Division of Student Affairs
2010-11 Annual Report
Department: Student Activities
Person Completing Report: Tim Moore
Executive Summary
The mission of the Student Activities Department is to provide activities and services for
the University community. Through various boards, committees, and staff, the area
provides cultural, social, and educational programs, aiming to make the out-of-class
experience a part of the total learning process while advancing the institutional mission.
These programs promote a sense of community and loyalty to the University while
serving as a place for social, intellectual, and developmental growth for students as
individuals or as part of a group.
The vision of Student Activities and the Student Activities Center is to engage every UofL
student in a positive manner through vibrant experiences that enrich and connect the
student community in such a way as to enhance their learning and development.
Administration
Our primary focus is to assist all 16 professional Student Activities staff members,
Student Activities Board members, Panhellenic, IFC and NPHC Council Members, RSO’s
and all members of Student Government with all business functions including but not
limited to managing budgets, payroll issues, and general office assistance. A new
addition this year was the inaugural WOW (weeks of welcome) Marketplace event. The
event drew several hundred students, faculty, and staff to the West Plaza to visit with
26 area vendors thereby strengthening our community relationships by assisting them
with building their businesses and providing valuable information to the campus
community. We also initiated the SAC IT TO ME weekly newsletter and distributed it
within Student Affairs and beyond the confines of the campus community.
Greek Life
Greek Life oversees 27 chapters of national and international fraternities and sororities.
Approximately 10% (1,494) of the fulltime undergraduate student body is affiliated with
a sorority or fraternity.
The office assists fraternity and sorority chapters in maintaining local and national
requirements as well as serving as a liaison between collegiate chapters, alumni,
parents, and the university. In addition, the staff provides educational programs and
services that support the ideals of Greek Life by challenging members to live by their
purpose, monitoring academic performance of fraternity and sorority members and
recognizing positive achievements of the organizations.
Expansion, extension, and reinstatement were the themes for the past academic year.
We are excited to be able to offer more choices for our students wanting to belong to a
Greek organization. The Interfraternity Council invited Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity to
colonize in the spring of 2011. This is part of a series of groups they have lined up to
bring to U of L. The Panhellenic Council voted favorably for extension and after an
extensive selection procedure invited Zeta Tau Alpha to re-establish its former chapter
at U of L in the fall of 2011. This will be the first new NPC group in over 30 years! The
Student Activities staff has approved Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to reinstate their
Tau chapter- hopefully the first intake will occur in the fall of 2011. The Student Affairs
Office has agreed to an earlier reinstatement in the spring of 2012 for the Alpha Pi
chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. With all this activity, we continue to get more
inquiries from students and national headquarters about the possibility of starting other
new groups on our campus.
The Interfraternity Council experienced their third largest recruitment in their history
with 292 men choosing to accept bids at the end of the fall recruitment week.
The sororities continue to achieve exceptional grades of their members and chapters.
The All Sorority Semester GPA rose to a 3.246 for the fall of 2010. The Panhellenic
Council was honored at the Southeastern Panhellenic Conference with the “Excellence
in Scholarship” Award.
Dr. Ricky Jones, Pan African Studies Professor chaired an NPHC Task Force that
developed and distributed a Task Force Report for improving the National Pan-Hellenic
Council. The undergraduate NPHC has developed a strategic plan to guide them in
implementing many of the recommendations. Many new initiatives were started this
past year in NPHC to increase campus visibility—an NPHC Week, a retreat for NPHC
members with an outside speaker, and an end of the year dinner to honor members,
chapters, and graduating members.
All seven NPHC organizations increased their membership in the spring semester of
2011.
Many council, chapters, and individuals continue to receive recognition on a regular
basis from their national organizations.
Recognized Student Organizations
The Recognized Student Organization program provides support to nearly 300 student
organizations on campus, assisting with the formation of new groups and helping
students find organizations to join. The area serves as a resource to student
organization leaders and assists groups in navigating university policies and procedures
in planning events. The staff is available to consult with individual students and
organizations to help them succeed.
We currently have 292 Recognized Student Organizations listed in Good Standing
(active) and 102 listed on Probation (inactive). Over the 2010-2011 year, 49 new
Recognized Student Organizations were founded by students. Two campus RSO Fairs
were held in the fall and spring: 64 groups were represented in the fall and 32 were
represented in the spring. In collaboration with the Student Government Association,
we also hosted our first annual RSO Summit in the spring semester.
Student Activities Board
The Student Activities Board provides social, multicultural, recreational, and educational
activities for the University’s students and other interested members of the campus
community. SAB’s co-curricular activities enhance students’ University experiences
through its extensive and various programs and through leadership development
available to the Board’s student members. These students develop project
management skills through planning their movie events, lectures, cultural celebrations,
concerts, comedy shows, cookouts, and such annual traditions as homecoming
festivities and the Crawfish Boil. SAB’s strong commitment to multicultural awareness
and diversified programming for the entire student body provides students
opportunities to learn about other cultures and each other, while forming bonds with
fellow students that support them during their college career.
Teamwork has been the key attribute of this year’s SAB. SAB’s directors used strong
coaching skills to develop the Board’s solidarity and cooperation. This year’s team spirit
kindled a year of activities that engaged and excited the student body, in spite of
promotional lapses that resulted from inconsistent leadership in that area. The support
of the student body is evidenced by total attendance of 25,143 patrons, slightly less
than last year, but representing an increase in the average number of patrons per event.
Despite some inconsistencies in its promotional efforts, SAB continues to pioneer new
methods of reaching the student body, while maintaining a regimen of promotional
methods designed to provide a variety of means for the students to hear about SAB’s
events.
Off Campus Student Services
The Commuter Student lounge continues to excel in providing services and support for
commuter students at the University of Louisville. The Off Campus Student Association
continued to provide programs and services for the Off Campus students. They
provided 5 Commuter Student Forums in the Fall Semester and in the spring the 2nd
Annual Housing Fair and a luncheon for Commuter Students at the Davison 105student
lounge. They have a following of 102 members on Facebook and held a ticket giveaway
for the students.
Swain Student Activities Center
The Swain Student Activities Center provides a broad variety of activities and programs
to assist students in participating in the UofL community and in developing skills and
knowledge of leadership, wellness, service, and diversity. Among many other facilities,
the SAC houses a state-of-the-art movie theatre, fast food promenade, huge cafeteria,
giant bookstore, Cardinal Corner Game Room, and meeting rooms. The East Wing of
the SAC houses the Athletics and Intramurals offices and gymnasium. The SAC has
various spaces available for meetings, gatherings, and events for student groups and
departmental functions. Audiovisual equipment is available.
George J. Howe Red Barn
The Red Barn provides services and programs of a diverse nature, including concerts,
movies, cookouts, meetings, and various other social and administrative events. The
Red Barn Programs Office also administers four endowed programs to benefit UofL
students: the Harold Adams Memorial Scholarship Fund, the Red Barn Endowment, Red
Barn Alumni Association (RBAA) Florence M. Strickler Endowment, and the Torchbearer
Endowment and Program. The facility is available for use by students, faculty, staff,
alumni, and other interested parties.
1. Programs and Services
A range of programs and services were offered to the campus community
throughout the year. A high level of participation by students was noted for many
programs and services this year. Ongoing efforts to improve the quality and
quantity of programs and services were made by the staff.
Administration
4,669 bookings from July 1, 2010 through June 2011 were booked through the front
desk.
Student Activities Board
Event Attendance: The SAB had a very successful year in programming for the Red
Barn and the SAC. The total attendance was 25,143 attendees at over 180 events.
This ranks the year as a close third in terms of total attendance at SAB events.
Cumulative 2010-2011 event totals:
o Number of events: 184 (with films)
o Number of program hours: 507:00 (with films)
o Film Attendance: 94 showings, 346 hours, 3,136 attendees
o Approximate number of students served: 25,143
Off Campus Student Services
The Off Campus Student Association became an official Recognized Student
Association in January 2010. The OCSA also worked closely with the Student
Activities Board in staffing the Good Morning Commuter breakfasts and they
collaborated with the First Year Initiative Office in hosting an event in Davidson 105.
The group also held a successful 2nd annual Off Campus Housing Fair that brought in
various housing corporations from the community as well as those affiliated with the
Office of Housing and Residence Life.
Honor Societies
Inductions were held each semester for the following honor societies in the past
year:
Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, inducted 40 students
Rho Lambda Panhellenic Honor Society, inducted 32 students
Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, inducted 24 students
Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society will hold their induction in early September.
Greek Life
With the Panhellenic Council’s decision to expand, our staff hosted eleven
“exploratory visits” from interested national sororities during the first two weeks of
November, 2010.
Alpha Tau Omega colonized in the spring of 2011. They had two representatives on
campus for five weeks in February when they were colonizing.
Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority sent five representatives to campus for seven days in March
to make arrangements and meet campus and student representatives to market
their efforts for the fall colonization.
NPHC Step Show was held at the Memorial Auditorium with 1,100 attending. NPHC
was able to fund raise the entire cost of the step show with sponsorships.
The 74rd annual Fryberger Greek Sing was held in February, 2011 at the Louisville
Palace. A sellout crowd of 2,700 alumni, parents, staff, faculty, and students viewed
18 groups performing medleys of song.
Recognized Student Organizations
Currently have 292 active Recognized Student Organizations, 102 RSOs on probation
Conducted two RSO Fairs
Fall RSO fair
72 RSOs registered
64 RSOs attended
Spring RSO Fair
40 RSOs registered
32 RSOs attended
For the 2010-2011 year, 49 new student organizations completed the application
process and achieved recognition.
Student Activities Center
Opened the Student Activities Center as scheduled, even when the University had a
weather delay.
Red Barn Program
Overall total of 56 scholarship awards totaling $18,450 to U of L students.
2. Major Accomplishments
Collected an additional $13,000.00 above budgeted projections in revenue through
accounts receivable from reservation of equipment, space and lockers in the Student
Activities Center.
Student Activities recorded 8339 active bookings for the 2010-2011 school year,
with another 1754 canceled bookings, for a total of 10,092 total bookings in 20102011.
The Student Activities Board served 25,636 patrons at 184 events. The Homecoming
Block Party and the Discover Louisville Concert with OK Go were significant
contributions to the University’s community outreach. The Frank Warren Post
Secrets lecture was the second in a series of high-profile lectures that have
generated enthusiasm among our students.
Four WFPK Live Lunch events at the Red Barn have provided students with
opportunities to see national recording acts and significantly boosted the
University’s profile as an arts organization to the community.
The 9th Annual International Fashion Show featured the best production in its long
history for 750 patrons.
3. Staffing Summary
Reorganization
Begun in the summer 2010, a review of the existing organizational structure and
delivery system was examined. The existing economic conditions are not expected
to change in the near future. The department cannot expect to receive any increase
in University funding. The growth in funding will need to come from new and
additional revenue streams for the department.
Expectations to provide quality programs and services to the UofL student
community are increasing. Student expectations continue to increase from year to
year and the University has established goals to enhance programming and services
to students. It is important to leverage the talents of staff to allow them to increase
their productivity through greater effectiveness and efficiency.
By mid-fall 2010 the decision to implement staff reorganization within the
department was made. The reorganizations outcome was to allow staff to have a
greater impact upon enhancing student engagement at UofL.
A transition was begun to the new organizational structure. In January 2011, Sharon
Mudd resigned. After careful review it was determined to revise the position to
advise NPHC and work with student involvement.
The spring 2011 semester the following organizational structure was implemented:
4. Activities and Initiatives that Support Academic Units
The Fryberger Greek Sing contributed a donation to the School of Music Scholarship
Fund through the UofL Foundation in return for assistance with obtaining risers for
the annual performance. Two $1,000 scholarships were also presented to a
fraternity and a sorority member who were participants in the Fryberger Sing to be
used for tuition expenses.
In August 2010, Julie Onnembo, Tracey Walterbusch and the Officers of the Off
Campus Student Association met with various Academic Advisors from the various
colleges to speak on the issues concerning Off Campus Students and to make the
Advisors aware of the services and support that the Student Activities Office offers
to Off Campus Students.
Cardinal Family Weekend included sessions with professors Joanna Wolfe and
Steven Gohmann to spotlight their integration of “Freakanomics” in the classroom
and campus community to families of UofL students.
5. Activities and Services that Support Diversity
The SAC and RSO’s hosted many events that support cultural diversity that include
but are not limited to: the Chinese Moon Fest, Latino College Fair, NAACP Diversity
Concert, International Fashion Show, Diwali, Study Abroad Fair, Pride Week Events,
SCORE Black History Month Celebration, Theta Beta Gospel Concert, NAACP
Freedom Ball, Chinese New Year, Black History LGBT Coffeehouse, BABA Week,
International Banquet, African Night, and the Conquerors Through Christ Black
Men’s Appreciation Dinner
6. Activities and Services that Support Community Service and/or Civic Engagement
We initiated the first ever WOW Marketplace event in August 2010. Twenty-six area
vendors came to the West Plaza and set up information tables and distributed
information and baubles to students, faculty and staff. The event was deemed
“wildly successful” by several evaluations as thousands of dollars in prizes were
given away by the vendors while music was provided by a DJ (brought in by
newegg.com).
In cooperation with the Kentucky Center for the arts, the Student Activities Board
and the Office of Student Activities continued in the fall and spring semesters with
the “Arts Madness” program through which students, faculty and staff from the
University of Louisville could purchase $15 tickets to selected events. A limit of 2
tickets per ID for selected Kentucky Center Presents programs was available for
purchase at the Student Activities Office. Our plan was to provide quality
Performing Arts programs at a discounted price while engaging the students to
support the programming efforts produced in the City of Louisville. Our relationship
with the Kentucky Center for the Arts resulted in 114 discounted ticket sales ($15
each) to students, staff and faculty.
7. Staff Professional Development Activities and Programs
The Student Center will host its first ASCA Gehring Academy in the summer of
2011.
The Student Center will host its second ASCA/NACA Student Organization
Institute in the summer of 2011.
Professional Association Involvement:
The Student Activities Department is an institutional member of the Association
of College Unions International and the National Association for Campus
Activities.
Conference Sessions Presented:
Tim Moore attended the National Association for Campus Activities and
presented “Reimaging the Director – A New Framework for Administration”
Tim Moore attended the Association of College Unions International and
presented “Social Media What’s Your Status” and “Reimaging the Director – A
New Framework for Administration”
Matthew Vetter attended CPAK and won the case study competition
Matthew Vetter attended NASPA and presented “Avoiding Animal House:
thriving in Greek residences”
Holly Bradford attended CPAK in February, 2011. She presented a session on
“Success for Student Organizations: Strategies and Suggestions”.
Joni Burke served on a task force that developed curriculum and presented at
the international Alpha Delta Pi Sorority “Adelphean Compass Chapter
President’s Institute” in Atlanta, GA in June, 2010. She was also asked to serve
as a trustee on the board of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority Gift Mart, Inc.
While attending the 2011 Annual CPAK Conference in February 2011, Joshua
Hardman and Lyston Skerritt participated in the Case Study Competition and
won Second Place for their presentation.
Lyston Skerritt Presentation- CPAK Young Professionals conference "What is
Student Affairs"
Recognition:
Years of Service Recognition:
George Howe – 40 years
Joni Burke – 30 years
Julie Onnembo - 15 years
Tracey Walterbusch was class valedictorian for the College of Education and
Human Development.
Joni Burke was selected the recipient of the “Harold Adams Award” at the 2011
Student Awards program.
Joshua Hardman was also elected president of the Graduate Association for
Professionals in Student Affairs for the 2011-2012 year in his College Student
Personnel program.
Lyston Skerritt was elected the president of the College of Education and Human
Development Graduate Student Association for the 2011-2012 year.
8. Assessment Initiatives
A number of recommended improvements were identified in the 2007 Program
Review and Student Activities Center and Programs. Significant progress has been
made in the improvement of facilities, programs and services.
Of specific note, an architectural and engineer study has been conducted and a
master plan developed for the renovation and expansion of the Center. The master
plan has guided decision making in the allocation of resources as projects move
forward.
The SAC bond debt fee was retired and the funds have been used to make
improvements throughout the Center, including replacing carpeting in the
Multipurpose Room, purchase of lounge furniture and creation of the west plaza.
Recently, the Class Act Credit Union has relocated allowing for the development of
that area which is currently being explored. A new organizational structure has been
implemented to allow for the improved delivery of programs and services to the
campus community, including the creation of a Program Coordinator for NPHC and
Student Involvement.
The 2007 report continues to be a guide to enhancing the effectiveness of the
Student Activities Center and programs.
9. Top Goals for the Department
Student Activities and Student Activities Center are responsible for a number of
actions items for the divisional strategic plan:
A.
1
1.1.
1.2.
1.5.
1.7.
1.8.
1.9.
1.11.
1.12.
1.13
INSPIRE A VIBRANT CAMPUS LIFE AND ENGAGED STUDENT BODY.
Develop Programs and Activities that Inspire a Vibrant Campus Community
Greek Life Expansion
NPHC Enhancement and Support
Student Activities Program Enhancements - Daily Program - Music Events in the
SAC
Expand and Market Programs Thru Involvement in Orientation and Welcome
Weekend
Enhance International Service Learning Program and Study Abroad Opportunities
Campus Ministers Outreach
Family Weekend
Annual Red Barn Summer Fest
Coordinate Welcome Week Activities
Actions Taken:
Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity colonized in February, 2011 and will be followed by
Delta Tau Delta after they are installed Panhellenic Council voted favorably on
extension in September, 2011; Zeta Tau Alpha will colonize in the fall of 2011.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.’s request to return to campus was approved; the
first intake should take place in the fall of 2011. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
received an earlier startup date to re-establish their former chapter in January of
2012. Evaluate support for other multicultural Greek organizations to colonize on
campus
Funding and a position description were secured to have a new position created
in Student Activities to advise NPHC. Applications are being reviewed for the
selection for the new NPHC Advisor in the summer of 2011. Task Force report on
the Strategic Plan for NPHC was released. NPHC has prioritized items and actions
steps for implementation. The NPHC Suite had some accent painting done and
Student Activities had some NPHC group photos enlarged and framed for the
NPHC Suite.
2
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4
2.5.
2.6
3
3.2.
3.6.
3.7.
3.8.
3.9.
Increase Meeting and Gathering Space for Students to Promote Student
Engagement and Community
SAC Consultants Report
Internet Café
Dean of Student Office Renovations
Cycle of Replacing Lounge Furniture
West Lawn Project
Identify Office and Storage Space for RSO's
Meet the Needs of Current and Future Students by Implementing the Student
Affairs Facility Master Plan in Support of the University's Strategic Direction
SAC Expansion/Architect RFP
College Town Area
Greek Housing Master Plan
Conference Center Plan/One Stop Conference Services
SAC Renovation
Actions taken:
Individual meetings were held with all House Corporations and chapter
presidents of organizations needing to add sprinklers to their Housing facilities
and other required house improvements. Costs and options for financing and
fundraising were discussed and an updated action timeline was requested from
each group
Meetings have been held with some of the unhoused Greek organizations to
discuss their needs. All fraternities and sororities have been asked to compile
their preferences and responses for compilation for a Greek Master Housing
Document.
The NPHC Suite Advisory Board has added one additional group to sign a suite
agreement. Identify land where Greek organizations can build chapter houses
SAB’s 194 events throughout the year provided a significant portion of U of L’s
student-run activities, featuring a wide array of large and small events targeted
to various segments of the University’s population.
SAB’s events are designed to foster student learning, engage their school spirit,
and develop their social skills.
SAB recruited dozens of student volunteers to assist with the planning and
production of their events.
B.
CELEBRATE TRADITION AND CREATE A SENSE OF PURPOSE.
1
1.1.
1.2.
1.7.
1.8.
1.11.
Lead the Campus Community in Celebrating Traditions and Recognizing
Individual Contributions
Evaluate Campus Life Award Program
Homecoming Event - Former Leaders
Spirit and Traditions Committee - Developing Partnerships and New Traditions
Programs and Activities with Athletics and Around Athletic Events
Senior Week
Action Taken:
The Student Awards Program Committee rewrote the criteria for each award.
When the Kentuckiana Metroversity Organization decided not to sponsor the
Adult Learner Award, Julie Onnembo incorporated the Adult Learner Awards into
the Student Awards.
Several of SAB’s events combine a sense of tradition with an ongoing sense of
fun and excitement. The Crawfish Boil celebrated its 26th straight year, while the
International Fashion Show marked its 9th consecutive year. Such ongoing events
as the Homecoming Court Contest and Mr. & Ms. Cardinal honor the students’
achievements, while provided a link with the past that is now decades old.
ADD: Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Fryberger Greek Sing in 2012 Host
two productions of the Fryberger Greek Sing in 2012. Create a focus groups of
students, alumni, and staff to plan significant enhancements to the anniversary
event. Obtain a large building banner to commemorate the 75 th Fryberger Sing
2
Create a Division of Student Affairs that has a National Reputation for
Excellence.
C.
ENHANCE SERVICES THAT MEETS THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS.
1
Develop New Programs and Services that Address the Needs of Our Special
Student Populations and Other University Stakeholders
Review services for non-traditional age students
Evaluate Service Needs of Graduate & Professional Students
Evaluate Best Practices for Off Campus Service Programs
Evaluate Program Delivery of SAC Services
Lockers
Establish SAC Advisory Board
1.3.
1.4.
1.10
1.11
1.12
1.13
Action Taken:
Lockers were placed in the RSO room that allows Student Groups to reserve
lockers for storage.
2
Enhance the Health and Wellness of our Students
3
Expand and Enhance Career Services and Placement
4
Effectively Promote Student Affairs Programs and Services to Campus
Community
WEB Page Development, Staffing and Enhancements
Comprehensive Campus Student Events Calendar
Shuttle Stop Calendars
Campus Calendar Coordination
Action Taken
4.1.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
5
5.7.
5.8.
5.10.
5.12.
5.13.
Analyze and Evaluate Student Affairs Programs and Policies to Improve
Efficiency and Ensure the Needs of Students are Being Addressed
Revise RSO Guidelines
Revise RSO Advisor/Sponsor Training and Publications
Department Program Reviews
Retention Studies/Campus Card Issues
Review and Revise Event Management Staffing Procedures for Campus Events
Action Taken:
Amend the education requirements for new members in the Alcohol Guidelines
to permit approved on line education program in addition to the traditional
group education meetings
IFC and PH must locate new website hosts since celect.org has recently closed
down. They are setting up contracts with the GIN System.
Implement an Upper class student Quota (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) to
enable more upperclass women to participate in sorority recruitment and
receive bids
NPHC has partnered with the Cultural Center to host their council website on
OrgSync.
Continue to promote cross council programming (Greek Week, Greek Council
liaisons, service projects, and Presidents’ Roundtables)
Determine if there is a need to reintroduce the Honor Society Council
Encourage IFC to host a Recruitment Bootcamp program for chapter officers
6
Create a Development Program that Supports Students, Student Affairs
Programs and Existing Efforts Throughout Campus.
7
Develop and Maintain the Infrastructure Needed to Ensure Student Success
with an Emphasis on Innovative Technologies and Outstanding Staff and
Resources
Actions taken:
D.
TRANSFORM THEORY INTO PRACTICE TO SUPPORT STUDENT LEARNING.
1
Create and Maintain Vibrant Partnerships with Academic Units Across the
University to Support Student Learning and Student Success.
Expand Leadership Training and Developmental Experience
1.2.
2
Enhance student learning by providing structured experiences that encourage
responsible citizenship, leadership, and community engagement.
2.3
2.7
Evaluate feasibility & benefits of developing a co-curricular transcript program
Collaborate on training of student leaders within Student Affairs
Actions taken:
Published and distributed information from the Institutional Research study on
Greek Retention rates vs. unaffiliated students and designed a recognition
structure to reward and encourage chapters with high retention rates. The first
retention certificates were presented at the 2011 Greek Program.
In September 2010 Julie Onnembo met with Academic Advisors concerning
needs and resources for Off Campus Students.
SAB continues to conduct peer evaluations that guide biennial evaluations of
SAB’s Chairs & Directors. Peer evaluation results are combined with quantitative
data that serves as an objective measure of student performance.
This year, SAB’s advisors additionally used the CLAWS rubric to evaluate SAB’s
student directors, providing results to the conductors of the pilot project.
SAB’s frequent one-on-one advisement provides individualized instruction in
project management to all of SAB’s student personnel. Both connected
education models and recognition of students’ individual levels of
accomplishment and achievement guide each student’s training.
Strengths Quest training is provided to all of SAB’s students.
The department of Student Activities and Student Activities Center has eight major
goals.
Goal 1. Serve as UofL’s primary resource to positively engage all UofL students to
be involved in out-of-class activities for the UofL community.
Primary Outcome: Focal point for out-of class activities
Actions Taken:
Student Activities serves as a primary resource to student involvement opportunities
such as Greek Life, Recognized Student Organizations, Student Activities Board and
commuter student programs. Our facilities are also used by other departments and
student groups on campus.
SAB planned and executed 194 events, and collaborated on several more, reaching
out to all ranges of students. Target audiences are a regular part of all events’ preplanning activities. Furthermore, each committee is asked to evaluate their
outreach to all segments of the student population.
Recruitment efforts take place at the beginning of every semester to bring new
students into the Board’s planning activities.
SAB collaborates with numerous RSO’s and departments to provide access to the
group’s resources and knowledge and to enhance the quality of campus events.
Goal 2. Cultivate a favorable environment that is welcoming and offers desired
programs and services to create a dynamic campus life program for UofL students
Primary Outcome: Nurture Environment
Actions Taken:
We have provided opportunities for students to meet and interact informally
through the creative layouts of non-programmed lounge space in various locations
of the SAC; such as the interaction created by the cyber-café in the atrium, the space
outside the Dean of Students office, the space inside the Student Activities Suite, the
space in the Pre-function Area, the Multipurpose room, the Food Court and Student
Activities space in Davidson Hall.
Last year the Music school kindly donated a baby grand piano to be placed in the
cybercafé to allow students and their friends the ability to free-style play the piano.
This has created a nice atmosphere of piano music created by the piano being open
and available for their use. The SAC also has a piano located in the pre-function area
which is used for the same thing, however this piano is not as noticeable when they
play in that location. This year Student Activities paid to have the strings replaced on
this piano since a soft drink had been previously spilled on the existing strings.
Student Activities and Student Government has funded a new digital display system
in the SAC which has allowed us to upgrade our outdated analog display system to a
system that allows us to be more creative in our presentation of campus information
to the student body. Currently we have three channels that can be programmed
with different information for each channel. The Dean of Students has a channel
that is used for student recognition which is located at the end of W303A in the SAC,
Student Activities has a channel that is located over the escalator for upcoming
events, and the third channel is broadcast over channel eleven of the campus cable
TV system. A fourth channel was added when Intramurals paid to add an additional
channel to our system.
SAB cooperates in the planning and production of several events, designed to
provide support to incoming freshmen and underclasspersons. Among these, SAB
runs the Orientation Dances, produces two major Welcome Week events, cosponsors the RSO fair and Welcome Cookout, and hosts several parties specifically
designed to provide activities for the UofL’s young students.
With the generous sponsorship of Class Act, weekly music events in three venues
have been a regular feature on campus.
SAB’s open committee structure allows for maximum involvement for any student
interested in campus life and activities.
Goal 3. Be recognized as the leader in providing quality service to the UofL
community.
Primary Outcome: Quality Service
Actions Taken:
In order to provide a higher level of quality service we have provided printed Visio
diagrams of the specific event when possible to assist the user in seeing exactly how
the setup in their mind transitions to the space. We have worked hard to ask the
questions about their program or event that they may not think of. Our attention to
detail has improved, but needs to continue to get better considering our wealth of
experience we have in our department. We want to nurture a “yes” environment for
our staff. We want to be able to say yes whenever possible, but when we have to
say no or if we can’t help them is there other ways we might be able to support their
event?
SAB’s commitment to professionally produced events sets a high standard for other
student organizations. Their familiarity with available resources and planning
procedures makes them frequent consultants to other students and student groups.
SAB serves as student partners in the department’s activities, working with staff and
other students to achieve the goal of providing quality events to the student body.
Goal 4. Expand and renew facilities to create a vibrant campus “living room”.
Primary Outcome: Expansion and Renovation
Action Taken:
Although the expansion and renovation of the SAC is delayed for an indeterminate
amount of time, we continue to improve our resources and facilities to make them
more pleasing to the eye and to keep up with today’s technology demands.
Film chairs and their advisors took an active part in developing a plan to upgrade
Floyd Theater’s screening capabilities.
SAB’s advisors work with facilities staff to monitor technical equipment and provide
input on upgrades and augmentations. Additionally, SAB’s advisors work with
facilities staff to recruit and train student technical staff.
Goal 5. Foster traditions and spirit at the University that instills a sense of pride and
purpose in students and alumni.
Primary Outcome: Build Community
Actions Taken
The Student Activities Center builds community through providing spaces for
students and student groups to host events and non-programmed space where they
can just hang out. The entire SAC west has wireless internet connectivity so students
can interact electronically if this is their mode of community. Many students play
online gaming as their primary form of recreation.
The SAB works with the Alumni Office and the Red Barn Alumni Association to
provide activities for several major traditional festivals and events, among these,
Homecoming, Mr. & Ms. Cardinal, and the Crawfish Boil. WFPK Live Lunch at the
Red Barn is assuming a place amongst these events as a tradition that brings alumni
and students together.
Goal 6. Provide an outstanding professional preparation experience for graduate
students entering the field of campus activities
Primary Outcome: Professional Preparation
Actions Taken
The Student Activities Center provides professional opportunities for a graduate
student entering the field of Student Affairs to get professional preparation beyond
the classroom. Practical experience with programs, projects and events bring
Student Affairs to life with real life problems and challenges.
Matthew Vetter and Stuart Neff have undertaken the development of a training
program for incoming GA’s. Integration and standardization of various forms used
by GA’s to perform their job responsibilities has been undertaken.
Goal 7. Be financially secure and increase operating funds to achieve envisioned
future and sustain success.
Primary Outcome: Financial Viability
Actions Taken
Through increased partnerships with higher education-based professional
organizations; we hope to become the go-to university to host professional
workshops, seminars and institutes. Our geographical location and our partnership
with the “Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau” has allowed us to attract
increased interest in Louisville hosting small to medium events on campus and even
larger events downtown. The ACPA National Convention in 2012 and the NACA
National Convention in 2016 has signaled a start to what we hope is a long term
relationship with the city of Louisville.
While we are providing more resources to student groups for little or no cost, we are
raising the income we receive from departments and off campus users of our
facilities.
SAB continues to involve multiple sponsors and partners to underwrite and develop
funding for its event year. Their partnership with Class Act Federal Credit Union has
funded various weekly activities, such as the Floyd Film Series and the weekly music
shows in the SAC and McAlisters, as well as the monthly display calendars of student
events. SAB’s partnership with WFPK brought musicians of national renown to the
Red Barn at minimal cost.
Goal 8. Form favorable partnership to expand programming and services for out of
class activities that add value to the campus community.
Primary Outcome: Partnerships
Actions Taken
We have cultivated many partnerships with various departments such as the Music
School, Undergraduate Affairs, Student Government, Residential Life and the Dean
of Students to name a few. We have also cultivated relationships with non-university
entities such as Lan War, The Kentucky Center for the Arts, Best Buy, Newegg, Class
Act Credit Union and many other local businesses through our Vendor Fair.
Already mentioned, SAB has beneficial financial relations with Class Act and WFPK.
Additionally, their financial partnerships with the University administration enabled
such high-profile events as the Discover Louisville concert and the Block Party to
take place. Collaborations with other University departments include Campus
Health, PEACC, First Year Initiatives, and many more listed earlier.
Intend to continue to implement training of student staff by updating procedure
manuals and scheduling meetings with: RSO’s, SGA Representatives, and front desk
student workers. Would like to continue to look for ways to increase revenue for
the department by maximizing the utilization of space (by seeking corporate and
institutional meetings and conferences during off-peak usage time throughout the
school year). Plan to continue the WOW Marketplace event in August each year,
streamline reservation process, increase efficiency in all processes, retain effective
student staff, continue to meet all financial deadlines as established by the
University and keep A/R current.
10. Issues and Challenges for the Department During 2010-2011 and Beyond
The creation of a Greek Housing Master Plan is becoming more pressing. Securing
permanent housing/meeting space for the five unhoused fraternities needs to be
resolved. An issue of helping Greek Organizations raise funds/secure loans to make
needed safety and security renovations to older homes is difficult.