You can ask the newsadmin to include a specific discussion list if your server doesn't carry it. Usenet is organized as a collection of hierarchies loosely arranged by subject or geographical location. For example, rec.arts.startrek.current is in the recreation hierarchy and in the arts.startrek.current sub-hierarchy. Yale has many Usenet Groups on a variety of subjects. Joining a group does not guarantee a lively discussion on your topic of interest.
Some groups are inactive or have few contributors.
This should not discourage you from joining Usenet groups at Yale. More and more courses, departments and clubs are creating Usenet groups and they can be a useful tool of communication. A major difference between Usenet groups and Listserv lists is the use of email to distribute information. On Listserv lists, messages from members of the list come to your mailbox as regular email messages once you join. In Usenet, you go to the address of the group to read the messages that have been posted there.