Friday, November 23, 2007

Extracurricular Activities - A Vital Part of Your College Education

When students join some extracurricular activity, the obvious reason why they do it is for entertainment and social reasons. But in college, these activities become increasingly important. They are established with the purpose of complementing the university’s curriculum as well as enhancing the student’s overall educational experience. That is why a school such as John Carroll University provides so many opportunities for student involvement.

Developing a Well-Rounded Individual
The main goal of extracurricular activities is to develop a well-rounded individual, which usually also encompasses one of the overall objectives of the university. Therefore these activities provide students with an environment in which they can improve their intellectual, emotional, social, and inter-personal development. Because students will be working with others, it also provides opportunities to develop negotiation and communication skills, learn how to better handle conflicts, and also how to step up as a leader. This interaction with other students also provides a peer group that students can identify with and helps them to better fit in. Also important is the fact that students can learn better time management, and can gain an appreciation for the diversity found within these groups.

Academic and Future Success
Students who are involved are kept busy and happy, which has positive effects on their educational success. Studies have shown that students are more likely to persist in college if they feel like they have had rewarding encounters with the school’s social and academic systems. Along the same lines is the fact there are higher retention rates for those who view college as a positive experience and feel like they are a vital part of the university. In addition, future employers tend to seek students with increased involvement and skill levels, and consequently, students who are actively involved are more likely to have higher educational ambitions and career goals.

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