What's the best way to maximize your college experience?

Well, after academic priorities, it's by getting involved with other students who share your interests and turning your passions into active pursuits.

The University of Colorado has more than 100 student clubs and organizations designed to do that and, according to Megan Bell, assistant director of the University Memorial Center's Student Programs Office, nearly all of them will be at Wednesday's Student Organization Fair.

"CU is a huge campus and, if you're new to it, trying to figure out what to do can be overwhelming," Bell said. "The Student Organization Fair will bring all of the opportunities to join into one place that will make it easier for students to get all of the information they need."

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dalton Trumbo Fountain, representatives from dozens of student groups and clubs will make themselves available for any students who may happen to share their interests.

From outdoor activities like paintball and snowboarding to multicultural groups such as Black Students Alliance and the Cultural Events Board, student groups at CU cover such a broad spectrum of interests that attendees are sure to find one or two that appeal to them.

"The fair is an easier way to see them outside and in public all at one time instead of looking individually or wandering around the UMC looking at offices," said Mallory Martin, CU senior and student programs assistant.

Martin spent the summer organizing Wednesday's event by contacting the groups and clubs involved and planning the additional food, performances and prizes that also will be available for students perusing the fair.

"We will be giving away a chromed-out beach cruiser bike, gift certificates to places like Wahoo's Fish Tacos and Half-Fast Subs and more," Martin said.

Since there will be so many organizations represented at the fair, they have been assigned 12 categories that include leadership-based organizations, religious clubs, service-related groups, environmental projects and many more.

And for those who happen to run across an organization that is a perfect match, the benefits of joining extend well beyond the immediate reward of social engagement.

"Employers aren't just looking at GPAs anymore," said Bell, who added that having student groups on a resume can also make someone a more competitive job candidate. "It shows you have some social experience, that you like to be active and involved -- joining a student group now can help your career in the future."