Editor’s Note: This is a guest commentary. The opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial board.

On one Friday every month, I host late-night programming with my student organization, IC After Dark. ICAD was formed in 2001 to create late-night events on Ithaca College’s campus. It has since stayed true to that original mission and continues to be one of a few main student organizations that function to serve the need of large-scale programming for all students.

Through my involvement, I have seen the importance of spaces like IC After Dark events. It’s spaces like this that promote inclusion and foster safe, fun environments for any student. Spaces and opportunities like student organizations and other extracurricular endeavors enrich the college experience far beyond what students might read in their textbook. However, that’s not what many think about when they think about higher education.

Oftentimes when one thinks about higher education, they think about the experiences students have inside the classroom, how they’re enriching their academic experience and what they might be pursuing once they leave. Many individuals don’t think about how college extends far beyond a student’s academics. It’s the events and groups they are a part of or the volunteering they do in the community. It’s activities like these where students often discover their passions, develop crucial life skills and form lasting connections and friendships. It’s important that higher education institutions promote these spaces and opportunities that play a crucial role in shaping one’s holistic college journey. It’s also important that students recognize the importance of this and take part in things they may be passionate about or explore new opportunities they may have just discovered.

Additionally, these spaces and opportunities outside the classroom offer invaluable experiential learning experiences that complement a student’s formal education. Extracurriculars, internships, student events, study abroad opportunities and more expand perspectives and truly cultivate a deeper understanding of what students may be passionate about. These hands-on experiences enhance one’s academic experience more than individuals realize, and they often bring students much farther than they may have initially envisioned.

Spaces and opportunities for individuals outside of academics also serve as hubs for social interaction and community building that they may not have access to in other ways. In my time with ICAD and by working in the Office of Student Engagement, I have seen how events and student organizations foster a sense of belonging among students. ICAD hosts a Casino Night each fall and I have seen how this is a space where any student can connect with peers, laugh, gamble fake money and form meaningful relationships of all kinds. With Ithaca College being a primarily residential institution, these spaces become increasingly crucial to fostering a vibrant campus culture and promoting social inclusion for all.

Overall, throughout my four years here, I have seen students find their passions and share ideas through experiences outside the classroom where they feel the most comfortable to do so. Ithaca College needs to continue to commit itself to experiences, spaces and offices that support students outside of the classroom as much as they can. Investing in and prioritizing these avenues is crucial for ensuring that every student receives an enriching four years on South Hill. The skills students will gain and the opportunities they get to be a part of will serve them well when their college experience comes to a close.