The full college experience is not found entirely within a classroom. Cambria Teter, California Lutheran University’s new coordinator for student involvement, has taken the role to help students become engaged within the campus community.

“I was involved in a Programs Board when I was in undergrad and fell in love with it. Working with college students, planning events on campus and letting students have a ground to be heard are all things that excite me,” Teter said.

Teter oversees the 70 to 75 clubs and organizations at Cal Lutheran. By making sure all clubs and organizations are completing their requirements and helping with funding, Teter acts as the middleman between clubs and organizations and the Senate.

“She [Teter] is bringing in fresh vibes. We had Ri’Chard for about two years and he did a great job, but having someone new adds different views and experiences to the position,” ASCLU President Nick Steinwender said. “I’m pumped to see what she’s been doing. She’s
been such great help and has advised us whenever needed, especially with Senate
and Programs Board.”

Senate, one of the three components of the Associated Students of California Lutheran University Government, is comprised of four representatives for each the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior class, as well as one representative for
transfer students, one for international students and one to represent commuters.

“We want to make sure our representatives are representing our student body in the best way they can,” Teter said.  “We have different representatives to act as a voice for each student population so we are able to produce the best event, program or project for the entire campus community.”

Occasionally, it’s difficult when planning on-campus events because a smaller portion of students prefer one event and the rest of the student body prefers another. Teter says her job is to find what will attract the most people as well as satisfy the most students.

“She [Teter] is so welcoming and lowers your guard down immediately after you start talking to her. She is genuinely sweet and always wants to help,” said ASCLU Senate Director, Daniel Buonauro.

Senate had its first meeting of the year on Monday, Sep. 11. According to Buonauro, students will have more options this year as several new constitutions for different clubs and
organizations have already been approved.

“The ultimate goal is to see the board work together as one cohesive unit and for more great changes to be brought to this university through our projects,” Buonauro said. “If we could
help students in any way possible and bring positivity to campus, that is the dream.”

The Cal Lutheran clubs and organizations website lists every club on campus so it is easy for students to find something they are interested in. It provides a club description, their constitution and the contact information of the club’s officers. With about 75 clubs on campus, it is almost impossible to not find something worth joining. If a club you are looking for isn’t on the list, Teter can change that.

“If we don’t have a club, Cambria is an awesome person to talk to and she will get you started and get the club up and running,” Steinwender said.

Even though Cal Lutheran continuously encourages student involvement, it is up to the student to make the initial step of joining a club.

“I’m someone who hates to be bored and inactive so all the clubs I’m involved in keeps me busy and I’ve also met many friends that way. Without clubs, I would just be sitting in my dorm,” said Business Director of the Cal Lutheran Happiness Club, Sabrina Chase.

Campus staff, including Teter, encourage students to become involved to open doors for new opportunities, form relationships and branch out into something that can possibly turn into a
lifetime passion.

“What I hope is for students to know that I am here to help them. I want to be accessible to students which is why I have an open door policy, so if anyone ever wants to come chat with me, my door is always open,” Teter said. “Most importantly, I want students to feel
heard and to feel like part of this community.”

Christie Kurdys
Reporter