How to Start An After School Gaming Club at Your College or University
Creating an after-school gaming club at your college or university is like embarking on an epic quest—one filled with creativity, camaraderie, and, of course, plenty of games. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer looking to share your passion or a student leader eager to build a new community on campus, this guide will help you navigate the adventure. From gathering your party to securing a meeting space, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, so you can level up your campus life with an unforgettable gaming experience. Ready to roll the dice on something extraordinary? Let’s get started!
Understanding the College or University Environment
1.1 Assessing Campus Interest
Before launching a gaming club, it’s important to gauge interest among the student body:
Surveys and Polls: Distribute online surveys through campus social media channels, student emails, or during campus events to measure interest in tabletop RPGs and gaming in general. Tools like Google Forms or Qualtrics are excellent for this purpose.
Interest Meetings: Host an informal interest meeting or info session where students can learn about the potential club and share their ideas. This can be held in a common area or via video conference for broader accessibility.
Collaborate with Existing Groups: Check if there are existing gaming or geek culture groups on campus and see if they would be interested in collaborating or helping promote the new club.
1.2 Aligning with Campus Culture
Every college or university has its own culture, values, and priorities. Aligning your gaming club with these can increase its appeal and ensure it receives support from the administration:
Academic Integration: Highlight how RPGs can complement academic pursuits, such as enhancing creativity, improving problem-solving skills, and fostering collaboration among students. This can align the club with broader educational goals.
Inclusivity and Diversity: Emphasize that the club is open to all students, regardless of background or experience, and that it will promote an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.
Campus Engagement: Demonstrate how the club can contribute to campus life, providing a social outlet that brings together students from different disciplines and years.
2. Securing Administrative Approval and Support
2.1 Crafting a Strong Proposal
To gain approval for the club, you’ll need to present a detailed proposal to the college or university administration:
Clear Objectives: Outline the club’s goals, such as providing a creative outlet, fostering social connections, and enhancing critical thinking skills. Be sure to mention the educational benefits of tabletop RPGs, backed by research like this article from Edutopia.
Detailed Logistics: Include information about meeting times, locations, required resources, and any anticipated costs. This should also cover how often the club will meet and what kind of activities will be involved.
Faculty Advisor: Propose a faculty advisor who can provide guidance and support. This can help legitimize the club in the eyes of the administration.
2.2 Addressing Potential Concerns
Be prepared to address any concerns that administrators might have:
Content Sensitivity: Ensure that the games and activities proposed are appropriate for a college environment and align with the institution’s values. Avoid games with overly graphic or controversial content.
Funding and Resources: Provide a realistic budget and suggest potential sources of funding, such as student government, campus grants, or fundraising initiatives. Include cost-effective strategies like seeking donations or borrowing materials.
Safety and Conduct: Outline a code of conduct and safety guidelines to ensure a respectful and safe environment for all participants. This can include rules about inclusivity, respectful communication, and responsible behavior during games.
3. Structuring the Club for Success
3.1 Defining Goals and Objectives
Set clear goals that align with the interests of the members and the mission of the institution:
Community Building: Focus on creating a space where students can connect, share interests, and form lasting friendships.
Skill Development: Emphasize the development of skills such as strategic thinking, creative writing, and teamwork through RPGs.
Relaxation and Fun: Provide a welcoming environment where students can unwind from academic pressures and engage in imaginative play.
3.2 Planning the Club’s Schedule and Activities
Create a flexible but consistent schedule that accommodates the busy lives of college students:
Weekly or Bi-Weekly Meetings: Decide on a regular meeting schedule, such as weekly or bi-weekly, and stick to it to build consistency and reliability.
Session Structure:
Welcome and Updates: Start each session with a brief introduction, news, and updates on the club’s activities (10 minutes).
Main Gameplay: Focus on the primary RPG session, encouraging collaboration and creativity (1.5-3 hours, depending on the game and player availability).
Debrief and Socializing: End with a debriefing session where participants can discuss their experiences and enjoy some informal social time (15-30 minutes).
3.3 Selecting Appropriate Games
Choose games that match the interests and skill levels of the group while aligning with the educational goals of the club:
Popular RPGs:
Dungeon Crawl Classics: A versatile game that is well-suited for both beginners and experienced players.
Starfinder: Offers a deeper level of customization and strategic gameplay for those who prefer more complex systems.
Narrative-Focused Games:
Fiasco: A storytelling game that focuses on narrative structure and character development, perfect for creative writing students.
Blades in the Dark: A game centered around heists and teamwork, emphasizing strategic planning and cooperative play.
4. Engaging Students and Building a Strong Membership
4.1 Promoting the Club Across Campus
Effective promotion is essential to attract members and sustain the club:
Social Media Campaigns: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to promote the club, share updates, and engage with students. Creating a dedicated page or group can help maintain ongoing communication.
Campus Flyers and Posters: Design and distribute visually appealing flyers and posters across campus, including dorms, cafeterias, libraries, and student centers.
Tabling Events: Set up a table during campus fairs, orientation events, or in high-traffic areas to provide information, answer questions, and recruit members.
4.2 Creating an Inclusive and Welcoming Environment
Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is crucial for the success of your club:
Open to All: Make sure the club is accessible to all students, regardless of their prior gaming experience or background. Use inclusive language in all promotional materials and communications.
Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced players with newcomers to help them learn the rules and feel more comfortable. This can also foster a supportive and cooperative atmosphere.
Variety of Games: Offer a range of games to cater to different interests and skill levels, ensuring that all members can participate and find enjoyment.
4.3 Celebrating Achievements and Building Community
Recognizing achievements and fostering a sense of community will help retain members and build the club’s reputation:
Awards and Recognition: Create fun awards for creativity, role-playing, or strategic thinking, and present them during special events or at the end of each semester.
Community Events: Host special events like game marathons, themed nights, or intercollegiate tournaments to build camaraderie and attract new members.
Leadership Opportunities: Encourage students to take on leadership roles within the club, such as organizing events, leading game sessions, or managing club communications.
5. Managing Resources and Logistics
5.1 Budgeting for the Club
A clear and well-planned budget is essential for the sustainability of your club:
Initial Costs: Plan for the purchase of core materials such as game manuals, dice, and character sheets. Our publisher, Witch Pleas Publishing, offers deep discounts to educators.
Ongoing Expenses: Include costs for snacks, promotional materials, and special events. Regularly review and adjust the budget as needed.
Funding Sources: Explore funding options such as student government support, grants, or fundraising events. Crowdfunding platforms can also be a useful tool for raising money.
5.2 Acquiring and Organizing Materials
Efficient organization of materials ensures that your club operates smoothly:
**Purchasing Essentials
:** Buy necessary items from reliable sources and look for discounts or bulk deals to stretch your budget further.
Donations and Sponsorship: Reach out to local businesses, alumni, or community members for donations of games, materials, or funds. Sponsorships from local game stores can also be a valuable resource.
Storage Solutions: Invest in storage bins or shelving units to keep materials organized and easily accessible. Proper organization helps streamline setup and cleanup during meetings.
5.3 Administrative Management
Good administrative practices are key to maintaining the club’s momentum and ensuring long-term success:
Attendance and Participation Tracking: Keep detailed records of member attendance and participation. This information can help with reporting to the administration and evaluating the club’s growth.
Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels, such as email lists, social media groups, or a club website, to keep members informed and engaged.
Safety and Conduct Policies: Develop and enforce a code of conduct that promotes respect, inclusivity, and safety during all club activities. Make sure all members are aware of and agree to these policies.
6. Evaluating and Evolving the Club
6.1 Gathering Feedback and Measuring Success
Regular feedback and evaluation are essential for the continuous improvement of your club:
Member Surveys: Conduct periodic surveys to gather feedback on the club’s activities, leadership, and overall experience. Use online tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey to streamline the process.
Focus Group Discussions: Organize small group discussions to dive deeper into specific aspects of the club, such as game selection or event planning.
Tracking Growth: Monitor membership growth and engagement over time to identify trends and areas for improvement.
6.2 Adapting to Changing Interests
Be ready to adapt to the evolving interests and needs of the club’s members:
Introducing New Games: Regularly rotate or introduce new games to keep the club’s offerings fresh and appealing. This can also help attract new members with different gaming preferences.
Expanding Activities: Consider expanding the club’s scope by incorporating related activities, such as board games, card games, or even digital games, depending on member interest.
Educational Workshops: Offer workshops on game design, storytelling, or strategy. These sessions can provide additional learning opportunities and attract members with a passion for game creation.
6.3 Ensuring Leadership Continuity
Sustaining the club over the long term requires strong leadership and effective succession planning:
Leadership Development: Encourage members to take on leadership roles, such as event coordinator, communications manager, or game master. Providing leadership opportunities helps ensure the club’s continuity and empowers students to develop valuable skills.
Faculty Advisor Support: Maintain a strong relationship with the faculty advisor, who can offer guidance and ensure consistency as student leaders graduate or move on.
Documenting Processes: Create a club handbook or guide that documents procedures, best practices, and lessons learned. This resource can be invaluable for future leaders and help maintain the club’s standards and traditions.
7. Long-Term Vision and Expansion
7.1 Setting Long-Term Goals
Establish long-term goals to guide the club’s growth and development:
Membership Growth: Aim to steadily increase membership by enhancing promotional efforts, offering diverse activities, and fostering a welcoming environment.
Campus Integration: Work towards integrating the gaming club into the broader campus culture by collaborating with other student organizations, participating in campus-wide events, and contributing to community-building initiatives.
Intercollegiate Collaboration: Explore opportunities to collaborate with gaming clubs at other colleges or universities. Joint events, tournaments, or online gaming sessions can help build a larger gaming community and provide new experiences for members.
7.2 Expanding Beyond the Campus
Consider ways to extend the club’s impact beyond the college or university:
Community Outreach: Engage with the local community by hosting public gaming events, charity fundraisers, or educational workshops that introduce tabletop RPGs to a wider audience.
Online Presence: Develop an online presence for the club through a website, blog, or social media channels. This can help attract new members, share resources, and connect with the broader gaming community.
Alumni Engagement: Stay connected with alumni who were active in the club by inviting them to special events or encouraging them to mentor current members. Alumni can also be a valuable resource for fundraising, networking, or organizing larger events.
Conclusion
Starting an after-school gaming club at your college or university is an exciting opportunity to create a vibrant community, foster creativity, and support student development. By understanding the unique needs of your campus, securing administrative support, and carefully planning the club’s structure and activities, you can establish a successful and sustainable gaming club that enriches the college experience for all participants. As the club grows, remain adaptable, embrace new ideas, and continue building on the strong foundation you’ve established.
Resources and References
Witch Pleas Publishing Official Site: Your source for deep discounts for educators, librarians and teachers on education-oriented tabletop roleplaying games.
DriveThruRPG: A comprehensive resource for RPG rulebooks and materials.
Education Week: Articles on the educational benefits of roleplaying games.
DriveThruRPG: Offers a vast selection of RPG rulebooks and supplements.
The Roleplaying Game Guide: A comprehensive guide to different RPG systems and game masters’ advice.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine: Offers reviews, guides, and news on the latest tabletop RPGs.
