Campus Life | January 31st, 2025

The Impact of Student Organizations at FAMU

By: Kandon Fears | Staff Writer

Many people say college is where you form friendships and connections that last a lifetime. It can be argued that there is no better place to curate those bonds than Florida A&M University, where becoming a part of the “Famuly” is emphasized the moment students touch down on campus. 

Florida A&M’s Office of Student Activities takes pride in offering over 300 registered student organizations. Becoming involved in any of these organizations is an effective way for students to become emersed in campus culture and accumulate a thriving network.  

Nathara Moise, a second-year broadcast journalism student is a member of the FAMU Section of National Council of Negro Women Inc. She credits the organization with helping her expand her network. 

Building Connections with NCNW 

“Being in NCNW has allowed me to build connections with different people, not just in J-School, but from different backgrounds and different places,” Moise said.  

Joining the organization has also encouraged Moise to become a vessel for political engagement. Something she had no prior experience in.  

“A lot of people in our community did not want to vote, but seeing how the organization took a stance encouraging political involvement made me want to advocate for voting more,” Moise said! 

Engagement in student organizations has been linked to higher levels of confidence, communication skills, and adaptability. In 2023, the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) found that 74% of students who participated in these organizations reported improved teamwork and leadership abilities. 

Collegiate 100: Driving Force Behind Academic and Personal Excellence 

Jaden Williams, a fourth-year computer science student is a Spring ‘23 inductee of the Powerhouse Chapter of Collegiate 100. He shared a few things Collegiate 100 has taught him. 

“Our motto, what they see is what they’ll be, is especially true when it comes to academics,” Williams said. “I was always a good student but being in Collegiate forced me to be surrounded by like-minded black men that pushed me to show that I could be doing more. Instead of just scurrying by I started to pursue excellence and give my best, not only academics but in everything.” 

Beyond academics, another benefit of college is the personal growth individuals experience. Students grow in ways they may have never imagined. The college environment challenges students to step outside their comfort zones, exposing them to new cultures and ideas that shape their development. 

Additionally, NSSE found that students involved in campus organizations were 45% more likely to feel connected to their university community compared to those who did not participate. 

This is especially true for transfer students who are looking to feel like they belong. Student organizations can serve as a lifeline for them.  

A Lifeline for Transfer Students 

Alicia Adams, a third-year broadcast journalism student, transferred to Florida A&M during the spring 2023 semester. She immediately became involved in, “Word Around Campus.” A student led production based in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication focusing on creating content centered around what’s trending on campus.  

Adams feels that Word around Campus (WAC) was the jumpstart she needed as she embarked upon her journey at the university.  

“WAC gave me a place to go. WAC gave me an outlet to gain friendship and fellowship with my classmates who’ve already had that since their freshman year,” Adams said. 

The nature of the production gave Adams a unique opportunity to talk about topics that piqued her interest, alongside her peers.   

It doesn’t matter whether you are a freshman, transfer student or senior. Student organizations have proven to serve as the main catalyst for friendship, networking, and development for all FAMU scholars.