With over 300 different clubs and organizations on the UA campus, lack of diversity is definitely not an excuse for lack of participation.

Many of these clubs and organizations consist of Greek life, community service, special interests, and honorary clubs and sports, said Boyd Beckwith, program director for operations of the Arizona Student Unions.

Because of a malfunction with a computer system, Beckwith said he doesn't know how many students are actually involved this year, but after the system is upgraded, that information will be available.

"It (the statistics) won't be totally accurate, because groups like student government aren't counted," Beckwith said. "Student programs recognizes student government, and both are excellent opportunities to get involved."

Funding for an organization depends on what type of club it is.

Some are funded by departments on campus because they are so closely linked, Beckwith said. He said other alternatives for funding include dues and member chapters, fund-raisers and donations.

Erin Russell, chemistry senior and Associated Students vice president for clubs and organizations, said, "Last year's budget was $80,000, but we don't know how much it will be this year."

Russell said ASUA gets its money from state funds, and ASUA also gets a percentage from student fees and the bookstore.

Since Arizona universities don't have student activity fees, the Student Recreation Center receives money through ASUA.

"Students don't realize how lucky they are," Beckwith said.

The recreation center is given $15,000 every year, and they distribute it to all the sports clubs, Russell said.

"If they run out, they go through the appropriations process," Russell said.

This process consists of going before the ASUA appropriations board, filling out a form stating the organization's need and attending the board meeting to find out the amount of funds appropriated.

But before a club can receive any funding, they must be recognized by student programs, Russell said.

This means the organization must have a constitution on file with the Department of Student Programs and a full-time faculty or staff member as an advisor. Many students might not join a club or organization, because they think it will cost them extra money they don't have.

However, the majority of organizations are free, to make it easy for students to get involved, Beckwith said.

"Organizations can't be listed as an opportunity to get involved if the club isn't recognized," Beckwith said.

The first Friday of the fall semester, there will be a student organizations involvement festival designed to let students know what is happening on campus, Beckwith said.

"A directory is being published to let people know what options they have for organizations and clubs, and getting involved," Russell said.

Anyone wanting more information on involvement opportunities should call 621-2782.