Student Activities
While we pride ourselves at Southwestern Michigan College in offering a successful academic experience to all of our students, we also like to have fun. And, we know our students like to have fun, too – especially after spending hours in a classroom.
The Commons Area, near the Birdfeeder Cafeteria, is located in the College Services Building and a busy place on the Dowagiac campus. In addition to a central eating area, the Commons is also a gathering place for students and SMC staff, and the site of many campus activities. SMC’s fitness area, located in the SAC, offer students the latest high-tech equipment for that cardiovascular workout, weight training equipment, as well as special fitness programs during the school year.
Student Life and Activities
SMC’s Campus Bash, held each spring and fall, allows students as well as SMC staff, to “let their hair down” with a day filled full of fun activities, food aplenty and good music. On our Niles Area Campus, the annual Backyard Bash brings students and SMC staff together for a day of fun activities in September and again in the spring.
Students can join any number of clubs which meet regularly on campus, offering students with like interests a forum for discussion and community activities.
Life Fitness and Extreme Sports
In addition, student trips through the SAC and the SMC Extreme Sports program, which students can earn college credits, are planned several times throughout the year. While student academic success is our top priority at SMC, so is providing plenty of opportunities to experience SMC’s campus life.
Fitness
The Student Activity Center (SAC) is the hub for recreational opportunities on the Dowagiac campus. SMC students will find a multitude of extra-curricular activities throughout the day, including indoor and outdoor Intramural Sports, health and fitness programs, as well as a great place to meet friends to relax and watch a movie or play video games in the Student Lounge.
Intramural and Walk-in Sports
SMC offers various organized intramural sports including flag football, soccer, basketball and volleyball during the Fall and Winter terms.
Contact Information
Melissa Clanton
Student Activities Coordinator
Zollar Building, Room 803
(269) 783-2122
mclanton01@swmich.edu
Annual Events
Campus Bash @ the Dowagiac Campus
Fall: Hot dog eating contest, most hotdogs eaten in 7 minutes
Winter: Student vs. Staff Tug-of-War
Also free food, DJ, inflatables, volleyball, numerous games and activities, prizes and a Battle of the Bands
Backyard Bash @ Niles Area Campus
Free food, music, games and prizes
Activities/Contests
Noontime Activities - Various activities during the lunch hour are held approximately once a month in the Commons Area include bingo, make-it/take-it projects, painting a pumpkins, and animal snowflakes
Virtual Halloween Costume Contest – Photographs of the contestants are taken and then placed on SMC Wired for students, staff and faculty to vote for their favorite. Winner is announced through SMC Wired.
Pedometer Challenge – Held in Fall each year. Contests where a pedometer for approximately four weeks. First, second and third place prizes are awarded for each of three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
Film Festival – Students may submit their films for judging. Students participating are honored on the red carpet prior to viewing their work.
Variety Show – Students participate in the annual variety show with a portion of ticket sale proceeds going toward student scholarships.
Fitness and Wellness
Turkey Trot – A 3k walk (1.9-mile) or 5k run (3.1-mile) through SMC’s trails, which takes place the Monday before Thanksgiving. Participants receive a free T-shirt.
Steve’s Run – A 5k and 10k run and fun walk is held annually in July.
Extreme Sports – Rock climbing at Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin, whitewater rafting in West Virginia, downhill skiing at Swiss Valley and kayaking the coastline of Lake Superior – sound like fun? Students who enroll in one of these Extreme Sports trips will also receive a physical education credit.
Intramural Sports – Open to all enrolled SMC students.
Walk-in Fitness -- Racquetball, ping-pong, disc golf, gymnasium, air hockey, martial arts and cross country skiing.