Student clubs and initiatives at the Bard College Berlin 2024 spring involvement fair

“I just think chess is the best game ever created… It's perfect!”: These are the words of Bard College Berlin student Anna Shafranska, who represented the BCB Chess Club at the spring 2024 involvement fair. There are many BCB events and rituals that signal the start of a new semester, when the hustle and bustle of incoming students comes together in anticipation of a jam-packed spring term; the bi-annual involvement fair is one such event.

For the occasion, the Learning Commons space on the top floor of W16 was transformed with tables and chairs throughout, featuring posters and information pamphlets about the student clubs and involvement opportunities. Enthusiastic club representatives like Anna greeted both new and returning students as they explored opportunities.

This semester’s involvement fair welcomed organizations of all kinds, each reflecting students’ unique passions and the vast array of communities that coexist within our small campus. We chatted with Yensen LeBeau (‘24), who is passionate about film and film production, and seeks to organize a student film festival on campus in the spring. Light Drop, a Bard College Berlin Student Film Festival, will be a unique opportunity for student filmmakers to showcase their projects and chat with peers pursuing similar interests. “I produced a film last semester and screened it on campus, so I wanted to create a similar space for other students to show their own work,” says Yensen. 

In a similar vein, second year students Ana and Mansila were at the fair sharing their club No Budget Filmmaking. Last semester, they made one student film and organized a screening. The effort was collaborative, with students contributing their skills and expertise to craft the final product. They are open to anyone interested in filmmaking, from acting to production, to join the club and participate in a cooperative film production where all talents and skills are welcome.  

For students studying or interested in economics, the Economics Club, now in its third semester, is a space to come together and discuss ideas. The club leaders organize events for students to ask questions, delve deeper into the field, and gain practical insights into real-world applications of economic theory. 

Another student group represented at the fair was the Student Parliament, which is made up of 11 representatives of the student body across all four years. In their weekly meetings, they bring forth issues raised by their fellow classmates and discuss them with the school’s administration, contributing to a culture of open dialogue and transparency within BCB. Among their notable positions are a DEI representative in charge of liaising between the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion office and the student body while taking up issues of harassment and discrimination; and a labor representative, a student in charge of job issues for student workers, from late payments to issues with their supervisors. 

On the artistic side of the involvement fair, students had the opportunity to learn about the Musical Mushrooms’ weekly jam sessions. Anyone who plays instruments, sings, or is interested in jamming out with fellow students is welcome at the Musical Mushrooms. Also in attendance was the Ceramics/Painting Club, previously separate entities that joined together this semester to extend their artistic mediums. Students interested in trying their hand at some pottery throwing, sculpting, glazing, or painting are welcome at the Ceramics Club’s meetings every Wednesday evening at the Factory. 

This semester’s involvement fair has once again showcased the diverse array of student clubs and initiatives that contribute to our vibrant campus community and exemplifies the spirit of exploration and engagement that defines Bard College Berlin.

Post Date: 02-16-2024