Student Organizations & Student Government

With over 100 student organizations at Trinity, there's something for everyone. The range and variety of clubs give some insight into what issues concern Trinity students (the Environmental Awareness Club, Connecticut Public Interest Research Group, the Libertarian Society); what careers interest them (Women in Science and Engineering, the Investment Club); and what kind of fun they like to have (the Ballroom Dance Club, the Outing Club, Trinity Off-Road Cycling).

"Everything you want to do you can do," says Austin Perkins, who recently began a political discussion group. The process was as simple as making an application to the Student Government Association, the representative body that addresses academic life issues and oversees all student organizations. Students in recent years also have initiated the Trinity Emergency Response Team.

Clubs and organizations give students the space in which to explore their current interests, try new things, meet like-minded people, make friends outside of their classrooms and dormitories, and just plain have fun. On the other hand, student organizations also offer leadership opportunities and often useful vocational training. Students operate Cinestudio, the campus cinema that draws audiences from the Greater Hartford area. They work with local community members to schedule air time for the campus radio station, WRTC. And, they gain valuable experience in the print media through Trinity's various student publications.

The Student Government Association itself gives students a chance to test their leadership skills. For example, selected SGA representatives are voting members on the College's faculty committees.

"It's important to have student voices on faculty committees," says Gillian Mueller, who has served on the Curriculum Committee and come to know its faculty members as colleagues. She views the committee's work as an excellent complement to her academic education. "This teaches me on a whole other level," she says. "I'm learning how to deal with people, how to compromise on issues, how to fight for what I believe. I'm sure what I'm learning here will be very valuable to me in the future."