Stony Brook University has officially welcomed over 30 new campus clubs and organizations for the spring semester. As the year gets underway, many students are searching for a new niche.
Here are some of the most exciting new clubs on our radar at The Statesman.
If students are looking to advocate for animals, this may be the perfect club for them.
“The Animal Rights Club aims to raise awareness about animal cruelty and encourage students to take steps in their day-to-day lives to minimize animal suffering,” Laura Streminsky, president and sophomore biology major, said.
The Animal Rights Club will meet every other Friday evening in the SAC. Meetings will consist of discussions about animal rights issues and fun activities. They also plan to host vegan bake sales for nonprofit animal rescue organizations during the semester.
For those looking to dispose of unwanted goods and give them to those in need, Hidden Treasures is the club to join.
“A lot of products, still in good condition, get tossed into the living community dumpsters at the end of a school year, and a lot of incoming first years go out and purchase those products to use for a short period of time,” Kate Mak, secretary of Hidden Treasures, said.
Hidden Treasures will show students how to sell their items on marketplace platforms such as Depop, be environmentally conscious and donate to local charities and drives. The club’s goal is to eliminate waste and help students save on living necessities.
The American Sign Language (ASL) Club hopes to create a safe environment for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
“My dream was to give the SBU deaf community representation on campus, help provide them with a safe accessible club,” Sabrina Flanagan, founder of the ASL Club, said. “I hope the club can educate hearing SBU students about the deaf experience while we share, learn and practice American Sign Language.”
The club allows students to learn more about the deaf community and practice the language with their peers. ASL Club will be collaborating with other student organizations, giving them the chance to co-host events.
The Eczema Advocacy Network hopes to create a warm and welcoming environment for those affected by eczema, since it affects many children and adolescents.
“I want us to come together to talk about things that are usually isolating. Members can look forward to awareness-raising events too,” President Rachel Riddle said. “Eczema is so common, but it’s not very widely understood and can be devastating.”
The club hopes to include working vacuums in each residence hall on campus and a fragrance-free washing machine in every laundry room. According to Riddle, students have complained that they can’t wear clothes that are washed on campus if the person before them used Tide Pods or scent beads.
Join this club if you have eczema and want to share your experience with other members, or if you want to support those who have been dealing with this condition.
Pagan Student Society gives students the space to learn more about and practice spiritual traditions from across the globe. Whether you’re interested in paganism, folk religion or spiritual traditions, you will have the chance to discuss different world spiritualities and cultures.
“If you’re an enthusiast of holiday celebrations, learning new things, and plenty of tarot card nights, you’ll be sure to love Pagan Student Society,” President Emily Fredericks said.
Are you an aspiring real estate developer? If so, the Real Estate Institute (REI) Club connects students who are interested in the industry and gives them increased knowledge outside of their classes. Students can learn and grow with many of real estate’s most important components: real estate license training, mentorships and workshops.
“Make friends with those that share your interests! The real estate institute club is the place to be if you’re seeking for a group of ambitious, devoted, and career-development-focused people,” President Jose Martinez said.
REI Club works closely with the Stony Brook Real Estate Institute to provide professional assistance and networking. These opportunities give students vast and vibrant knowledge of the real estate industry.
Are you looking for a relaxing way to rewind after a long day of classes and pick up a new hobby? The Crochet Club allows you to do both.
“Every GBM we’re gonna teach our members a new skill and it’s basically us giving lessons to beginner crocheters, so they can make whatever they want from clothes to plushies and more,” Monica Churaman, the club’s webmaster, said.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a novice, all levels of experience are welcome to join. The club will have patterns to play around with and opportunities for those already familiar with crochet to have fun also.
Future events include watching a movie and crocheting, as well as a Valentine’s Day event.
The Future Teachers Association is a new club that anyone can join to learn more about the educational field. Students don’t even have to be education majors to attend meetings and events. The Future Teachers Association allows new members to gain exposure, experience, network and understand the competitive teaching field.
Calling all Taylor Swift fans, better known as Swifties! If you love Taylor and share in your appreciation of her musical and entertainment contributions, Swifties at SBU is the place for you.
“Swifties at SBU is an organization that was founded as a safe place for Taylor Swift enthusiasts to come together and bond over all things Taylor,” Angel Polito, social media coordinator, said. “Members will be given the chance to shake off semester struggles by attending bejeweled TS-themed events that are sure to surpass their wildest dreams.”
Weekly meetings will allow members to discuss their favorite Taylor Swift albums and lyrics while making new friends. Students can prove their knowledge by playing along in Swift trivia exercises, Song Association and Charades. Also, the club will host Taylor Swift karaoke, where members will be encouraged to dress up as moments from their favorite Swift eras.
Students can find other new clubs and organizations on campus via SB Engaged and Instagram.
