Navigating Student Life: A Guide to CMC Student Organizations
Claremont McKenna College (CMC) prides itself on a vibrant and engaging student life fostered through a diverse array of student organizations. These organizations play a crucial role in shaping the college experience, providing opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the campus community. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of CMC's student organizations, resources, and processes for both joining existing groups and creating new ones.
The Role of the Draper Center for Community Partnerships
The Draper Center for Community Partnerships plays a vital role in fostering mutually beneficial exchanges among community members, students, faculty, and staff. The center supports educational outreach initiatives, community-based research and learning, and other community engagement activities. It reinforces existing ties and forges new ones between the College and other community organizations ensuring dynamic, mutually educational and constructive partnerships.
Leadership Development Through the LASPA Center
The LASPA Center for Leadership provides programming, partnerships, and engagement designed to empower emerging women leaders and to expand women’s global influence, power, and impact.
Community Engagement Through CEC
CEC works in the community creating partnerships, supporting innovative community-based projects by offering research awards and fellowships.
The Queer Resource Center (QRC)
The Queer Resource Center is a 7 College resource center serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, omnisexual, pansexual and allied community at the Claremont Colleges. The QRC is located on Pomona’s campus south east of Frary Dining Hall, in Walton Commons. The address is 395 E.
Read also: Berkeley Student Organizations
SCORE: Empowering Student Organizations
The Student Organizations Resource Center (SCORE) provides organizational support and resources to empower student organizations so that they may further promote social and political awareness, specifically with respect to issues of class, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexuality, and sexual orientation. SCORE seeks to build a community of people dedicated to enhancing and supporting inclusion at Scripps College and beyond through programming and advising within a social justice framework.
Student Affairs and its Role
CMC operates as a student-college partnership organization that receives support and advice from Student Affairs. The Vice President for Student Affairs oversees a wide spectrum of programs at CMC to ensure that the College is running smoothly for students. The Vice President reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the College and is responsible for supervision of several units within the College including: the Dean of Students Office and the Soll Center for Student Opportunity. The Dean of Students Office includes the offices of the Dean of Students, Academic Success, Health Promotion and Case Management, Student Engagement, International Student Services, Residential Life, and the CARE Center.
Residential Life and Housing Options
Claremont McKenna College takes pride in its vibrant residential community. To maintain a robust community atmosphere, all undergraduate students are required to live in college housing. Each year, a limited number of juniors and seniors may request to live-off campus in housing that is not sponsored by the College. Requests must be made prior to the student’s assigned room draw date. Students who have a disability that precludes living in a residence hall. Documentation of the disability is required from a qualified professional who has direct knowledge of the student and his or her condition, e.g., physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc.
Students participating in global education programs are required to live in college housing upon returning to CMC unless otherwise approved. Students returning from Global Ed may request permission to live off campus in non-college housing by November 1 for Spring semester or by March 1 for Fall semester, and they will be notified of the outcome of their application by December 1 or April 1, respectively. Approval is never guaranteed. If the application is denied, students are required to live in college housing and will be billed accordingly. In semesters where the College finds itself at capacity in its housing system, CMC reserves the right to require students returning from Global Ed to live elsewhere.
Housing contracts are binding for the full academic year. Students are obligated to remain on-campus for both fall and spring semesters, unless they are participating in a College-approved global education program, are taking an approved leave of absence, or otherwise meet the above criteria mid-year.
Read also: Guide to VCU Organizations
CMC Apartments
The CMC Apartments provide housing for 146 students in 34 four-person apartments, 4 two-person studio apartments, and 2 one-person studio apartments. The apartments are gender inclusive. The apartment amenities include kitchens with dishwashers, full-size refrigerators, and a range/oven, air conditioning, private entrances, parking, community barbecue areas, a basketball court, and laundry facilities.
The Kendry Apartments
The Kendry Apartments are College-leased apartments located less than one mile from campus. They provide housing for three-person, two-bedroom apartments and two-person one-bedroom apartments. The apartments are gender inclusive. The apartment amenities include kitchens with dishwashers, full-size refrigerators, and a range/oven, microwave, air conditioning, free in-unit laundry, internet, private entrances, one parking space per apartment, community barbecue areas, clubhouse with a pool, hot tub, community space, and gym facilities. Although the apartments are off-campus, all CMC policies and housing regulations apply to students living at Kendry. Two resident assistants and a professional staff member live on-site as well. The College operates a daily shuttle when classes are in session that transports students between Kendry and the CMC campus, as well as a weekly stop at Target.
Resident Assistants (RAs)
At least one Resident Assistant is assigned to each residence hall and the apartments. The responsibilities of Resident Assistants include advising students, resolving conflicts in the building, assisting residents in resolving maintenance and damage issues, building healthy communities, and enforcing College policies. Duty is rotated among the RAs so there are at least two RAs on call every night. Resident Assistants are available to help students with problems they encounter in residential life and adjusting to the College. Each year, a student must sign the Housing Contract prior to living in the halls. No room changes will be allowed without the approval of the Dean of Students Office. Room rates for the current academic year can be found at www.cmc.edu/student-accounts/tuition. If a student withdraws from the College during the academic year and a new resident is assigned to the vacancy, the housing charge may be prorated.
Resident Technology Assistants (RTAs)
Resident Technology Assistants are student members of the College’s staff, operating under the direction of the Assistant Director of Student Technology Services. The College retains RTAs for each residence hall and the apartments, as well as one lead.
Student Engagement Office
The Student Engagement Office advises the College Programming Board, ASCMC Clubs and Organizations, Arts Council, the Marks Music Room, the Bubble, ASCMC, and more! If you are interested in joining an organization, need help planning an event, have ideas for an off-campus excursion, or just want to be more involved, we invite you to connect with us!
Read also: Explore USC Student Life
ASCMC: The Associated Students of Claremont McKenna College
ASCMC is the official student government of the Claremont McKenna College student body. Its mission is to serve, represent, and lead the students of CMC. Registered as a nonprofit corporation with the State of California, ASCMC is run by an Executive Boardand led by the President. Other elected members of the Board include the Vice President of Student Activities, the Executive Vice President, the Dormitory Affairs Chair, and four Class Presidents. Appointed positions on the Board of Directors include the Chief Financial Officer, Diversity & Inclusion Chair, Chief Operating Officer, Vice President for Campus Organizations, Events Support Director,, the Director of Event Operations, the Chief Ethics and Procedural Officer, Comptroller, and Mental Health and Wellness Liaison.
ASCMC Student Senate is led by the Executive Vice President. The Senate is the legislative branch and serves to balance the Executive Board’s decision-making powers, as well as to provide avenues for greater student participation and input. Any student is able to become a Senator by attending three consecutive Senate meetings, or by attending the first Senate meeting of the year. ASCMC is always searching for students interested in participating in the service and governance of the student body.
The College Programming Board (CPB)
CPB is a student-run organization charged with the creation, organization, and implementation of inclusive programming for the students of Claremont McKenna College. Working in close collaboration with the Student Engagement Staff, CPB provides a multitude of programs on nights and weekends for students to enjoy. CPB values student input and involvement with helping to shape programs that will ignite interest and participation from our peers. Past CPB events have included weekly Friday night movies, anti-stress activities during finals, and off-campus excursions to Disneyland, the LACMA, and other iconic Los Angeles destinations. If you would like see our upcoming events, current board members, and stay up to date on all things CPB check out our Instagram!
Joining Existing Clubs and Organizations
There are over 50 different clubs and organizations you can join at CMC that cater to a variety of interests, identities, and activities. If you are interested in learning more about what we have to offer, please attend the CMC Club Fair hosted at the beginning of each semester to meet with group representatives and learn more about how to become a member. Beyond the ASCMC-specific clubs, The Claremont Colleges have over 150 5C organizations. The members of these groups include students from the five undergraduate colleges (5C). All events and programs hosted through these groups cater to students across the 5Cs and are recognized through the Associated Students of Pomona College.
Finding Organizations on Engage
How to Access Engage: Choose your home school's portal below. Log in with your school ID and password, and then click on the Engage link. CMC PortalHarvey Mudd PortalPitzer PortalPomona PortalScripps Portal - under the Campus Life tab Here's what you get with Engage: A list of all 5C & Pomona clubs and organizations with which you can get connected 5C calendar of events for all student clubs/orgs, so you know what's happening Online event registration tools for holding an event on the Pomona campus. Click on the organizations tab on the Engage homepage and you will see a list of organizations at the 5Cs. You can search by name, keywords or categories. Through ASCMC and College Programming Board, there are over 50 different college-funded clubs and organizations you can join that cater to a variety of interests, cultures, and activities. If you are interested in learning more, attend the Club Fair hosted at the beginning of each semester to meet with group representatives and to learn more about how to become a member.
Creating a New Organization
If you find that the current list of clubs does not match your interests, we encourage you to create your own organization! Chartering a student organization at CMC presents an incredible opportunity to serve the campus community, develop new leadership skills, and enrich your college experience. Recognized student organizations have access to a range of Student Engagement and ASCMC resources and workshop series. New Club Charter applications are accepted on a rolling basis during the school year.
Requirements for Club Recognition
Annual Organization Recognition is required for previously chartered clubs who would like to remain active in the current academic year. Below are the requirements for annual recognition, as well as the consequences should your organization fail to meet them.
Club Leader Orientation
It is mandatory for all student organizations to have at least two officers complete the Club Leader Orientation annually. This training prepares organization leaders to better understand Student Engagement policy, event registration procedures, and the ASCMC budget and reimbursement process. It is mandatory for a student organization to have two leaders complete this training session to be informed and educated on how to best lead and protect their organization.
Application for Recognition
To become a recognized student organization, you must complete the Application for Recognition. This online form will require an updated roster and constitution in order to be submitted. Failure to complete the Recognition Application will result in a loss of charter and annual budget. Clubs who fail to complete the Recognition Application, who wish to remain active, must submit a new charter application and request discretionary funding.
Online Club Orientation
Complete the mandatory Club Leader Orientation. Approved organizations’ officers will complete an online club orientation. A minimum of two officers are required to complete the orientation. As soon as the organization completes the training requirement, it may begin/resume operating and meeting. Failure to complete the online Club orientation will result in a budget freeze and may result in the inability to reserve spaces on campus.
Club Fair Participation
Host a table at the Fall and Spring Club Fair. All recognized campus organizations must host a table at the Fall and Spring Club Fair which takes place in the first two weeks of the semester. Organizations must have two members present at all times to answer questions, receive sign ups, and talk about the organization to prospective members. Failure to host a table at the Fall Clubs Fair will result in a rescindment of budget money for meetings in September of that year. ($60 maximum)
Policy Review
Review Student Engagement Organization policies. Become familiar with institutional policies, specifically student organization policies for officers and activities, to ensure that the proposed organization will adhere to expectations for the entire CMC community.
Application for Charter
Complete application for charter. Student organizations are only chartered once. After an organization has been chartered, they will renew their active status once a year using the Application for Recognition form. Before your application is chartered, you may be required to meet with the ASCMC Vice President of Campus Organizations or the Assistant Director of Student Engagement.
Club Leader Training
Complete the Club Leader Orientation. Approved organizations’ officers will complete a club and organizations training to prepare them to lead a successful organization. A minimum of two officers are required to complete the orientation annually.
Transportation and Mobility
Many students ride bikes and longboards around campus. The CMC Bike Shop is a student run initiative that is overseen by the Roberts Environmental Center. CMC students, staff, and faculty are invited to rent bikes for free for a short rental period. Student staff are able to help patrons put together new bikes and fix bikes or longboards free of charge.
Alternative Transportation Options
The Claremont Colleges offer several alternative transportation options, promoting sustainability and convenience.
Foothill Transit Class Pass
The Claremont Colleges and Foothill Transit have teamed up to bring you a better way to get around town. The Class Pass gives students, faculty, and staff at The Claremont Colleges free rides on Foothill Transit local and Silver Streak buses.
Claremont Dial-a-Ride
Claremont Dial-a-Ride is a public transportation service that operates within the boundaries of Claremont.
Metrolink
Metrolink is Southern California’s Commuter Train Service. There is a Metrolink station in Claremont on First Street, close to the Village.
Zipcar
Zipcar is a service that rents cars to students 18 or over with good driving records. Zipcars, which are located at Pomona and Pitzer, allow students to have short-term use of a car for shopping, medical appointments, or other personal errands.
Sustainability Initiatives
The student body at CMC plays a critical role in College-wide efforts to reduce the College’s impact on the environment. Recycling is encouraged through convenient location of recycling containers throughout every campus building including recycling receptacles in every student room. Please be sure to place only recyclable items in these containers; once they are contaminated, the entire contents must be trashed.
Other CMC Student Clubs
We want you to make friends and lifelong memories at Copper Mountain College. CMC Student Clubs are a great way to meet other people with similar interests. Find out which club is right for you. Forms for Clubs Please be sure that all forms are filled out completely as well as having signatures prior to sending to the listed recipient. Please review the information found here in the Sample Consitution and Bylaws Student Club Information.
Arts & Crafts Club
Whether you’re a practiced artist or you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, the Arts and Crafts Club is here to let you express yourself. All Artists Welcome. We meet to practice, learn, and socialize.
ASL Club
We attend local Deaf events and activities. In Spring 2023, we held two Deaf Cafes, which are bake sale fundraisers and also an opportunity to teach other students some basic signs. We also attended the Deaf Nation event in Pasadena. In Fall 2023, we have several fundraisers planned, as well as weekly meetings, movie screenings, and Coffee Chats. We will assist ICC in the Warm Up Winter drive for the needy in our community and we are updating our club constitution to reflect changes in technology and distance-learning students.
Auto Club
The Auto Club is open to all students interested in participating in activities that support and promote the Automotive Program at CMC. Official meetings and coordination will be over discord to minimize the impact of limited student time. To become a member, simply attend two gaming events either online or on campus. This semester and beyond we will strive toward the following goal Collaborative with other clubs on campus. Raising funds to further the club’s activity options. Game options for anyone interested in having fun. People are encouraged to bring their own games as well! Group Cooperatives and competitions are organized over discord.
Military Support and Services Club
Come to the Military Support and Services Club to show off your support today. When: TBD Where: TBD Club President: Mel Irons Club Advisor: Marissa Salomon
Phi Theta Kappa: Beta Rho Pi
Pride Club
Pride Club is a space for all students - regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity - to learn about labels, issues, and history in the queer community. Pride Club offers support for all queer members and creates opportunities for our voices to be heard. In Fall 2022, Pride Club connected with Arts + Crafts Club and ASL Club for a charity bake sale. Thanks to the faculty and students on campus, we raised over $150 for the Trevor Project! Pride Club has also attended the Palm Springs Pride Parade with support from the college and created many lasting memories. CMC has also joined a list of colleges who host Lavender Graduation -an event meant to celebrate the accomplishments of the queer graduates here. Pride Club has partnered with Student Life many times now to host events with local queer artists. The success of past events, partnered with the encouragement of the school, has led to growth and stability in our club. This combination has made it possible for the Safe Zone project to start here; a project that allows opportunities for faculty and staff to become the best allythat they can be to our community here! We look forward to furthering progress at CMC, and making many more memories for Pride members in the future.
The current ASCMC officers are: President: Raechel Morrissett Vice President: Nayeli Liera Secretary: Jadyn Bauer Treasurer: Vacant Ambassadors: Vacant Senator: Sean Carter Senator: Kianna Day Senator: Mercy Magda ASCMC Advisor: Chelsi Chastain and Mike Danza
Criminal Justice Club
The Criminal Justice Club is a student-led organization open to all CMC students interested in learning about and becoming more involved in the field of criminal justice.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Student Government Association (SGA) is the official student governing body at Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs. Its main responsibilities are to facilitate student/faculty/staff relations, to ensure that student concerns and needs are resolved and to oversee student clubs and other activities. The Student Government Association ensures that students have a voice in what goes on around campus and represents the Colorado Mountain College Student Body. Serving in student government is a great way to network, develop leadership skills, become active and make a lasting difference at your CMC campus.
Athletic and Recreational Facilities
The Claremont Colleges offer outstanding athletic and recreational facilities. CMC’s recreational facilities are available for general student use and are scheduled around intercollegiate and PE activities. The football field and track are located in the southeast corner of campus, near the student apartments. CMC also has excellent baseball, softball, and soccer fields. The Biszantz Family Tennis Center with 12 lit courts is located at the corner of Sixth Street and Brooks Avenue. The weight room is equipped with pin-select, plate-loaded machines and free weights for recreational and athletics use. The fitness center has cardiovascular and a pin-select weight-lifting circuit from Life Fitness and is available for general use. The Axelrood pool is available for fitness and competition activities and is available for general lap swimming daily at lunch. The Scripps College pool is available for general recreation. Roberts Pavilion is the hub of all CMS Athletic, Recreation, & Physical Education programming and special events. CMS Recreation provides extensive access to a broad range of recreational activities and services for students, faculty, and staff of Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, and Scripps Colleges. The department offers programming that encompasses the competitive, passive, social, cultural, and instructional aspects of recreational activity. CMS Intramural Sports programs connect students to the campus community and each other by creating memories through diverse sporting and recreational events that promote fair play, sportsmanship, relationships, and lifelong activity in a safe environment. Most leagues are divided up into a variety of divisions and classifications. Campus Recreation also assists club sports teams with administrative needs including travel procedures, accounting, and scheduling facilities for practice and competition between the Colleges. To be eligible to use a Claremont Colleges facility or receive funding assistance from the associated student governments, a club sports team must register with CMS Recreation.
The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum
The Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum hosts nationally prominent speakers-scholars, authors, musicians, poets-who join students, faculty, and staff for dinner and programs every Monday through Thursday during the semester. The Athenaeum houses three sitting rooms/lounges, each with an adjoining dining room. The Athenaeum Director handles the scheduling of the distinguished speaker program, with input and assistance from the Student Fellows. The Athenaeum Advisory Committee, composed of students, faculty, and administrators, meets regularly to discuss programming and set policies and procedures. Other scheduling (i.e., professor/class gatherings) is handled by the Athenaeum General Manager, who oversees the daily operation of the facility, including food service. Students interested in part-time employment at the Athenaeum should contact the Athenaeum General Manager.
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