Make a lively and informative presentation of extracurricular activities a part of the orientation all incoming students receieve. Hold an organizational showcase in a central location, scheduled to coincide with registration or some other mandatory activity, during which extracurricular groups can present their offerings through literature, discussion and video presentations.
Inform all new students of the considerable amount of evidence supporting the many benefits of extracurricular activities: better grades, better physical and mental health, new friends with similar interests, life skills learning, and the creation of bonds that may last a lifetime.
Make it as easy and simple as possible for organizations to host educational, promotional or just plain fun events. A user-friendly permitting process and a positive administrative attitude go a long way toward helping students take ownership of their programs and develop them in creative ways.
Encourage active promotion of student-led events. Posters and banners are a start; T-shirts, impromptu flash presentations to crowds using music, dance or spoken word, and videos for broadcast on campus or local public access stations are a few other ideas. Students will likely have ideas of their own for effective ways to reach their peers.
Use the Internet. A dedicated website or social media page makes it easy for students to stay informed and involved; email may often be the easiest way for busy students to collaborate on project organization.
Encourage collaboration and co-sponsorship of events and programs. Set up a central Internet page where all campus organizations post their news and planned events.