stand out. We are always accepting new members in our club and it’s free to join” he says.
Soroptimist Sigma Society
The Soroptimist Sigma Society aims to help young women at UOG, Guam Community College, and across the island by preparing them for the professional workforce and giving them a platform to empower themselves.
“Soroptimist means the best for women and it also means the best of sisters, so people think that it is a sorority but not so much because we do have a few male members. We are not only opening our club up to women but also men who want to be part of the mission of uplifting the women in our community.” Keana Ardiente, President of Soroptimist Sigma Society says.
Reinstated this semester, the club is reviving and continuing its cherished traditions. It remains a powerful student organization, consistently supporting the young women in our community.
There are many other student organizations at UOG to join, and many of them are on Instagram: The Collective Dance Team @thecollectivegu, Chuuk Student Organization @uog_cso, Tritons Pride Alliance @uogpride, Soroptimist Sigma Society @uogsigma.
Each organization is unique in its own way, so don't judge a club solely by its name or its mission. If you dig deeper and get to know them, you’ll find that they bring so much more to the table. Before you know it, your plate will be full of opportunities waiting for you to grab.