On Wednesday, October 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Student Government Association (SGA) hosted the first-ever New Org Fair, an event organized by Assistant Vice President of Student Interest (AVPSI), Jannah Abo-Donia, to highlight recently approved student organizations and provide them with a platform to connect with the Stevens community.
The event took place in the UCC Techflex, drawing 141 students and filling the space with tables, displays, and free food that encouraged attendees to linger and learn about each organization. Stevens Amnesty, Model UN, International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), Click-it Club, the Hellenic Society, Color Stack, EmpowerHER, Stevens Furry Club, Stevens AI Club, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Undergraduate Research, Future Business Leaders, Jazba, Sikh Student Association, Pickleball Club, Mock Trial, Stevens Industry Account, and Stevens History Club were among those featured, representing a variety of academic, cultural, and social interests. Each of these organizations shares a common goal of building spaces and communities where more students can feel connected and involved on campus.
The New Org Fair was introduced this year to give new and emerging clubs greater visibility. Many of these organizations are approved later in the semester and may not have the opportunity to participate in larger events like Flock Party. By creating a separate event, the Committee of Student Interest team (CSI) hoped to ensure every student organization had a chance to showcase its mission and recruit members.
Abo-Donia shared that she was excited to see the event come together and proud to help create a new Stevens tradition. She explained that the goal was to make the process of joining clubs more inclusive and accessible, especially for students who might not know where to begin when interested in joining a club. She expressed enthusiasm about the strong turnout and said she looks forward to continuing the fair each semester.
Club representatives described the event as helpful and encouraging. Many noted that they appreciated being able to interact with students one-on-one in a smaller setting. “It felt like people were genuinely interested in what we’re doing,” said Hazem Abo-Donia, INCOSE representative. “Sometimes at bigger fairs it’s hard to have full conversations, so this was a great way to explain what makes our club different.”
In addition to showcasing new groups, the event also informed attendees about the New Organization application process. Applications open twice a year, once at the end of September during the fall semester and again at the end of January during the spring semester. Before applying, students are encouraged to attend a New Org Information Session hosted by the CSI. This semester’s sessions took place on September 19 and 22, and the application period closed on September 26.
Applications are currently open only to sophomores and above, though first-year students interested in starting clubs are encouraged to attend information sessions and begin developing their ideas early. The process includes outlining an organization’s purpose and structure, and presenting the proposal to the SGA and the Office of Student Life (OSL) for approval.
Beyond recruitment, the fair also reflected the growing diversity of student interests at Stevens. From technical organizations focused on research and engineering innovation to cultural and advocacy-based groups working to represent underrepresented communities, the lineup demonstrated how student life continues to evolve with each incoming class.
As the event concluded, both organizers and participants agreed that the fair successfully created a welcoming environment for exploration and connection. Many students left with new opportunities to get involved, while club officers gained valuable exposure and momentum. The first New Org Fair set a positive precedent for future semesters, reinforcing Stevens’ commitment to supporting student initiative and leadership.
