UB's Student Association has welcomed several new clubs to its roster this semester, with interests ranging from sports to politics.
New clubs include the College Republicans, the College Democrats, Baha'i Club, Roller Hockey Club, Go Girls Soccer Club, Old School Games Club, Men's Soccer, and Dart Team.
Michael Dobies, president of the College Republicans, said the club already has over 100 new members, obtained while it still had temporary club status and "is gaining new members every day."
SA has acknowledged the club to be one of the most active new clubs at UB, and already has several events planned for the year. The club was able to secure $7,000 to bring David Horowitz, a national political commentator, to come to UB and give a lecture on "university bias," Friday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. in 112 Norton Hall.
The College Democrats, however, are finding it harder to attract new members, but Christopher Conroy, the club's president, is still optimistic that the club will become more popular.
"Unfortunately it is hard to find many politically active students," said Conroy.
This semester also marks the beginning of a new Baha'i-club. According to the president of the club, Hekmat Hakiman, membership is open to any student who wants to learn about the Baha'i faith and customs.
"(For the) last few years, the club wasn't fully active, but this year we are going to have more events on campus, such as study groups, meeting and info-tables," said Hakiman.
Students wishing to join a new club devoted to competition can sign up for any of the new athletic and game-playing groups devoted to athletics and game-playing, including the Roller Hockey Club, the Go Girls Soccer Club, the Dart Team and Men's Soccer.
According to Michael Brennan, president of the Roller Hockey Club, his club has received sponsorship from The Buffalo Wings, Buffalo's professional roller hockey team. Thus far, the club has 80 members.
According to SA President Christian Oliver, qualifying clubs are added on a temporary basis, and continue to be labeled as temporary, until the SA senate approves them.
In order to be eligible to receive even temporary status, a prospective club must comply with a list of requirements set forth by SA, including having a minimum of ten members.
A list of all SA-recognized clubs can be found at www.sa.buffalo.edu.
