When reflecting back on the biggest reasons that I decided to attend EMU, the main point that stands out was the strength of community and sense of belonging that I felt even in my short visit as a prospective student. Unfortunately, that has drastically changed in the last couple of years, mostly in part due to the lack of intramural sports. As a freshman and sophomore student, one of the easiest ways that I found to connect with peers both inside and outside of my grade were intramurals. Whether it was sand volleyball tournaments, or flag football on the weekends in the warm weather, or basketball and indoor soccer during the colder months, there was always a place where I could be a part of a larger, active community on campus. Not only this, but intramurals were the largest events; consistently having the biggest student participation turnout rate of any program on campus.
The last couple of years have been a particularly disappointing time for intramural sports at EMU, with only a couple, disorganized events being held in the ‘23/’24 school year, and zero planned for this upcoming ‘24/’25 year. This makes it extremely difficult to connect with people that share common interests in sports outside of the pre-existing connections in my grade I had prior to this the last two years. Coming to EMU after hearing about older siblings talk about intramurals as a highlight to the year, and then getting to experience them for two years, makes me mourn both for my freshman and sophomore peers, who have not even had the opportunity to experience intramural sports.
After hearing campus-wide frustration about EMU’s failure to provide intramural sports from both students and staff, I decided to take action and advocate for the return of the campus favorite intramurals. After talking to the Director for Campus Life, Scott Eyre, I tried to explain the frustration and confusion around the lack of intramurals, even offering to plan and organize them myself, free of charge from the school. I was initially met with openness, hearing that Scott was “intrigued and hopeful” about this possibility. However, after following up for a formal meeting, I was told to “hold off” just two hours before the chosen time. Confused, I followed up with the Dean of Students, Jonathan Swartz merely asking for an in person meeting, but was yet again met with an inexplicit denial.
Being turned down by a faculty member was hurtful, especially those in roles created as resources for students. As an Asian American, it was difficult to deal with the lack of seriousness and support being given to me by those in authoritative positions. After feeling failed by EMU, I started a petition receiving 140 in-person signatures in just 12 hours and looking to SGA in hopes of support. While details are being figured out, the only thing that I am looking for now, is access to EMU’s IMLeagues account, so that the student body can run events unofficially. As a whole, I feel as if the entire student body is being let down, given the fact that EMU claims on their website that:
“Rec sports, or intramurals, are a HUGE part of life on campus at EMU…Rec sports allow students an opportunity to both relax, have fun and build community.”
As we move forward, I have hope for EMU’s future, and hope to continue advocating for intramural sports, so that my fellow seniors may enjoy the campus experience for one more year, and to see active events on campus for all future students.