The annual Sparticipation event, hosted by the Department of Student Life, gave new and returning students the opportunity to learn about more than 350 different MSU student groups. Hundreds of tables and tents filled with free giveaways and information littered Munn Field as representatives gave their pitch to potential members.

“In terms of numbers, there’s 7,800 new students that are out here, and there are more than 350 organizations that consist of returning students,” said Fred Watson, assistant director for the Department of Student Life.

The event was part of the Fall Welcome Spartan Spectacular, which also featured an outdoor cookout, concert and pep rally.

Watson said the Department of Student Life expected more than 10,000 students to attend.

Sparticipation has found a home at Munn Field for the third consecutive year after making the switch from the Auditorium to accommodate more groups, Watson said. Sparticipation has grown consistently through the years, and this year’s event brought a record turnout, he said.

“This is as big as (Sparticipation) has ever been,” Watson said. “For new students, I think there’s a great benefit because it allows them an opportunity to interact with returning students, with faculty staff and learn about university departments and East Lansing and Michigan State community resources.”

MSU Polo Club President Sheila Skinner said the group values Sparticipation as one of its biggest opportunities for exposure and interaction with students.

“I think Sparticipation is by far our greatest opportunity (to recruit),” said Skinner, an animal science senior. “With all these freshman coming in, especially with the largest freshman class this year, (we’re) just trying to recruit as many people (as possible). It’s helped our club out so much throughout the past years.”

In the first hour of the event alone, Skinner said 40 people already had signed up for more information from the club.

“Sparticipation definitely opens people’s eyes to all of the different clubs MSU has to offer,” Skinner said. “I know when I was a freshman I had no idea there was a polo club.”

As a new student on campus, Dye said Sparticipation was helpful to get introduced to MSU’s clubs and sports teams.

“I think it’s beneficial because a lot of freshmen come in not knowing what to join and stuff,” he said. “This gives us an opportunity to see everything Michigan State has to offer.”