As a new student, you might be wondering why you should get involved on campus. You've got enough going on with classes, studying and you might even work. So why would you add one more thing to your to-do list?
Getting involved is worth your time
College is the time when you learn more about yourself. You have the opportunity to try new things, discover who you are, and where your interests lie.
You'll meet different people and make lasting friendships. Getting involved can also help alleviate stress by giving you a break from studying. It’s an opportunity to build your skill-set, be part of a team, feel part of something bigger, and have fun.
Ways to get involved at Hocking
Clubs:
- Epicurean Club - This is a club centered around enjoying the finer culinary things in life. In the past they’ve done demos on Molecular Gastronomy, DIY dried spices, Canning, Macarons and Cold Brew Coffee. They have also done a Pumpkin Carving Workshop and a field trip to Jungle Jim's. Their most recent fundraiser was for Spooky Halloween Caramel Apples.
On the horizon, they plan to have demos for Sushi, Kimchi, Cheese and many others. They also plan to have a field trip to Tensuke Market, an authentic Japanese grocery store in Columbus. For possible workshops, they plan to offer Macarons and Cheese Making. Finally, they may do a Chopped-style competition.
This club is open to the whole school, so you don't have to be in the Hospitality programs to join. The club meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. unless specified otherwise. They meet at The Lodge in the Demo Kitchen in the Culinary building across the street from Main Campus. Students interested can contact our Vice President, Carine Honacki: honackic@hocking.edu or Chef Straw: strawa@hocking.edu.
- Forestry Club - This club is devoted to the enhancement of forestry-based learning. We meet with individuals in the forestry profession from around the region. The Hocking College Forestry Club is also a student chapter of the National Society of American Foresters. Our most exciting project is an annual forestry field trip that we take. This year we are planning on taking a 16-day driving trip to visit the Giant Sequoia and Coastal Redwood trees in California. To be members of the Forestry Club, students must be members of The Society of American Foresters and be enrolled in the forest management program. The Forestry Club meets in NR 213. For more information contact James Downs at downsj3891@hocking.edu.
- Future Farmers of America Alumni Collegiate Chapter (FFA) - The FFA organization promotes leadership development and community service for students of all ages. The Hocking College FFA chapter supports this ideology through member activities such as supporting high school FFA chapters with their endeavors, inviting/interacting with guest speakers at our meetings, planning/implementing chapter fundraising activities, and participating with recruitment as ambassadors for Hocking College and the FFA organization. The club meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Natural Resource building on the first floor. Contact Debbie Arnold at arnold26378@hocking.edu for more information.
- Collegiate Horsemen’s Association (CHA) - The Hocking College Collegiate Horsemen's Association (CHA) is a collegiate chapter of the national organization, the American Collegiate Horsemen's Association. The club began in the fall of 2021 for students interested in all aspects of the equine industry. The club hopes to enhance students' knowledge of the equine field, develop leadership skills and encourage further scholarship in equine studies. The club also wants to service the community and incorporate all aspects of the industry using resources of Hocking College, as well as the local, regional and international community. Currently, they are working to raise funds for members to attend the National Convention in Ocala, FL. This would give students an opportunity to meet professionals in the field and form collaborative relationships. The club consists of the following executive leadership positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All members must be enrolled as full-time students and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Membership dues are $5.00 per semester.
Some of our current activities include the Equine Drill team; the Invitation of equine leaders in the community for a seminar or clinic presentations to the membership; service to our community by volunteering at Last Chance Corral.
The club meets the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the leather room in the barn...but that may change depending upon what the club has planned.
Club Advisor: Dr. Debra Powell. powelld38679@hocking.edu
Club President: Lexi Fox. Email foxa38832@hocking.edu - International Student Club - The International club socializes, schedules outings and fundraisers for students. The club meets once a month on the first or last Wednesday during the autumn and spring semesters. Interested students should contact the club president, Dominic Malcolm (student) at malcolmd@hocking.edu.
- Marketing Club - Membership is open to any active Hocking College student (from any program) that is interested in gaining experience in sales/marketing activities. The activities would include projects for Hocking College, community outreach, local businesses, etc. We meet once per week on Wednesdays from 4- 5 p.m. in John Light Hall, Room 351. These experiences could be great for resume building, networking, skill strengthening, etc The big project they are currently working on is collecting volunteers for the Black Diamond Music Fest. They have also been asked to assist with the upcoming Fashion Show. They create social media pages for small businesses, generate marketing campaign ideas, compose flyers, etc.
Anyone with questions or interested in joining can contact Rachel Jacobs at jacobsr@hocking.edu. - Performing Arts Club - The Performing Arts Club gives students the opportunity to participate in creative writing, performing, directing, costume design, and stage management. The club meets on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in OAK304B. Contact Emily Davis for more information. Email at davise37786@hocking.edu or call at
740-753-6137. - Rainbow Alliance - The Rainbow Alliance Club is a safe place for anyone who wants to join. We are a judgment-free space and welcome the goofy, weird, the straight-laced, the lost, and the confident alike. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual students and those who want to be better allies to their friends and family in the LGBTQIA+ community. And those students who want to meet and socialize. This club participates in various social events including movie nights, trivia, discussions and education. They meet on Wednesdays in Oakley Hall, Room 209 at 5 - 7 p.m. Contact the club president, Courtney Graham (she/her) at grahamc39460@hocking.edu for more information.
- Rugby Club - This is a brand new club for 2022! Interested students should contact Kevin Cox at coxk28967@hocking.edu. This club will meet in the student center.
- Wildlife Club - The Wildlife Club is one of the oldest clubs at Hocking College and is affiliated with The Wildlife Society (student chapter), an international organization dedicated to Wildlife Research and Conservation. The local student chapter participates in wildlife-related events throughout the region, attends conferences and other events that help students network in the field, complete wildlife and conservation projects on and around campus, participate in the Adopt-a-highway program, build and sell wildlife boxes (such as bird and bat boxes) to the community, and do as much community outreach regarding conservation, as possible.
The club meets weekly at 9:30 on Wednesdays in the Natural Resource Building (then often goes out to do a project from there) and often participates in other events on weekends, as well. If a student has questions about joining the club (all are welcome and it is a $5 student fee for a lifetime membership) they are welcome to contact Sayre Flannagan at flannagans@hocking.edu.
Other Organizations:
- NSLS - The National Society of Leadership and Success is the nation's largest accredited leadership honor society. Students are selected by their college for membership based on either academic standing or leadership potential. Candidacy is a nationally recognized achievement of honorable distinction.
In addition to this honorable distinction, the NSLS provides a step-by-step program for members to build their leadership skills through participation at their campus or online. Upon completion of the program, members receive their leadership certificate and take their place among the top student leaders at their campus and across the country. Members are able to list their affiliation on all statements of personal accomplishment, including their resumes. For more information contact Terry Koons at koonst@hocking.edu. - Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Society - Offers a wide range of service, leadership and scholarship opportunities to students with a good GPA. A number of scholarships are available to students who are interested in going on for a four-year degree. Students who are associate degree-seeking; one-year certificate/diploma-seeking; bachelor’s degree-seeking; part-time; workforce; transfer only (not earning an associate degree or certificate); previously earned another degree; international; dual enrolled with high school and college, etc. are eligible for membership if they meet the membership criteria stated in the local chapter’s bylaws. Generally, associate and bachelor’s degree students must have taken 12 hours of college-level coursework. Certificate students must have taken 6 hours of coursework.
For more information, contact Terry Koons at koonst@hocking.edu.
Volunteering:
- Hocking College Nature Center - Dedicated to conservation and education, the Hocking Woods Nature Center has various animals, encourages hands-on learning and is always looking for volunteers to help with programs.
- Robbins Crossing Historical Village - Hocking College's Natural and Historical Interpretation students and community volunteers dress in period costumes and share historical information to help recreate the past and show tourists the 19th century way of life. Visitors can tour the town's old buildings and blacksmith shops, make candles, explore the gift shop, spin yarn and cook on a wood-burning stove. Students interested in volunteering should contact Pat Quakenbush at quackenbushp@hocking.edu or Cole Potts at pottsc28274@hocking.edu.
