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Posted or edited: 09.24.07 ... PJC Information Services
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The college encourages many type so programs - cultural, social and athletic - in the hope that the interests of the student will be developed as fully as possible. An education at Paris Junior College means more than attending classes.

The needs and desires of the students are the basis for the types of activities presented at the college. A wide variety of organizations are available to meet these needs and give students the opportunity to become involved in planning activities, making new friends, developing leadership qualities, developing individual and group interests and receiving recognition for accomplishments.

PJC’s Student Activities Office sponsors events for the entire college community, including a variety of competitive sports, dances, drama productions, speakers, intercollegiate athletics, intramurals, recreational programs, community service projects and leadership opportunities.

The student’s ID card, issued at registration, is the “admission ticket” to most campus events.

Student activity organizations are open to all students. However, certain curriculum-oriented clubs may limit their membership to students enrolled in that curriculum, and other clubs may require a member to maintain a certain scholastic average.

Students are encouraged to initiate and develop organizations consistent with the purposes and philosophy of Paris Junior College. The procedures for organizing a new club may be obtained from the Student Life Office in the J.R. McLemore Student Center (903-782-0402).

Student Government Association

A student council was formed in 1937. The organization and constitution were reorganized in 1970 and renamed the Student Government Association, with the executive officers elected by the student body. Vice presidents of all student organizations automatically are members of the student governing body.

The chief duties of the Student Government Association, working with the faculty and administration, are: conducting student elections, arranging the social calendar for the year, providing equitable representation within the student association of each student organization, discussion of campus affairs as they pertain to student life, and planning the course of action for implementation of these activities and programs.

This governmental agency provides policy-making decisions over all student organizations, promotes better relations between the administration and students and promotes the best interests of the students.
The Student Government Association is a member of the Texas Junior College Government Association.

Intramural Sports

The intramural sports program provides structured, competitive and non-competitive sport opportunities. The program offers a variety of tournaments for students, faculty and staff. The program does not require the intensified training and high degree of skill associated with varsity athletics. An individual’s playing ability is not considered as important as his/her desire to enter into the true spirit of competition and good sportsmanship.

A few of the sports organized for Paris Junior College students, faculty and staff are basketball, volleyball, flag football, badminton, tennis and fun runs. Information concerning these and other sports may be obtained from the Student Activities Coordinator in the Student Center, Room 215.

Informal Sports

The informal sports program involves a process of self-directed participation. It is an individualized approach to sport that allows students to participate for fun and fitness. A current PJC ID card is required for admission to the Old Gymnasium and Weight and Fitness Center during informal sport hours, Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fine Arts

All students are eligible to participate in performing arts activities at Paris Junior College, whether it be acting in plays, working behind the scenes, singing in the College Chorale, Chamber Singers or Encore! Show Choir, or playing in the instrumental ensemble.

To participate in music activities, students must enroll in an appropriate one- or two-semester hour classes. Enrollment in an appropriate drama class is encouraged, but not required, for participation in stage productions.

Students also may participate in a variety of speech and drama intercollegiate competitions by joining the Forensic Team. Debate, public speaking, oral interpretation of various literary forms, readers theatre, solo and duet acting - all are among the events in which students participate. Enrollment in Speech 1145 (Forensic Activity) is required.

Students interested in drama activities are encouraged to join Le Troupe or the PJC Drama Club. The club engages in a variety of educational and social activities each semester. Students should check with the Fine Arts faculty for further information.

Campus Organizations

A partial list of the organizations on campus includes:

» Beta Zeta Chapter, Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for community and junior colleges and works to encourage scholarship, leadership and community service.

» United Campus Ministry
A ministry of the United Methodist Church, the purpose of the UCM is to nurture the spirit of persons in the Paris Junior College community through fellowship, study and service. Weekly luncheons are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Campus Ministry building, hosted by pastors and churches in the area. Short devotionals are held, and Bible studies and other activities are scheduled as needed.