Out-of-state students at the University reported feeling disproportionately disadvantaged during club recruitment compared to in-state students, according to a survey released to approximately 4,000 second-year students Oct. 8 by Student Council second-year College representative Hayden Matay. The survey aimed to examine perceptions of competitiveness, favoritism and accessibility within student organizations. Out-of-state respondents were far more likely to agree that club involvement depends on personal connections rather than individual qualifications.
The survey was created by Matay, who said that the project was prompted by personal experience and repeated conversations about exclusivity in student organizations. Many clubs on Grounds — especially business clubs — require students to submit applications and go through rounds of interviews, but Matay said the survey results showed that students feel acceptances are often based on prior connections to club members rather than the application they submit.
According to Matay, the survey also highlighted disparities in how students experience involvement in organizations on Grounds. He said that many students left the club recruitment process feeling discouraged and uncertain about their sense of belonging at the University…