Juana Reina, an evaluator for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, has held leadership positions in the student affairs departments of numerous higher education institutions. A graduate student in education at Northeastern University, Juana Reina is doing her dissertation on how students mold their professional identities through co-curricular activities. Co-curricular programs contain activities, such as art, music, or sports, that complement the academic curriculum. Participating in these activities presents several benefits:
1. Develops time management skills. Participation in co-curricular activities requires students to learn to manage their time and prioritize competing commitments.
2. Builds self-esteem. Students who do not excel academically may find that the more relaxed setting of co-curricular programs removes the pressure to succeed and helps them succeed in other ways.
3. Fosters long-term commitment. Co-curricular programs require students to make a long-term commitment to attend meetings and participate in program activities. This can also enhance a student’s ability to make commitments in other areas of life, such as school tasks.
4. Improves academic performance. Co-curricular programs complement the learning experience and help students build the skills necessary to succeed in school and beyond, such as time management, commitment, and leadership. They can also increase a student’s interest in school and inspire better academic performance.
