Do you have a passion for landscaping, underwater basket weaving or pickleball? If so, COCC is able and willing to help you pursue your passions!
There are 31 registered clubs, ranging from gardening to comedy, according to the Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College (ASCOCC). Central Oregon Community College (COCC) also boasts six club sports and many other intramural activities. If none of these clubs or teams pique your interest, it is remarkably easy to start your own club; and you can use school funding and resources to do so. Once you have an idea, you must first determine if it falls in the academic or athletic realm.
Academic
The governing body for academic clubs is ASCOCC, so the first step would be to saunter into their office and pick up the Student Organizations Policies & Procedures Manual. Following the steps of the manual may be daunting at first; but, once broken down, it is a simple process.
- Gather four currently enrolled students with the same interest to serve as charter members.
- Recruit a COCC staff or faculty member to serve as an advisor.
- Fill out the New or Renewing Club Form & Annual Budget Form.
- Submit all documents, as necessary, to ASCOCC for approval by established deadlines.
Once your request is approved, the last step is to adhere to the eligibility requirements, which are not as strenuous as one might think. After a trial year, or once a club becomes established, the club is eligible to receive up to $4700, depending on the size of the club. Established clubs have access to many ASCOCC benefits including audio-visual equipment, and vehicle rentals.
Athletic
Starting an athletic club is significantly less structured. The first step is to draft a proposal and bring it to the sports and recreation office in Mazama Hall. The best time to do this in in the spring, due to the potential of more funding being available for the coming year, according to Bill Douglas, director of clubs and recreation. A committed team might receive up to $8,000 for the academic year. It is not just large teams that are eligible to receive school funding, but the school will also help students participate on an individual level according to Douglas. In fact, in 2014 the department of sports and recreation sponsored rodeo, triathlon, and masters swimming.
The department of clubs and recreation is always willing to discuss new proposals, according to Douglas. Additionally, they will also happily research the viability of a potential team.
Tim Cachelin | The Broadside
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