Student leaders and groups make a difference
April 25, 2010
UWGB student leaders and organizations have had a great year. As I look back over the last nine months or so, so many things stand out:
1) Student groups—big and small—have gathered around a shared purpose, committed to it, and are making a difference. Two organizations, in fact, are changing the face of the campus: The SLO Food Alliance is growing fruits and vegetables in the planters behind the Union, and “Together We Cope: Support for UWGB Grieving Students” has created a Memorial Garden by the bell tower.
2) The Campus Life Task Forces work to improve programs, specifically in the areas of relationships, alcohol and drugs, diversity, and leadership. Working with staff and faculty, a number of students actively contribute to creating a healthy, safe, and supportive campus environment. Task Force-supported programs included Cash Cart, the drunk-driving simulator, Day of Silence, and Max U. Day.
3) Many students give their time and talents to recruit and retain other students for the University. Phuture Phoenix mentors and interns, Ambassadors, Resident Assistants, Peer Mentors, and many others teach about the value of higher education, share their college experiences, and help their peers get involved, have fun, and connect with resources to ensure success.
4) Hundreds of student employees serve meals, make lattes and smoothies, plan activities, ref intramurals, work in offices, assist professors, familiarize their peers with the library, and help us all with our computers.
5) Students and organizations have handled big changes and unanticipated disappointments with grace and resilience. They’ve worked through conflicts rather than run from them, they’ve challenged others respectfully, and they’ve come out of difficult situations stronger and better prepared to work through the next ones (which will arise whether we want them to or not!).
And there are so many more examples of great student experiences! What have you observed? What highlights come to mind? What will you remember from 2009-10? As we approach the end of the year, take time to reflect on the memorable moments and to savor these remaining days.
Endings make way for beginnings. 2010-11 is coming…imagine all the new adventures and endless possibilities. Are you excited?
Filed under: Character, Involvement, Leading and following, Problem solving, Professionalism
Tagged: accomplishments, leaders, reflection, university
Add a comment