With such high aspirations, it’s no surprise that Vanderbilt students often seek to join various on-campus organizations as they dive into the student experience. With over 500 student organizations, exploring new activities or building on past interests may seem easy. However, the reality is often more challenging, as many of the most sought-after groups have competitive admissions processes, including interviews, applications or even elections. Whether it’s business fraternities, tour guides, student government or the honor council, participating in as many activities as students did in high school often proves more difficult than expected. After facing my own challenges with gaining acceptance into some of these groups, I’ve discovered plenty of non-competitive organizations that are worth exploring for anyone looking to get involved.
Vanderbilt Students Volunteer for Science (VSVS)
VSVS is a program of undergraduate, graduate and medical students who share their passion for science with the Nashville community through teaching. They deliver science lessons to fifth through eighth-grade classrooms four times per semester, organize outreach events at local schools and STEM organizations and provide educational sessions at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Sophomore Katie Van Arsdel reflected on her experience.
“VSVS was a great organization to join freshman year. It allowed me to volunteer with students in Nashville and connect with other pre-medical students in my group,” Van Arsdel said. “We visited a Nashville magnet school once a week to do fun science experiments with students. It’s the perfect opportunity to gain volunteer hours while developing educational skills.”
Joining VSVS is both meaningful and simple. At the start of each semester, students can fill out a Google form with their availability and are placed into a group with a team leader, ensuring a seamless integration into the program. This setup makes it easy for students to get involved and start making a positive impact in the community.
Relay for Life is a branch of the American Cancer Society composed of Vanderbilt students dedicated to fundraising and event planning to raise awareness and funds for cancer research, prevention and support services.
“The time commitment is just one hour per week for general board members, along with participation in events and fundraisers,” said Luke Kopco, Vice President of Team Development. “I’ve loved my time in Relay; it’s helped me learn how to build and work with a team while supporting a cause I’m passionate about.”
Participants have the flexibility to join solely to fundraise or take a more active role by helping plan events, truly embodying the cliché, “You get out of it what you put into it.” The 2024 Relay for Life is set for Nov. 17, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST on Alumni Lawn. Throughout the year, teams of students, staff, families and friends work hard to fundraise, culminating in a successful event filled with food, fun activities and inspiring speakers.
With numerous competitive business clubs on campus, it’s easy to overlook organizations like Anchor Marketing, which provide valuable experience in essential areas such as strategy and communication. Anchor Marketing is a team of Vanderbilt students eager to explore the marketing industry and develop their skills through real-world consulting work. What sets this club apart is its inclusivity; whether you have years of experience or are new to the field, you are welcome to join. Members build a strong foundation in marketing through a combination of classroom-style learning and hands-on experience. Upon joining, you’ll collaborate with businesses and organizations to develop tailored marketing strategies, working on projects that have a real-world impact. Throughout the year, Anchor Marketing also hosts guest speakers, workshops and special events, offering members opportunities to expand their industry knowledge and network with professionals.
In a generation heavily reliant on cell phones, WilSkills offers a refreshing opportunity for students to connect through exhilarating overnight outdoor experiences. Every weekend during the academic year, WilSkills organizes adventures such as whitewater canoeing, sport climbing, backpacking and caving, making the outdoors accessible to any Vanderbilt student eager to explore. The program provides all necessary gear and instruction, ensuring that everyone can participate, regardless of experience or financial means.
“In addition to weekend trips, you can attend weekly lectures from 7 to 8 p.m. on various outdoor education topics, along with social events — like parties, hammocking and slacklining — on Thursdays,” instructor and Director of Alumni Relations Lydia May said. “If demand exceeds availability, people may not get to go on every trip they sign up for but it’s not competitive; you just need to sign up in advance. If you find yourself waitlisted for a trip, you’ll receive priority for the next one.”
Many Vanderbilt students miss the chance to experience the breathtaking landscapes and activities Tennessee has to offer. But joining WilSkills makes it easy to get started!
American Sign Language (ASL) Club
Knowing ASL is not only a fun talent but also helps create a more inclusive world for those who rely on it for communication. Vanderbilt’s ASL Club welcomes anyone interested in learning the language, regardless of prior experience. The hardest part is simply finding out about the club — once you’re interested, all it takes is signing up on Anchor Link or following them on Instagram to stay updated on events.
“Our club mixes language acquisition with engagement in unique ways. For example, last semester, we learned how to sign songs like ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA and ‘22’ by Taylor Swift. It was a super fun way to learn new vocab and grammar points. We also play practice games like bingo or charades,” Secretary Bri Woods said. “Being a member of the ASL club is both fulfilling and worthwhile. Personally, it’s motivating to watch my understanding of ASL deepen as I learn new vocabulary and grammar rules. I’m grateful I get to be a part of creating a space that facilitates that experience for others.”
The Vanderbilt University Pre-Law Society (VPLS)
The Vanderbilt Pre-Law Society (VPLS) educates undergraduate students about various career paths in law while providing essential resources for a successful law school application process. Members can engage in LSAT workshops, guest speaker events and panels with law school admissions officers. Upcoming events include a virtual session with Juris Prep titled “What No One Else Will Tell You About the LSAT” and a session with the University of Virginia School of Law. VPLS is also developing a course report detailing the recommended classes needed for popular pre-law majors. Whether you attend a few events or become more actively involved, VPLS offers flexibility and valuable opportunities for all pre-law students.
Founded in 1972, the Vanderbilt Prison Project empowers students to make a meaningful impact on the criminal justice system through service, education and activism. Members work directly with incarcerated individuals, raise awareness about justice issues and collaborate with the Nashville community to drive real change. Sophomore Merin Manske, Campaigns Committee Chair, discovered the organization at the fall org fair and has been actively involved ever since, helping incarcerated individuals by conducting research and outreach for their trials.
“This experience has been invaluable,” Manske said. “Working closely with incarcerated individuals has taught me about the justice system in ways I couldn’t have learned otherwise.”
For those passionate about justice reform, the Vanderbilt Prison Project provides a unique, hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact simply by joining and participating in the events and opportunities available.
Other Club Suggestions:
Getting involved doesn’t have to be as difficult or intimidating as it seems. While joining competitive organizations can offer valuable experience, it’s important to recognize that there are plenty of meaningful opportunities that come with less stress. Enjoy!
