There are plenty of Highline clubs available for students to join, but the possibilities don’t end there.
Highline has certified one of the 20 new clubs and recognized the other 19 as of last week, Center for Leadership and Service advisor Cassie Geraghty said.
Center for Leadership and Service at Highline organizes clubs and hosts activities outside of the classroom for Highline students to make connections with others and grow as individuals.
The Cru Club was certified with a mission for surrounding students closer to their religion and Jesus Christ, the club directory on the Highline website said.
19 of those clubs that were recognized last week were: Vietnamese Club, Video Anything Club, Umoja Highline College, Student Veterans of America: Highline Chapter, Student Nurse Club, Running Start Club, RT Club, Muslim Students Association, Physicists of Highline – Association of Thinkers and Tinkerers, K-pop Club, Highline Book Club, Highline College Business Club, Genders and Sexualities Alliance Club, Disney+ Club, Cyber Competition Club, Cooking Club, Computer Science Club, Arts and Design Club, and AAPI Club, the Highline website said.
The Center for Leadership and Service’s clubs consultant Shabrina Rasyad said clubs must go through a process to get recognized or certified.
“There are two tiers of clubs: recognized and certified. All clubs start off by seeking recognition,” she said. “If the club has gained at least 10 members, a faculty/staff advisor, and is looking to host events after 5 p.m., off campus, or travel within Washington state, the club should start the process of seeking certification.”
Clubs can also reach out for support in raising money for their clubs, Rasyad said.
“All clubs – recognized or certified – have access to funding, support and resources provided by the Clubs Program,” she said. “Becoming certified is an optional choice.”
Leadership advisor Cassie Geraghty also said students can start their own club.
“You can learn how to start a club and fill out a club recognition form, on our website,” she said.
Furthermore, Rasyad said those who do decide to create a club should find it easy, as training and setting up rules for a club is done beforehand.
“Club leaders go through leadership and violence prevention training so that the knowledge and skills they gain can help create a safe and welcoming club environment,” she said. “Club formation requires at least five Highline students as club members; This is so that there are people coming to club meetings. The recognition and certification of clubs is voted on by the Associated Students of Highline.”
Club consultants are beside every club in the making for support and guidance if needed, Rasyad said.
“Any and all potential issues get addressed before the vote,” she said. “Please remember that our club consultants are here to help you every step along the way.”
Joining a club is also a straightforward process as academic aspects are the only restrictions for some clubs, Rasyad said.
“Clubs are open to all Highline students, except in clubs and student organizations that are chapters of national organizations that have limitations on membership; These limits can only be based on class standing (# credits), academic standing (GPA), and/or academic major,” she said. “Highline clubs do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, disability, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status or sexual orientation.”
Rasyad breaks down the steps to join a club and said a simple idea is the start of one:
“1. Have an idea and find other Highline students who are interested in your idea.
2. Complete a Club Registration and Approval Form.
3. Attend recognition training with Clubs Consultants and provide for them proof of completion of Violence Prevention Training.
4. Be recognized at the next ASHC meeting,” she said.
Clubs at Highline are built for students to develop skills and create a closer community, according to Rasyad.
“Clubs and organizations have been organized by Highline students with common interests and career goals,” she said. “Clubs offer students to experience personal growth, gain leadership skills, meet new friends, and share common interests.”
For more information on clubs at Highline, click here: Highline Clubs. Or you may check out the club bulletin board in building eight on the third floor.