Voluntary Student Clubs: An Area For Adding Value And Gaining Competitive Advantage

What impact do student groups have on universities and students? This thesis explores the long history of students groups on university campuses. It investigates the practices of some of the top universities in the United States. These universities serve as the benchmark for determining the legitimacy of such groups. An in-depth analysis examines ten key areas of student life and development including academic performance, social development, and alumni giving. The analysis also examines four areas of university development including the retention rate of students and adding value to the university. In addition, the thesis considers the issue of religious student groups. The results were applied to the University of the Americas which had no voluntary student groups. Recommendations are provided for developing policies for voluntary student clubs. The recommendations are based on policies from the benchmark universities.