Unpacking the suitcase
As I walk to my office in the University Center, I overhear conversations. Some celebrate making the grade while sharing a high five with close friends. Others highlight the weekend gossip with sneaky glances at the next table. I may even catch up on the latest episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” However, there are conversations that almost bring me to a complete stop. Some resembling the following: “there’s nothing to do here” or “weekends are so boring.” Those statements are typical. I’ve said them as a student. But now that I am in the world of Student Affairs, I want to say, “Hello! You should visit our office. There is plenty to do!”
With 90-plus student organizations, Greek Life, Leadership Programs, First Year Initiatives, and Orientation, our office is always busy! Why are students so bored?
My position at USI is program advisor for student activities, but I know that I am not the only person coordinating events. Other things exist.
Encouraging involvement provides an alternative to that boredom. When students get involved they begin to stay on campus longer. They unpack their suitcases, whether for a weekend or second year. The question is how do we inform them of the limitless opportunities for that involvement?
I know what you’re thinking. You’re hoping that I have an answer to my own question. The good news is that I do. The bad news is that very few take advantage of what is out there. 
If you’ve checked your email, you probably read my name in the inbox: Kathy S. Jones. On behalf of the Office of Student Development Programs, I create bimonthly newsletters that promote involvement. Originally, the newsletters were for the “Student Involvement Group” on MyUSI. Now, faculty and staff also receive that information via email, every other Monday.
This newsletter is a free way to advertise events. Consider it a way to promote what your hard work is accomplishing. Our special faculty/staff projects prove that we have creative sides. We don’t just lecture or develop policies day after day. We all have passions that sometime shine in the events that we coordinate. We want students to enjoy the college experience, just as we have in the past.
You would be surprised at how many students don’t know about opportunities to get involved. A part of my role in Student Development Programs is to promote these options. Whether it is through my role as advisor with the Activities Programming Board (APB) or coordinating Dinner Etiquette Workshops each semester – what good are these events if students don’t know about them?
I’ve seen the flyers around campus. I know that there are speakers and musicians who visit USI often. I’ve learned that students expect a personal invitation to every single event. With the Student Involvement Newsletter, we are doing just that, only 456 people at a time. The newsletter is emailed directly to the usieagles.org accounts.
There is something for everyone! Take a glance at our latest newsletter: http://www.usi.edu/sdv/Involvement_Group_Newsletter.pdf. That could be your program on the front page for all to see!
Our newsletter is growing larger every issue. It is proof that there is always something to do at USI. It gives even more reasons why students should get comfy – not only unpacking their suitcases, but kicking off their shoes too! We hope to read about your events soon!
To get your event in the next newsletter, email me at ksjones5@usi.edu with the subject “Student Involvement.” I only need the following information:
• Name of Event
• Time
• Location
• Sponsored and who to contact for more information
• Web site for more information – Optional
• Short Description of Event – Optional
If you are interested in joining the Student Involvement Group, you may sign up by logging into MyUSI and completing the following steps:
• Select the “Groups” icon in the right corner of MyUSI.
• Then, select “Groups Index.”
• Under Group Studio, select “Social.”
• Select “Student Involvement.”
• At this point, there will be short description about the group. Click on “Join Group.”
• Review the Group Membership Policy and select “Join Group.”
POST CONTRIBUTED BY: KATHY S. JONES, program advisor for student activities in Student Development Programs.