Activities Fair
Carnegie Mellon University is home to 225+ student-run organizations recognized by Student Government. The Office of Student Activities organizes a Fall and Winter Activities Fair that will showcase many of our student organizations. Groups span a wide variety of interests and passions representing religious/spiritual, community service/philanthropy, student government, media/publications, club sports/martial arts, professional/academic, political, performance/artistic, gaming, technology, and general interest opportunities.
These fairs are a great way for undergraduate and graduate student organizations to highlight what their group is about, recruit new members, and publicize upcoming programs and initiatives. These fairs will be a great way for undergraduate and graduate students to find their niche at Carnegie Mellon University. You will find more information about our upcoming fairs below.
The Fall Activities Fair will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on the CFA Lawn (Rain Location: Wiegand Gym, University Center).
Register your group
The Winter Activities Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the Wiegand Gym, University Center.
Registration will be open January 12th.
Registration Information for Student Organizations:
Recognized student organizations who wish to participate in the Activities Fair should complete the electronic registration form. Registration is limited only to student government recognized student organizations. Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served registration basis, so apply as soon as possible!
Registration will remain open until all available reserved Activities Fair tables are assigned. All student organizations that register should receive a confirmation email from our office. The Activities Fair Coordinator will notify student organizations via e-mail of their Activities Fair status: Approved, Denied due to space, or Denied due to recognition status. You will find out your table number upon check-in at the Fair.
Groups can contact Kaycee Palko or call 8-8704 to be added to the waiting list after registration closes and table spots are full.
Preparing for the Activities Fair:
Please review the following expectations and tips, which will help prepare you for a successful Activities Fair experience and get your organization off to a great start:
- Complete the registration form in its entirety.
- Check to make sure your student organization profile in OrgTracker is up to date. The OrgTracker website has been updated and there are new functions, as well as new fields for your organization to complete.
- Meet with members from your student organization to plan and prepare for your Activities Fair table. There will be less work on just one person and you'll have more fun. Remember to include those members who are a part of your organization but who might not hold a leadership position.
- Create a display that is engaging and will appeal to your audience. You will be provided with a banquet table 6 feet in length and two chairs. Although it is not anticipated, due to space constraints we might ask you to share space with a neighboring group. Please indicate on your registration form if you are willing to share your table.
- Brainstorm with organization members a creative giveaway to pass out to visitors at the fair. (Note: live animals are not permitted as giveaways).
- Arrive to set up your Activities Fair display on time. You will be able to check in at the Student Activities table starting at 3:30pm. We suggest that you check in by 4:15pm at the latest. If you have not checked into the Student Activities table by 4:45p.m. then your table will be forfeited.
- Have members available at your Activities Fair table to answer questions. Be proactive and approach students instead of just setting up a display and standing beside it.
- Have a sign-up sheet ready to collect the name, email and phone of those interested in being a part of your group.
- Do not expect to have access to electrical outlets. Generators are not permitted. We ask that any music or recorded sound be played only at a level that does not impede conversations at the table next to you.
- We will not be able to provide performance or demonstration space for your organization. However, if you are interested in showcasing your group’s talents, consider hosting a Late Night or UC Fridays event! Please contact Taylor Grabowsky at tag@andrew.cmu.edu for more information.
- Plan when and where your first meeting after the Activities Fair will be. Have this information ready to give to new members so they can plan to attend.
- Follow up with interested students within a week of the Activities Fair with a personal e-mail or phone call to let them know of your meeting. The personal touch will help make your organization stand apart.
- Have fun!