Community engagement on campus

NAYONIKAA SINGHAAL
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

KAITRISS DEGROFT
STAFF WRITER

10/6/2025

College life is more than coursework. It is also about the connections we build within our campus community and beyond. From volunteer projects to local events and community organizations, opportunities to get involved are everywhere. 

Getting involved in the community can feel overwhelming at first. It can be challenging to know where to begin or how to make the most of your time here. Finding a starting point is often the key to feeling more connected and building experiences that last beyond college.

To provide insight into how students can get involved and why it matters, Carla Jensen, the director of the Center for Campus & Community Engagement, offered a perspective based on extensive work with both students and local organizations.

“This will be students’ home throughout their time at Alma College, and feeling connected and engaged with the community and the wider world will enrich students’ experience and preparation for life after college,” said Jensen.

Community involvement not only strengthens connections but also creates a positive impact that extends beyond campus.

“Every graduate of Alma College will go on to be a member of a community, whether this community or a different one. This is a chance to explore how you want to be involved, the roles you will play, and the impact you can make,” said Jensen.

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities near campus that are always in need of a helping hand. Volunteering can be an accessible way to step outside your comfort zone, try something new, and build new connections. 

For students unsure where to begin, opportunities to get involved are closer and more accessible than they might think. 

“The starting point can be as easy as strolling down West Superior Street and checking out the businesses downtown, attending a local event, such as board game night at Ballyhoo Books and Brew, or finding a volunteer opportunity with a cause that you care about,” said Jensen. 

Students can also easily find opportunities and get started with their volunteer journey by logging in to the Golden volunteer platform hosted by the United Way of Greater Central Michigan. Once your Golden account is affiliated with Alma College, hours logged here can be automatically counted toward goals on campus. 

First-year student Dante Snook (‘29) is enthusiastic about volunteering this fall with Healthy Pine River. 

Getting started with Healthy Pine River is more than just a volunteer opportunity. It gives the chance to make a difference while meeting others who care deeply about the environment. 

“While I found this volunteer project intimidating at first, it has been an extremely welcoming experience. Every member of this organization is driven by a desire to help the river, the community, and anyone else who wants to help, too,” said Snook. 

Healthy Pine River is just one of many local organizations seeking student volunteers, offering opportunities to give back while addressing important community needs.

The Center for Campus and Community Engagement also encourages first-time volunteers to sign up with a friend, join a service event coordinated by a campus group, or join an Alternative Break for a low-barrier, welcoming service experience. 

In engaging with these opportunities, students can make a positive impact while also building lasting connections with their peers and the community.