THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 12
THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
CAMPUS
Student organizations are open to all
ROYA IBRAHIMI editor@kansan.com
Whether the name of a student group describes you or not, you can still become an active member.
Many students have assumed that they cannot join an organization because they do not fit the ethnic or religious description of the group, and students might be missing an opportunity to broaden their social circle and educate themselves because of the misconception.
Zack Hall, a recent graduate from Clearwater, said he was interested in many organizations but never took the leap to join the ethnic and religious groups because he figured he would be "disqualified" in a sense. But this never stopped him from taking chances to attend events.
"I realized I could still go to the free food events and the cultural activities because they were open to the public," Hall said.
Like Hall, many students attend the public events of these organizations and
become exposed to other cultures and religions.
Overland Park senior Faiza Khan was intrigued by the Arab culture because she was exposed to the language, food and religion and wanted to learn more and be around it more often.
"I joined Arab Student Union because I liked the culture and it brought me closer to the Arab Muslims I know on campus, even though not everyone is Muslim and Arab in the organization," Khan said.
The Arab Student Union is a newly-founded student organization. Although she is not Arab, Khan was deemed vice president of the group, before it was an official organization,.
This shows that you do not have to fit the name of the group to be able to join it. If you're interested and drawn to the organization, you can try it. If you're unsure, consider talking to someone in the group. It never hurts to ask.
-Edited by Megan Hinman
Looking to learn more about different cultures or reconnect with you own? Consider joining one of these student organizations.
African Students Association
African Students Association
African Drum Ensemble
Arab Student Union
Asian American Student Union
Bangledash Student Association
Black Student Union
Bolivian Community Association
Brazillian Student Association
Chinese Students & Scholars Friendship Associa-
Cultural India Club
First Nations Student Association
Hatikva
Hispanic American Leadership Organization
Hong Kong & Macau Student Association
Indigenous Nations Student Association
Innogentious Nations Student Association
Israeli Culture and Language Club
Japanese Student Association
International Family Association
International Student Association
Korean Student Association
KU Polygot
KU South Asian Association
Malaysian Student Association
Multicultural Theatre Initiative
Pakistani Student Association
Paraguayan Student Association
Peruvian Association of Lawrence
Queers & Allies
Saudi Student Association
Taiwanese Student Association
Vietnamese Student Association
Source: ku.edu/students/organizations