In between getting to know roommates, exploring town and marking your calendar with all the important dates on your syllabi (you promised you’d be organized, remember?), arriving to campus each fall also means checking out the numerous opportunities to get involved.
Whether you are interested in professional organizations that give you experience in your field and connections to employers, service groups that immerse you in the community and feed your soul, or social clubs that spark joy, laughter and lifelong friendships, there are plenty of options at Temple.
“As you start your career at Temple, it’s so important to build your community,” says Jennifer Johnson, associate dean of student success in Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). “Whether it’s through a student organization, volunteering in the community or research with faculty, the CEHD has a variety of ways to get engaged.”
“Staying engaged,” she adds, “promotes academic and professional success, as well as a student’s positive sense of belonging here at Temple.”
Convocation was a great opportunity for students to take that first leap and make those early connections.
Abby, a new student majoring in elementary education, said she was excited to expand her options even before the semester started. While attending the College Meeting activities on Aug. 22, she said she connected with faculty and learned about opportunities to study sign language at Temple. “I love kids and really want to make an impact on the world,” she said, noting that she might add on a minor as she explores her interests.
Her new friend Hannah, in the same program, explained how getting involved makes all the difference. “The thing I’m most looking forward to,” she said, “is learning about the clubs. In high school, I was in a community service and volunteer club. I figure if I do something like that again, I’ll have a better understanding of the community before I get into actual teaching. It’ll help me pick my path.”
Sophomore Lyra Newswanger just began a student worker job as a peer advisor in the CEHD and agrees that diving in to explore options can really set the tone for your college experience. “Temple makes involvement on campus very accessible, and I quickly found the organizations and people I wanted to surround myself with,” she shared. “I’ve made lasting friendships and memories!”
TempleFest, an annual multi-day outdoor engagement festival held as students return to campus for the fall semester, featured dozens of groups within the university engaging with new and returning students. The organizations listed below are specifically housed within the College of Education and Human Development.
Kappa Delta Pi (KDP)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wanda Brooks
Email: [click-for-email]
Follow @kdptempl on Instagram
Founded in 1911, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) International Honor Society strives to sustain an honored community of diversity educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership and service. Membership in the Alpha Alpha Nu Chapter (Temple University) is open to undergraduate and graduate students in any education-specific major, faculty members and other professional educators.
Future Educators of Temple University (FETU)
Staff Advisor: Dr. Carissa Forde
Email: [click-for-email]
Follow @temple_fetu on Instagram
Future Educators of Temple University (FETU) serves students interested in the field of education, with a focus on professional development to help shape students into knowledgeable, fair, patient and committed future educators. The group hosts workshops and speakers that address the trends and current events impacting the education industry. FETU serves as a vehicle for support, collaboration and mentorship for Temple students.
Human Development Community Engagement Association
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kelly McGinn
The Human Development and Community Engagement (HDCE) Association provides networking opportunities, professional development workshops, career exploration and social events for students at Temple University. Students can expect monthly meetings that include social opportunities for students to get to know one another. Each semester the club will plan at least one event that allows students to give back, through service to a nonprofit organization. In addition, the HDCE Association provides opportunities for professional development through guest speakers and workshops.
CEHD Graduate Student Community (GSC)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Johnson
The CEHD Graduate Student Community is responsible for planning and hosting events centered around building community, professional development, and cultivating relationships with staff and faculty.
In addition to student organization, the CEHD offers additional ways for students to enhance their experience at Temple. Some opportunities, like student worker jobs, even allow students the opportunity to work across colleges and interests.
Alex Zera is a senior global studies major in the College of Liberal Arts and a peer advisor in CEHD. “For me, becoming a peer advisor snowballed into studying aborad in Rome, joining university committees and finding my group,” he said. “I would never have made it here without the support I found in the CEHD.”
Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research
Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to engage in research opportunities with CEHD faculty and staff. Research projects examine critical issues in the field of education, such as how to improve the quality of teaching in urban schools, literacy, mental health, college student outcomes and public policy. From locally-based projects to leading research centers with millions of dollars in external funding, the College of Education and Human Development supports a dedicated community of scholars that values interdisciplinary collaboration. Learn more at https://education.temple.edu/research-outreach/research.
Education Abroad
All CEHD students are encouraged to explore study away/education abroad opportunities. Every undergraduate major in the CEHD provides a pathway to studying abroad, often without extending the time to graduation. Numerous courses required for degree completion are available at Temple campuses in Rome and Tokyo, and at programs in places such as Oviedo, Spain. Education majors can also gain experience teaching English overseas. Interested students should speak with academic advisor and visit https://studyabroad.temple.edu/.
Student Worker Jobs
Part-time student positions on campus are great opportunities to benefit a student’s finances, build their resume and networks, and develop professional skills while pursuing their academic goals. Any student enrolled at Temple University as a matriculated or non-matriculated undergraduate or graduate student may be considered for employment in a student worker position for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during summer terms. The Career Center’s Job and Internship Resources page has links to multiple on- and off-campus job and internship search and application sites, along with access to application and interview help that will benefit your professional development now and when you leave the nest!
“Our CEHD students are leaders and changemakers, cultivating a variety of activities and opportunities,” Johnson says. “As a result, we’ve seen increased engagement and enthusiasm within the college. We are incredibly proud of the efforts of our student leaders to promote community within CEHD and look forward to a wonderful year ahead!”
Mark your calendar all the engaging events happening in the fall semester, and stay connected with the college on social media!