There's more to college life than going to class and hanging out. Getting involved with a student organization or nonprofit group can broaden your social network, give you leadership experience and maybe even help you land a job. If you're looking for a way to connect with some of these groups, you can turn to a number of resources. Maize Pages lists 1,140 organizations dedicated to philanthropy, volunteer work, professional studies (such as the Black Law Students’ Alliance), and varied recreational activities like billiards, ceramics, dart blasting and power lifting. Or try the Web site for the Division of Student Affairs and click on “Getting Involved at Michigan” or other links.

If you want to stop by and chat with an organization’s representatives, try Festifall, Sept. 10 on the Diag, or NorthFest, Sept. 17 on the North Campus Diag. Student organizations will be staffing their tables from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Last year more than 400 organizations had tables at Festifall, and about 120 had tables at NorthFest, according to the U-M Office of Student Activities and Leadership, which coordinates the event. Contact the office at 763-5900. If you want to give something back to the community, check the Ginsberg Center’s “Serve Connection” site, which helps match volunteers with volunteer opportunities. The service connects with 512 local agencies and 627 volunteer opportunities, drawing on organizations such as Academic Service Learning, America Reads Tutoring Corps, Michigan Community Service Corps, Michigan Neighborhood AmeriCorps Program, Project Community, and Project SERVE. The University of Michigan Medical Center Volunteer Services (734-936-4327) brings in new volunteers three times each year. “We ask that first semester freshmen not apply,” said Lisa Beach, Administrative Assistant at U-M Medical Center Volunteer Services. “But second semester freshmen are welcome to apply.” The Web site also lists volunteer opportunities for Meals on Wheels and for “way-finding volunteers," who escort patients, their families, and visitors to the Health System. Another fast way to find a volunteer opportunity is through www.VolunteerMatch.org. The site presently lists 254 volunteer positions at 220 organizations within 20 miles of Ann Arbor. The volunteer opportunities are wide-ranging, including: tutor, house painter, museum fundraiser, Web designer, exchange student host, seamstress for hospice and many others. The Detroit Initiative through the U-M Psychology Department provides opportunities for students and faculty to engage in further education, service and research in the Detroit area, working with community organizations. Three undergraduate psychology classes include an internship component two to four hours per week. Areas of service include youth activities, after school programs, the arts, and community development activities for parents and children in the Headstart Program. Call the Psychology Department at 734-764 2580. Research subject volunteers may sign up on the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research Web site to find U-M medical research studies seeking participants. You may also call 877-5ENGAGE. Dear to the hearts of Ann Arborites is Washtenaw Literacy, (734) 879-1320. Last year, 768 volunteers served 1,588 learners, offering one-on-one tutoring and conversation groups. Executive Director Amy Goodman notes that the organization asks for a one-year commitment and two hours per week. University students who cannot undertake the one-year commitment are welcome to help with fund-raising and other organizational activities.