Miami University Student Organization Spotlight: Campus Involvement and Leadership
May 20, 2025 | Terren Lewis
It’s always nice to switch up a school day. Whether it’s outings with friends, attending campus events, trying aerial arts, or eating late-night gelato in Rome, campus involvement at Miami University opens the door to unexpected moments. Miami students can choose from more than 600 student organizations. And on The Hub, there are over 100 Miami University student organization and club options waiting for new members! So I asked a few other students about their experiences with leadership roles and being part of campus organizations.
Miami University Activities and Programming (MAP)
Ariana Green, a junior Kinesiology major and European Studies minor, found some of her closest friends and mentors, along with leadership opportunities, after joining Miami University student organization, MAP, during her first year.
“Throughout my college experience, I’ve looked for new ways to grow through networking, communication skills, and collaborating,” she said. “So I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. Especially as the director of inclusive outreach, those types of roles really helped me connect with my identity.”
MAP is often behind the scenes for several events on campus. But being part of the planning is another level of fun. Ariana’s favorite events include Spring Fest and the Electric Root Festival.
“We accept everyone, like no matter what org,” she added. “It’s about being confident in yourself. I was very timid and shy coming into Miami my freshman year.”
Aerial Arts Club
Natalie Pond, a sophomore studying Marketing and Business Analytics, got involved in a few different organizations — holding leadership roles in more than one. She first joined the Aerial Arts Club during her first year, even though she had zero experience.
“We don’t compete. We don’t even require experience to start,” she said.
“I started going to practices. Came in with zero upper body strength … and it was really fun to get to learn how to do that. It’s just such an amazing experience. I love being in leadership because I get to help freshmen and anybody new who finds the club with no experience, just like I was.”
She currently serves as the marketing and promotions executive officer and is set to be the future vice president of the club!
Cru: Faith-Based Organization
Natalie is also involved in the Miami University student organization, Cru, a large faith-based organization on campus. She first connected with the group after being invited to an ice cream social by someone she had just met.
Now, she serves as a Bible study leader and a member of the social team, planning weekly events for anywhere from 50 to 100 people. One of her favorite memories was a trip to Rome with the group.
“It was our last night in Rome, and there was this group of us — people I probably wouldn’t have hung out with otherwise, since I was a freshman and they were all seniors or grad students,” she said. “We decided to treat ourselves — got some gelato and had a genuinely great time.”
Miami U Gospel Singers (MUGS)
Lastly, Malia Collins, a sophomore studying Marketing and Emerging Technology in Business and Design, got involved with a choir singing group: Miami U Gospel Singers (MUGS). And she is the current vice president.
“Both of my parents went here, and my mom had told me to join since they enjoyed the org,” she said.
For Malia, MUGS offered both a space to sing and a chance to grow personally. “Yes, for sure, there’s an organizational aspect. Being personal and being able to have the hard conversations,” she said. “Like one of our members was not able to make it to Gospel Fest, and we had to work around that.”
Malia encourages others to consider joining this Miami University student organization, especially if they enjoy gospel music. “If you like to sing, especially gospel, I recommend joining!” she said.
There’s always something to do: Whether you’re looking for new friends, new skills, or just a fun way to switch up your routine, campus organizations at Miami are a great place to start.
