Student Activities and Involvement brings back ‘field trip’ programming

The Office of Student Activities and Involvement (SAI) has been excited to announce the return of its popular “SAI on the Road” program, offering CMU students the opportunity to explore new cities, engage with diverse cultures, and foster meaningful connections. After a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has resume with the goal of helping students build a sense of belonging and community by creating shared experiences outside of Mt. Pleasant.

“We’re really excited to be bringing these trips back to campus,” said Hadlee Rinn, Program Coordinator for SAI. “Students can off campus, meet new friends, and have new experiences. It’s a lot of fun.”

The first trip of the school year was particularly special for international students. They traveled to Lansing, MI, where they visited several international markets to find ingredients and snacks from their home countries. Stops included Iwacu Supermarket, a local favorite spot known for its variety of African spices and foods; Swadesh Food Mart, which specializes in Indian, Nepali, and Pakistani groceries; and Fresh International, a larger market featuring a wide selection of Asian products. The trip not only helped students feel more connected to their home countries, but also provided an opportunity to meet fellow international students and share in the experience of exploring familiar tastes and flavors.

In addition to the Lansing trip, more than 80 students recently took part in a day trip to Chicago. Attendees were encouraged to either explore the city independently or join one of the three CMU student guides from Chicago, who led groups to iconic spots such as the Shedd Aquarium, Water Tower Place, Cloud Gate (also known as “The Bean”), and Giordano’s Pizza. Whether students were soaking in the rich culture or bonding with their peers over deep-dish pizza, the trip served as an opportunity to connect and make lasting memories.

Most recently, SAI on the Road celebrated Halloween with a thrilling trip to Cedar Point for HalloWeekends. The trip was a huge success, with students having fun and enjoying the Halloween-themed attractions.

Through these experiences, SAI on the Road aims to provide CMU students with experience that not only expand their horizons but also strengthen their connections with each other.