The University of La Verne provides undergraduates numerous opportunities for a rich and meaningful social experience on campus through free concerts, events, sports programs and a range of clubs.

Students interested in athletics, Greek life, journalism, art, or cultural, academic or special interest clubs will find that
La Verne has something for everyone.

In the fall, the campus comes together to celebrate Homecoming Week, where ice cream socials, bowling, dance contests and other activities lead up to the big football game. Toward the end of the academic year, students burn off steam at Lavernapalooza, a free concert that draws high-profile musical acts. And in between, students can attend baseball and basketball games, art gallery openings or become involved in student government while forming fast friendships.

La Verne places a premium on involving students in campus life.

“There are so many ways to become engaged on campus,” said Loretta Rahmani, Dean, Student Affairs.

Undergraduates are introduced to the clubs and activities offered on campus during orientation week. At any given time, the university has more than 40 recognized clubs, some of which are well-established. Clubs include the First Generation Club, the Lordsburg Debate Union and the Black Student Union.

If a student doesn’t find a club that matches his or her interests, it’s easy to start one up.

“The big thing is they can make the opportunity, not everything is cookie cutter,” said Barbara Mulligan, Director of Student Life. “They have a lot of flexibility with our programs.”

Working on campus is another way to keep students connected with other students and with faculty and staff. It also helps some students’ need to earn extra money while engaging a fuller campus life.

La Verne sophomore C.J. Krickl, 19, enjoys being active on campus. He is involved in a committee of the Campus Activity Board (CAB), which coordinates about 120 programs annually, and his fraternity. He was an orientation week leader over the summer and is running for a position in student government. That’s in sharp contrast to his freshman year, when he drove to campus and left after classes.

“At first, when I was not involved, I only had a maximum of five friends on campus,” Krickl said. “My social circle exploded into well over 200 people because of how involved I am. I am having what I consider to be the full-blown college experience, and I’m still maintaining good grades.” While everyone may not connect with hundreds of people, there are opportunities to get involved at a level that meets their needs.

Krickl has found another bonus: he has learned to manage his time more wisely and says he has developed closer, deeper relationships at La Verne than he did during his years at home.

That’s not uncommon, according to Dean Rahmani. “Friendships formed at La Verne often last lifetimes,” she said. And, those relationships have immediate impact. “Research shows that students who are engaged in their community have higher grade point averages and more satisfying college experiences, among other things.”

La Verne’s size also makes students feel at home. “There’s an instant connection,” Mulligan said. “The students don’t feel like a number. When they walk around, the faculty all know them by their first names.”

Related Posts from the Archives:

1. Student Orientation Activities to Keep New Entering Class Busy Over the Next Five Days
2. President Lieberman Joins Executive Board of California Campus Compact
3. La Verne Celebrates Grand Opening of New Inland Empire Campus
4. Welcome Back to La Verne
5. First International Student in ULV's Child Life Program