A couple of weeks ago I was asked by a person sitting next to me on an airplane what I do for a living.  I responded that I work as the Associate Director of Co-Curricular Programs at Loyola University. 

My response was met with a questioning blank stare.

And that’s the way it often goes when I talk with friends, family, the lady who cuts my hair and other assorted acquaintances and strangers when I introduce myself as working in a department within a university called Co-Curricular Programs.  I’m immediately hit with:  “What is an office of Co-Curricular Programs?” 

So, that being said, let’s get all introductions out of the way.  As our name may suggest to you we are responsible for many of the programs that occur outside of and as a complement to the university academic experience. 

Among our responsibilities are New Student Orientation, Commuter Services, management of the Danna Student Center, student organizations including Greek Life, Student Government Association, University Programming Board, Late Night Programming and Leadership Development offerings. 

Whether it’s a lecture series or an on-campus concert we are, essentially, the people who assist with making activities and events happen. 

Our job, first and foremost, is to facilitate experiential leadership and learning opportunities for the students with whom we work. 

We do this by providing opportunities for involvement by working in groups for and with others and providing an environment where people learn real, tangible life, leadership and communication skills. 

Getting involved in Co-Curricular Programs allows you to plan events for the benefit and enjoyment of other students and along the way you get to meet new people, establish friendships and relationships and most importantly, have fun!

Getting involved with Co-Curricular Programs also helps you to find your niche on campus.  There are numerous student organizations that you can join at Loyola. If you can’t find one that you like and still want to get involved, it’s easy to start your own! 

Some organizations allow you to join groups with peers that share similar interests. Others force you to challenge yourself and interact with people whom you would not ordinarily work with. These are experiences that you will draw upon later in life. 

Regardless of your major or intended profession, getting involved will serve to your benefit and as a great complement to the excellent liberal arts education that you receive here at Loyola. 

As you move beyond the gates of Loyola and enter into the world, today’s employers want to be assured that you have experience and are adept at working with others. 

Sometimes students misunderstand this and over-extend themselves by joining numerous organizations with the idea of building up a resume.  I strongly caution against this and advocate quality over quantity. 

It’s important in our time with so many demands on your schedule that you pace yourself and are deliberate about what and how you get involved outside of the classroom.

I’ve known students who get so involved that something that was supposed to be fun and enriching becomes a burden.  I’ve also witnessed students in the past who’ve become over-extended to the detriment of their grades and academic performance. 

At the end of the day it’s important that you remember the reason why you are here at Loyola: To receive a quality education. 

If pursued in a healthy manner, on campus involvement can and will set the stage for a lifetime of joy, service, holistic balance and meaning that you will be forever grateful for.
If you’d like to learn more please visit us in the basement of the Danna Student Center. 

We can get you started in crafting your campus and Co-Curricular experience!

David Gunn is the associate director of co-curricular programming. He can be reached at  [email protected]

On The Record is a weekly column open to any Loyola faculty or staff. Those who are interested can e-mail [email protected]