The fall semester is almost over and chances are you’ve gotten a better sense of what you’re doing. Maybe you’ve found yourself spending too much time twiddling your thumbs, looking for something invigorating to do. Perhaps you’ve learned that spending your mornings at the library studying, afternoons at lectures, and evenings back home doing more studying, isn’t all there is to the quintessential university experience. Luckily for you, the winter semester still brings plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus.

The Innis College Student Society (ICSS)

The Innis Herald reached out to the Innis College Student Society (ICSS) hoping to get an idea of what opportunities they have for student involvement. “Within the ICSS, the second semester is filled with opportunities and services that you are able to participate and get involved with,” said Paul Kaita, the Executive Vice-President of the ICSS. “The ICSS has been hard at work since May ensuring that students have a way to just take a break from their studies and have a bit of fun in the stress of UofT.”

Each of the portfolios at the ICSS has events planned throughout the semester. Aside from reading week, there’s rarely a single week where the ICSS doesn’t have any events planned. In the winter semester, you can expect to see the highly-anticipated Innis Formal, organized by the Social Directors. The Equity and Outreach Directors will be showcasing the artistic and musical talents of Innis students at their benefit concert and their annual art gala. You can also look forward to free food events and de-stressing events hosted by the Commuter Representatives.

The winter semester is also a great time to start thinking about getting involved in student leadership roles for the 2020-2021 academic school year. Elections for ICSS positions will be opening up soon. “For involvement with the council through specific roles, our Spring General Election will be taking place throughout the second semester,” explained Nancy Zhao, president of the ICSS. “If you have any questions about the upcoming Spring General Election, we’d love to help out! Keep an eye out for more information to be released in the upcoming term!”

Stay updated with the ICSS and all their events by following them on Facebook and Instagram.

Innis College Clubs

The ICSS also funds a number of independently run clubs that host their own events and meetings. If the ICSS is the metaphorical brain of student involvement at Innis, then the clubs are the metaphorical heart. There are a variety of clubs that you can get involved in during the second semester.

INpride, a student-run group that advocates and supports LGBTQ+ students, holds biweekly meetings where all are welcome. They often also run inclusive events. If board games, poker, and mahjong are your thing, then you should consider attending TGIF’s biweekly game nights. The club often collaborates with the University of Toronto Poker Club and the University of Toronto Mahjong Society to host tournaments. Beginners are always welcome and are encouraged to stop by and learn a new game!

For all the singers out there, The Innis College Choir is always looking for new members. There are no auditions, so you’re always welcome to drop in during their weekly practices at the Innis Residence’s music room. The Innis Art Club hosts events from time to time, giving students the opportunity to express their artistic ability. You can expect events like group Bob Ross painting and several arts and crafts, such as pressed flowers.

Very recently, the ICSS has collaborated with the Woodsworth College Students’ Association (WCSA) to fund the American Sign Language program at the University of Toronto. Every other week, the ASL at UofT offers ASL classes from a trained professional, giving students the opportunity to learn a new culture and language. There’s a club that suits the needs and interests of everyone. In the off chance that you aren’t attracted to any of these clubs, you are also able to create a new club by speaking to the Clubs and Merchandise Director at the ICSS.

Innis Intramurals

For many students, the most exercise that they get is walking between their home and classes. Luckily, the ICSS’s Athletics Portfolio oversees nearly a dozen intramurals teams. There’s a sport for everyone, including basketball, dodgeball, ice hockey, water polo, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball. The teams are always eager for new players and joining a team is as easy as showing up at the right time and place.

The Athletics Portfolio recently created an Instagram account to keep everybody updated on their events and on intramural matches. Follow them at @innisathletics.

Course Unions

Outside of Innis College, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in your community. A good start would be looking at your course union. It would be pretty surprising if your program lacked one — even the smallest programs have active course unions. One of the best things about course unions is that their events are usually more geared towards helping you develop in the field of study you’re in. Expect to see networking events, graduate program info sessions, and academic seminars relevant to your program. On top of that, at each of these events, you have a chance to meet others in your program. Maybe you’ll bump into past, present, or future classmates.

Other Clubs

If you’re still not sure about what you can be involved with, then you’re in luck because U of T has more than 1000 registered clubs, 900 of which are on the St. George campus. There’s a club for everything and each one offers opportunities for everybody. Do you have Albanian heritage or want to learn more about Albanian culture? Check out the Albanian Student Union! Want to help promote environmental awareness and advocacy? Climate Action Toronto is the club for you! Still don’t believe that there’s a club for everything? Well, the existence of the U of T Tax Law Association would suggest otherwise.

So whether you’re excited to join a new club, looking to try your hand in a leadership position, or just want to meet new people, keep an eye out for all these clubs and events next semester!

And remember, The Innis Herald always welcomes new writers, photographers, and illustrators! If you want to get involved, send us an email at exec.herald@gmail.com.