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SGA to study feasibility of Greek
life on campus
By Carly Hawkins
As in past meetings, the
issue of Greek life dominated the agenda of the Student
Government Association meeting on Sunday, as the members
deliberated their course of action over the remainder of the
year.
Ashkat Agarwal, liberal arts
and sciences representative, and Jason Kennedy, SGA treasurer,
met earlier last week with Assistant Dean of Students Jim Korte.
The three concluded that a survey to the general student body
would be the optimal first step in the investigation of bringing
Greek life to campus.
While members of the Capital
Scholars program have done some research into student attitudes
towards Greek life and survey questions exist from a now-defunct
committee, extensive examination of opinions has yet to be done.
The proposed survey will include administration, faculty, and
staff as well as students, and SGA hopes that the outcome of
that survey will guide them in their proceedings.
Secretary Brie Hudkins
voiced concern that including non-students in gauging opinion
could lead to a veto from the other groups in what could prove
to be an extremely popular idea among students.
Treasurer Kennedy responded
to those concerns, saying, "If it's a mixed response, that's
certainly something to assess, but if it's an absolute 'no' from
administration and faculty, that's a concern, because they will
have to deal with this long after everyone on this government is
gone." Korte also pointed out that the administration would need
to sign off on plans before any organization could form on
campus.
Kennedy also proposed the
formation of a committee comprised of members of SGA as well as
the general student body that would look in to the options
before UIS regarding Greek life. "This is not a committee set
forth to bring Greek life to campus," said Kennedy, "but to
study the feasibility of Greek life three to four years down the
road."
The Ad Hoc Committee on
Fraternities, Sororities, and Greek Letter Organizations will
include Representative Agarwal, Treasurer Kennedy and Samantha
Drews, representative of Capital Scholars, on behalf of SGA, as
well as several members of the student body at large.
Many members of SGA were
concerned that this committee remains objective. Secretary
Hudkins pointed out that it should be made clear that the
"Animal House" stereotype of Greek life is not necessarily the
goal. "There can be good groups," she commented.
Representative Drews noted
that the committee's purpose should be to find out whether
students want a traditional Greek row on campus or whether they
are content with the service organizations and honor societies
that are already represented at UIS.
Also prominent in the
discussion on Sunday was the activity of the Strategic Planning
Committee. Recently formed, the role of this committee is to
report to the Campus Senate by February on modifications to the
mission and vision statements of the Springfield campus, and
then, down the road, the implementation of those modifications.
Associate Chancellor of
Constituent Relations Ed Wojcicki explained the first part of
this process in these terms: “What are we? What is UIS? Who do
we serve? What values do we hold as an institution?”
Student reactions and
thoughts on these questions are being collected by SGA in order
to make an informed and thorough report to the Strategic
Planning Committee as they continue their work over the coming
months. Student Government Association representatives will
collect student opinion over the next two weeks.
Those interested in serving
on the Ad Hoc Committee on Fraternities, Sororities, and Greek
Letter Organizations should contact Jim Korte for more
information.
Washington Middle School seeks volunteers
By Janee Mitchell
The Office of Student Volunteers
and Service Learning is actively seeking volunteers to assist
Washington Middle School for the 2004-2005 school year. The
middle school needs help in the areas of tutoring and mentoring.
Betty McLean, community placement
coordinator, said, “Reading scores are so low among 6-8 graders
that they need help and support.” Tutors are needed to assist
the students with their reading and other assignments, as
determined by the school. Tutors will work 1-3 hours during the
school day of 8:45a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mentors are needed for 1 hour
during the week to spend time with a student. The mentor must
also chose a time within the school hours listed. McLean said,
“Mentoring is being a role model and helping another child to
obtain good grades. It provides a friend and stability in their
life.” McLean also said that mentoring a child helps them stay
in school.
UIS is entering its second year
of volunteering with the Washington Middle School. The first
volunteers started at the school from January through May of
this year. There were only 4-5 volunteers at that time giving
assistance in math, but due to the middle school’s increasing
needs, 20 applicants are sought this fall.
The Office of Student Volunteers
and Service Learning initiated their recruitment of volunteers
through the UIS e-mail system and have been very successful,
receiving about 12 volunteers for the partnership. There are
currently about 8 slots remaining for tutors and mentors.
Students should not be
discouraged that there are only 8 seats remaining, but
encouraged to become a part of the volunteer effort in the
spring, as more volunteers will be needed. It is never too early
to sign up and McLean encourages students wishing to volunteer
for the spring to begin signing up now.
Students should not hesitate to
sign up due to a lack of experience. Training will be provided
at Washington Middle School, located at 2300 E. Jackson on Nov.
10 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Potential volunteers are also
asked to submit to a background check. Background checks are a
criteria for becoming a volunteer and cannot be neglected. They
are also important tools in ensuring that the safety of the
children is taken in to account. The background checks will be
provided free of charge.
Applicants must also complete
application packs, available in the Office of Student
Volunteering and Service Learning SAB 60, and submit them before
they plan to volunteer. All questions regarding volunteer
opportunities at the middle school should be directed to the
Office of Student Volunteering and Service Learning at 206-7716.
'Spotlight on Excellence':
Sims selected October Employee of the Month
By Janee
Mitchell
Patti Sims is a dedicated UIS
employee who believes that a good worker gives their best effort
towards their work. Sims is assistant provost at UIS, and helps
with payroll.
A Kentucky native, Sims came to
Illinois in 1992. She began her 10-year UIS career in May of
1994. Sims found grant research and justice interesting, so she
began her career in the Center for Legal Studies.
 Eventually,
Sims discovered another interest and began working in the Office
of the Provost about three years ago. Sims said anyone with a
job should be organized and understand the critical issues that
their job entails.
It was her organization, strong
work ethic and dedication that made her a likely candidate for
Employee of the Month. Sims said she was in total shock when she
was surprised with the news after a routine meeting. “Everybody
was so sneaky,” Sims said. She did not know what her colleagues
had planned for her.
Being honored as Employee of the
Month can be both shocking and overwhelming. Some people may be
compelled to work to a higher standard to live up to the title.
However, Sims said it wouldn’t change anything for her because
she works her best at all times.
Sims said that she does her job
to the best of her ability because she’s doing something she
loves to do. She said what she likes best about working for UIS
is the dedication and commitment of the people around her.
Sims also said that Employee of
the Month is a group effort and values everyone’s contributions.
She also encourages future nominees for Employee of the Month to
“take a team approach to solving problems and be sure to work
with other people in a cooperative fashion.”
Employees of the Month get $50 to
spend on campus, a special parking space for a month and their
picture displayed. Sims said she enjoys her parking spot the
most and wouldn’t mind having that particular privilege
extended.
Sims’ work ethics and
organizational skills make her an ideal Employee of the Month.
Those seeking to follow in Sims’ footsteps should take her
advice and be organized, practice teamwork and work
cooperatively, because they never know when the spotlight will
be on them. |
