New music and engineering groups will join the ranks of other campus organizations at this semester's Organization Fest, held today on Central Mall.

From 1 to 4 p.m., students can peruse the nearly 200 tables set up behind the John P. Raynor, S.J. Library, where student organizations ranging from the academic to the religious will be featured in the Office of Student Development-sponsored event.

Marquette holds O-Fest each semester "in an effort to promote student organizations and increase membership," said Kelly Behmer, OSD coordinator for student organizations and leadership programs.

"It's also a good way for incoming freshmen to find their niche and for upperclassmen to reconnect," she said.

Formerly held on West Towne Mall between the Alumni Memorial Union and McCormick Hall, the event was moved to Central Mall last year because of space constraints.

According to Assistant Dean of Student Development Jon Dooley, O-Fest will remain on the mall in order to attract students traveling to and from classes.

Many incoming freshmen, however, plan to go out of their way to attend O-Fest. College of Arts & Sciences freshman Brandon Smit said he is going to O-Fest to learn more about intramurals and Greek life.

Freshmen Michele Trecaso in the College of Business Administration and Desiree Delgado in the College of Arts & Sciences have less specific interests but said they want to go to the festival to see what is offered.

O-Fest is not only a resource for students but an opportunity for new groups to spread the word about their activities.

This year, a new organization called Music Initiates Change will have a table at the festival. Founded by College of Arts & Sciences senior Nikisha Valdez and College of Communication junior Terrance Johnson, the group was created to bring together artists of all musical genres.

According to Valdez, MIC plans to hold various musical competitions and concerts, as well as community service opportunities.

"Music is something that can unite people of various backgrounds and interests, which is why this organization will truly be a model of diversity," Valdez said.

A new chapter of a non-profit organization called Engineers Without Borders will also be at the festival to recruit for the first time. The EWB students will work with mentors to implement sustainable engineering projects domestically and abroad.

According to EWB president and College of Engineering senior Patrick McNamara, help is needed from students outside the College of Engineering.

"When it comes down to it, anyone is welcome to travel and put in some good hours of manual labor while learning about another culture," said McNamara.

Some established organizations also plan to go above and beyond the typical recruiting process this year. The Army ROTC table will feature free rock climbing for anyone as long as they sign a liability waiver.

"We're always looking for new ways to get the word out about our program," said Capt. Patricia Baker, assistant professor of military science.

Dooley emphasized the long-term importance of participating in extracurricular activities.

"Research has demonstrated that students who get involved in activities at college beyond their classes… tend to organize their time more effectively and even perform better academically," Dooley said. "In short, student organizations create a rich, vibrant and diverse campus community."

For a complete list of registered Marquette student organizations, go to www.marquette.edu/osd/organizations/category.

This article was published in The Marquette Tribune on September 1, 2005.