The Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience (SOOIE) is a student-led organization that helps students get involved on the University of Arkansas campus by finding their passions and interests, matching them to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). SOOIE also plays an important role on providing the right tools for RSOs to thrive and reach their maximum potential, and opportunities for students to develop leadership and management skills that facilitate their experiences in organizations.
SOOIE has two main focuses: Outreach and Involvement. For Involvement, SOOIE execs will go above and beyond to help any student find an RSO that meets their interests. Students can schedule one-on-one consultations with a member of SOOIE Exec via HOGSync to learn more about the benefits of joining RSOs and find their fit on campus. In addition, SOOIE provides opportunities for these students to connect and engage with almost 400 RSOs. The Fall and Spring Involvement Fairs showcase multiple RSOs and facilitate interaction between the student body and campus organizations.
SOOIE Exec members also reach out to different RSOs on campus, offering services that enhance the organizations’ ability to manage their groups and create events. The SOOIE Skills Shop is a series of workshops that provides these services, such as facilitating funding informational sessions, consulting about marketing and event planning, or leading team building activities or retreats.
SOOIE also hosts Leadership Development Luncheons (LDLs) on a monthly basis, where RSO officers and members get the chance to hear from knowledgeable speakers about leadership fundamentals, using the RSO experience to advance your professional career, as well as other important management skills. At the end of the academic year, students who excel in their campus leadership and have a large impact in the University of Arkansas community are invited to speak at the Annual Student Leadership Panel to share their experiences and inspire the student body to get involved.
Finally, SOOIE celebrates the accomplishments of RSOs through the Of the Month Awards (OTM), where the group selects award recipients in three categories: member, advisor, and event Of the Month. Winning these awards qualifies the individual and the RSO the opportunity to attend the Annual Student Involvement Awards Banquet. This signature campus event will highlight the amazing accomplishments from students and RSOs throughout the school year.
For more information, please contact SOOIE President Sam Harris at sooie@uark.edu or visit the Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience’s HOGSync portal.
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