Student Activities Block Party
Creatively engaging the student body to interact with institutionalized clubs and organizations.
Problem
Recent generations, especially Generation Z, are disenfranchised with institutionalized communities that are seemingly regulated by "big brother." In step, students have begun opting out of clubs and organizations in droves. Counterintuitively, however, Generation Z has expressed the need for acceptance and unity. If they do not feel safe, they will not participate. Student Activites was tasked with creating an event where new and returning students alike can interact and develop relationships. How can Student Activities invite timid students to grow beyond their comfort zones? My team explored how we could creatively engage students to interact with clubs and organizations, and how they could familiarize themselves with their peers.
Solution
Introducing Block Party at Trinity Christian College. Rather than forcing club information into an "institutionalized" event, Block Party focused on inviting students into a large event where the clubs hosted individual games. Here, students could introduce themselves to the club leaders in a non-formal environment, enjoy themselves, and spread club information through word-of-mouth interaction. Block Party introduced reluctant students to communities and clubs in an unique and interesting manner.
Process
My first goal was to think of art styles students would be interested in during the beginning of the school year. I chose a retro 1980's art style called Outrun. Outrun is synonymous with music, neon lights, fun times, and Summer. This feeling was exactly what the event intended to portray. I designed a bright poster to bring students back to Summer where they interacted with their friends back home. At this event, they can meet new friends and their uncertainty about the coming year will dissipate. In addition to the poster, I created a variety of social media posts. After the event, I posted photos I had taken at the event. Their purpose was to remind those who attended of the enjoyment they received, and to make those who did not attend aware of the community on campus. Students will be drawn to engage with more Student Activities events in the coming year. Block Party created a welcoming space for both new and returning students to interact together.
Design
The poster hung around campus:
Social Media Post:
Photos Taken at the Event:
