When students are unable to find club organization that suits their interests, they can create their own.

One such individual, junior sociology student Josh Horner, is attempting to set up a fitness club with friends. He said he has experience setting up clubs and thinks a fitness club would have great success at UPJ.

“I transferred from St. Vincent, and we started one out there,” Horner said. “There were probably about 20 people in it with a solid group of 15 who came on a regular basis.”

He said his group was in place to unite those with a shared interest in health and fitness, and his proposal of a UPJ version has met with acceptance.

“It’s basically for people who want to learn more about fitness … to find others who are interested in fitness,” Horner said. “At least 15 to 20 people have said: ‘Yeah I’m interested.’ ”

Though the health and fitness promotion is to play a large role in the club, Horner said he also wants the club to deter students from destructive decisions.

“A lot of kids nowadays use alcohol and drugs to medicate, but I’ve used fitness and the gym, personally. I feel like a lot of kids can find the same escape.

“That’s one big reason that I wanted to get this club started,” Horner said.

Similarly, senior science-education student Josh Krupa said he too sees a necessity for like-minded students to help educate each other and said he thinks a science-education club would serve as the perfect outlet.

“Surprisingly, there was never a club just for science education,” Krupa said. “But I think we’ll be able to set one up. We’ve had many kids interested.”

Krupa said the group’s goal will provide a better-rounded view of sciences to convey vital workplace skills.

“We wanted to keep everyone up to date and to make them more aware of sciences outside of their major.”

“A lot of times, [after being graduated], they are asked to teach outside of their field,” Krupa said, adding that he sees a high likelihood of success.

Secondary science-education professor Joanna Harrington, who is to advise the group, said she, too, sees success in the club’s future.

“I am 100 percent confident that this club will not only be established, but will flourish and take on a much-needed role in campus life,” Harrington said.

“The students leading the club’s establishment are enthusiastic leaders with a genuine interest in making the science education club an active and lasting presence at UPJ.

“Aside from bringing the science education students closer together, the club also seeks to benefit the campus and community.”

She said that plans include creating job-seeking skills, study habits and a support system for new and established students, as well as boosting interest in science and field trips.

Senior science-education student Kaitlyn McKool said that, because of a workplace demand for well roundedness, the club is to focus strongly on familiarizing students to different science concentrations.

“We want to get groups together to tutor in our local schools, and we want to take little trips for each area of science,” McKool said.

“For earth and space, we are thinking of a hiking trip … and for biology, going to an aquarium, and for chemistry, going to a chemical lab, but we are open to suggestions from anyone in the club.”

She said the group also wants to have high school teachers and principals give presentations explaining interview and classroom strategies.

She said she sees the club’s establishment in the near future.

“We have about 10 ten people interested right now,” she said. “We’ve written our constitution, and we are going to have one more interest meeting to vote-in officers.”

Student Life Director Sherri Rae said there have been requests for other new clubs and organizations as well.

“There have been at least five that have come to me,” Rae said, adding that other prospective clubs include (Chinese) student organization and, women in business club.

“It’s been a large number … for this early in the term. Usually, I get more in January. Five is a good number for us to get.”

To establish a new organization a number of steps must be followed, Rae said.

“Basically they have to have a minimum of 10 people interested … they have to find a faculty advisor, and they have to write a constitution and bylaws. Then they have to appoint officers.