The Spring 2025 Involvement Fair began Tuesday, providing recognized student organizations the opportunity to promote their club and spark the interest of prospective members. The fair will continue to run daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Thursday.

The delays to the RSO recognition process last semester pushed back the Involvement Fair and changed it into a series of “RSO spotlight” events spread out over multiple weeks. Mikey Null, the president of the Pre-Pharmacy Society and a senior majoring in pharmacology and drug development as well as pharmacy, said this semester’s fair has run relatively “smooth.”

“The reason it was so messy [last semester] was because that was when almost all the orgs were reapplying for recognition,” Null said.

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Decorative posters, candy and interest forms lined tables that spanned the walkways around McCarthy Quad and Alumni Park. This year, color-coded umbrellas indicated the different types of organizations, including “Pre-Professional & Major-Specific Tables,” “Service, Activism & Causes,” “Visual Arts, Performing Arts & Publications” and more.

Kayla Lam, a sophomore majoring in pharmacology and drug development, said resources such as maps and color coding would have been helpful for her to navigate the space when she first attended the fair last year.

“I remember coming in as a freshman, I was so confused on where to go and where to look for the medical cluster specifically,” Lam said.

Lanna Ho, a freshman majoring in pharmacology and drug development, said a lack of communication regarding the fair last semester made it hard to keep up with. However, she said she appreciated the experience this semester.

“Most clubs are very enthusiastic and kind of open and reach you and grab you, so I definitely enjoy that part,” Ho said.

Cole Robinson, a junior majoring in economics representing the International Consulting Club at the fair, said their club’s experience at the fair this semester was “going pretty well” and there was a lot of interest from new students who inquired about their organization.

Alex Fazilat, a junior majoring in neuroscience and representing the Society of Science Scholars, said the Involvement Fair is an “effective” event because students, especially freshmen, are exposed to many resources and RSOs that they wouldn’t otherwise find.

“They need to see it from the faces and talk to different people who are leading these organizations,” Fazilar said.

Students can find all RSOs listed online; however, Jordan Cheng, a sophomore majoring in political science, said that learning about RSOs in person gives students a better understanding of the initiatives of each organization. 

“As a first-semester freshman or a spring admit freshman, [the Involvement Fair] is really nice because you get to see all of the clubs,” Cheng said.

Working at tables as representatives of their organization, Robinson also recalled his own experiences attending the fair.

“When I was joining a consulting org, it was really helpful to be able to talk to someone and get an understanding of what the club is like and what makes the club unique beyond just what’s on the website,” Robinson said.

Disclaimer: Jordan Cheng is a former Daily Trojan staff member. They are no longer a part of the staff and are not involved in any coverage.