After being held virtually the past two years due to COVID-19, Club Rush is back in-person this semester.
Student Engagement Coordinator Lara Conrady emphasized the importance of Club Rush as more students are coming back to campus and hopes that it will be a fun experience for them. She said clubs have a visible effect on students and the relationships that are built with them.
With the success of the Welcome Week event that kicked off the fall semester, Conrady said there is a sense of novelty among students.
“I feel like everyone is a new student. There’s a lot of newness in the air,” Conrady said.
Student Services Assistant Geremy Mason is optimistic. With the success of Welcome Week, he wants to keep the momentum going for Club Rush, stating that students can do additional things instead of going to class and going home.
“We really want the students to have a good time, while still pursuing their academic goals,” Mason said.
Associated Student Organization Club Council President Javid Ekhteriay wishes to see the number of clubs increase again to pre-pandemic numbers, stating how important the two-day event is for students.
“I think it helps them focus more on their academics because they are engaging with other students,talking about their interests and meeting new people,” Ekhteriay said.
With the omnipresent risk of COVID and Monkeypox, Mason said that they will be supplying students with masks upon request as well as providing access to testing and hand sanitizer.
According to the Los Angeles Community College District, there are no mandates for students regarding vaccinations, testing, daily screening or masking.
Pierce College still recommends students and faculty get vaccinated and boosted, frequently wash their hands, wear masks indoors, test regularly and stay home if sick.
President of the Pierce College Democrats Alexander Schnitzer said that he is both nervous and excited for Club Rush, adding that it is a great way for students to figure out their interests.
He advises students to get involved in college life.
“Go to clubs you like, try new activities, find people, and socialize. There’s more to college than classes and grades,” Schnitzer said.
After a two-year hiatus the Pierce College Democrats Club is back, hoping to create an open and welcoming environment for new and prospective students.
Club Rush will be having an 1980’s theme and students are encouraged to dress up for a chance to win prizes. It will be held on the Pierce College Mall on Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Thursday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
