 "Photo:")
I would like to respond to the article by Stephanie Weaver about the Student Activities Board. Stephanie's article highlighted common misconceptions about SAB and I am glad to address them.
First, I want to address the areas that I agree with. I agree that SAB can do more, especially in lieu of the residential requirement. I am aware that there is - at times - little to do.
I also know that some events - even when they were great - were not well attended because they weren't publicized well. Publicity will be a major emphasis for SAB next year.
I am working hard to improve the quality and variety of events SAB offers to students. I know that not everyone participates in SAB events and I know that not everyone comes to every type of event. I encouraged SAB leaders to throw out old, overdone events and try new ideas.
I am proud of the attempts SAB made this year, whether the amazing karaoke night we had in the fall, the game show nights with lots of prizes, Beyond Existence, which brought major Christian bands to campus, or the bus trip to New York, which I was happy to see brought out many students who I rarely saw at other SAB events. Each of our events this year brought out record numbers.
Stephanie suggested more movies but suggested that, "All you need to do is find someone with movies and then show them on the big screen and - bam - you have an event." In truth, to show a movie on campus, whether in a residence hall or in the auditorium, requires us to acquire the rights to show that movie. This year we spent between $200-$450 per movie that was shown on campus. In terms of more movies, you're reading my mind, Stephanie - wait until next year.
Her comment, "Make use of the auditorium - there are only plays and dance shows a few times each year" is not true. As one of a handful who can reserve rooms on campus, I know that the auditorium is possibly the hardest space on campus to reserve. For each dance, music and theatre event, there are one to two weeks of 'tech,' that is stage crafting and practicing. It makes it difficult to reserve the auditorium, but it's necessary.
Stephanie suggested partnering with student clubs. Many attempts were made. When we had a campus-wide brainstorming session for event ideas to which every club leader was invited, only one student, who wasn't a club leader, attended.
Other times, clubs simply didn't follow through on their commitments. Dia del Este worked because resident directors agreed to make it happen and I offered to help fund their events. I invited clubs to be a part of it. Only one agreed and that one responded too late.
On the hopeful side for the future, I have many ideas for next year to not only better support the work of campus clubs but also to partner with them.
We're working hard to improve Student Activities for next year. I can't wait for what's already in the works. I hope you'll come out next year 'looking for a good time' - not just for Dia del Este - but for all of our events.
Be the first to comment on this article!