By Leah Anderson

When I applied for the College of Liberal Arts Ambassador position, I wasn’t sure what to expect. My decision to apply was very last minute, I literally picked up an application on the day they were due. The job description sounded fun, and I wanted to get more involved within my own college.

I knew once I met my fellow ambassadors that I would enjoy this volunteer experience. Everyone I met was very friendly and hilarious –we all could relate to feeling a tad discriminated against by our engineering and science-oriented peers. I loved meeting so many new people and feeling so connected with my college in general.

One thing I learned about myself through this experience was that I love to talk to new students. It was great to be able to calm their nerves and pass on all of the wisdom I have accumulated over my time at OSU. While at first I was hesitant about giving presentations in front of so many people, I found that it was easy because I was talking about things I knew quite a bit about: myself and my time on campus. Students interested in my major (Fine Arts) would seek me out to learn more about my personal experiences at OSU. As much as I enjoy talking about myself, it was also fantastic giving them advise that may help them be happier and more successful at OSU when they become students.

I also got to learn more about some of the Liberal Arts options we have available at OSU. For example, I had no idea that the philosophy program sponsored lectures promoting world peace or that the speech communication option had classes on public relations. The ambassadors as a whole represent quite a few different majors, so it was great to meet people I probably would never have had a class with on campus.

Overall I’d definitely have to say that this position has become one of the highlights of my college career. Not only does it look great on a resume, but I met fantastic people, wore a hip uniform (we remain the only college that gets to wear t-shirts to recruiting events), and represented the school which gave me so much over the past few years. I’d encourage anyone to apply who loves OSU and wants to find an unconventional way to get involved on campus.

If you’re interested, the application to become an ambassador is located on the CLA website. Fill it out and bring it in to Gilkey 213 by 5:00 pm on February 17th.  If you have any questions or would like more information about being an ambassador, please contact Kerry Thomas, kerry.thomas@oregonstate.edu

 

By Joce DeWitt

There was a time I can remember thinking that my dream career of journalism was a little too grandiose. As if it weren’t reachable or something. The fact that as a high school senior I decided to attend a university without a journalism program did not help my unsettled feelings much to be honest, until I got to campus for the START program. It was there that I learned about New Media Communications and all of the opportunities that came along with being a liberal arts major. Among all of the opportunities—and there have been many—Student Media at OSU has proven to be the most demanding, challenging, provoking and fun.

This is how the story goes: I’m at START with only the knowledge that I want to be in Liberal Arts. I did not know a specific major, I just knew I wanted to write—and I wanted to learn how to do it in such a way that massive amounts of people would be able to read it. Cue Mr. Louie Bottaro: my academic advisor and friend (or at least according to Facebook and Twitter) of four years now. He was at the Liberal Arts booth that day and after I told him I wanted to write, he stuck me in New Media. It was all uphill from there. I enrolled in NMC 101 fall term of my freshman year and became hooked. The instructor of that class (the beloved Pam Cytrynbaum) told us this on the very first day of class: walk to Snell Hall, and fill out an application for Student Media. It was not an official requirement for the class, but the way she talked about it, it might as well have been. So I went.

One can imagine this awkward little freshman girl from a small private school overseas, with only the experience of her high school yearbook under her journalism belt, walking into the office of The Daily Barometer with little to no expectations. I told whoever it was that I saw at the student-run newspaper that I wanted to write for them, and I didn’t care which section or how they used me because all I wanted was experience. My first column was published within a week.

The editors at the Barometer gave me their time teaching me the basic know-how of clean and clear newspaper writing. Fast-forward three years to the present and I am now the Barometer’s News Editor in my senior year, preparing to graduate with a degree in New Media and two newspaper internships underway.

Student Media is what the name implies: a faction of the university that, minus a couple of advisors, is completely student-motivated. It includes three units of print (The Daily Barometer, Prism Literary and Art Magazine, and Beaver Yearbook) as well as KBVR-TV and KBVR-Radio. NMC students are required to take part in Student Media for at least three terms for practicum credit, but that does not mean that New Media students are the only ones involved. In fact, the editorial staff at the Barometer has only one other New Media major beside myself. The point is: any student can work for student media, and get credit for it. Not to mention some of the facets, like the Barometer, pay all their reporters/photographers/sports writers/column writers.

During my sophomore and junior years I was lucky enough to do three terms with KBVR-TV on the Beaver Sports Show. KBVR is broadcasted on local channel 26 to Corvallis and students directly and produces all of its shows. I learned an immeasurable amount there about TV production, camera usage, being on TV, etc. What I’m trying to get at is students are not limited to only one facet of the institution of student media. Therefore, should a student find the motivation he/she has the capability to host a radio show, produce a TV show, write a column, take pictures for the yearbook and edit submissions for Prism, figuratively speaking. The best part? Training is done by students and is an on-going process, so no previous experience is necessary to work for any one of these mediums.

I will close with a challenge. No matter what your major, dear liberal arts students, consider getting involved at Student Media. It’s an experience that you will enjoy, learn from, develop connections, and much more.

 

By Alex Schireman

For those of you who haven’t heard of U-Engage, it’s an academic program designed to help incoming students learn more about Oregon State and how to succeed here.  OSU’s New Student and Family Outreach program offers a wide variety of classes.  Last fall, offerings included: Science Myth Busters, Why Can’t My Family Be Normal?, Why We Wear Clothes: The Psychology of Clothing, The Origins of Originality, Sports Media in the 21^st Century, Everybody Loves the Movies but it Was a Play FIRST!, When is Green Really Green?, and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: Life, the University, and Everything! With so many interesting topics to choose from, students are spoiled for choice.  And while the topics are diverse, all courses are designed with a common goal: to help new students flourish at OSU. These classes give incoming students an opportunity to study in a small classroom environment with other like-minded students.  While learning about their chosen topic, new students are also taught about campus resources, effective study techniques, and time management.  In brief, U-Engage provides an opportunity for first-year students to hit the ground running, as they forge friendships and establish successful academic habits.

I wish I could tell you what a great experience I had in my U-Engage class when I first came to OSU, but I can’t.  The U-Engage course I wanted to take ultimately didn’t fit in with my class schedule.  In hindsight, I wish I had managed to juggle my schedule, because I know now I missed out on a great opportunity. Fortunately, I did wind up becoming knowledgeable and passionate about the U-Engage program in a way I hadn’t anticipated…as a U-Engage Peer Leader.

During the 2011 winter term, I was looking for new volunteer opportunities to add to my resume and I discovered the online application for U-Engage Peer Leaders. I applied and was pleased to be one of the fifteen volunteers selected.  Along with the other new recruits, I was required to take a training course spring term.  There, we were taught how to be effective student mentors.  Activities and writing assignments were designed to help us learn more about ourselves and develop our leadership skills.  For example, we took an inventory that helped us identify personal strengths and weakness.  And we learned that while it’s important to work to improve areas of weakness, it’s perhaps even more useful to understand and fully utilize natural areas of strength.

It was an interesting (and sometimes humbling) experience to put leadership lessons into actual practice as a U-Engage peer-leader.  Thankfully, I was assigned to a class I found interesting (Cross Cultural Communications) and an instructor who turned out to be a supportive mentor.  And it helped that the class consisted of a wonderful group of first-year students who were intelligent, friendly, and very passionate about the course’s topic.

Overall, I had a great experience as a student leader.  But admittedly, some of the projects I undertook were more challenging than others.  For instance, my supervising instructor asked me to organize a discussion panel.  I’m shy when it comes to asking others for help and the prospect of asking people to volunteer their time seemed hugely daunting.  But I ultimately managed to provide a panel of upperclassmen to come speak with the class and succeeding at something I found intimidating felt great.

Being a student leader is one of those activities where you receive as much as you give.  Through the U-Engage program, my fellow peer-leaders and I learned not only how to be leaders and mentors, but how to make the most of our personal strengths in our day-to-day lives.  Because we needed to venture outside of our comfort zones, we became more confident.  We met a lot of great students and instructors we might have not met otherwise.  We gained a greater understanding and appreciation for the work our professors undertake.  And on top of all that, we received academic credit and an impressive addition to our resumes!

So if you’re looking for a way to invest your time and energy, I suggest looking up U-Engage’s online peer-leader application.  Applications are due January 31st.  Even if you didn’t take a U-Engage class as an incoming student, you can still gain a lot from this program.  Maybe even more than you expect.

 

 

By Ben Wreath

Hello fellow CLA students! How many of you already feel like you are strapped for cash, and you still have two more terms to complete before summer? It might be a good time to start searching for those summer jobs. There are several ways to stay involved, make money, and gain leadership experience on campus in the summer. In fact, New Student Programs & Family Outreach is seeking to employ qualified, currently enrolled undergraduate students who are enthusiastic, hard-working and committed to assisting prospective and/or incoming students and their families through OSU’s START program. If you can remember your summer visit to campus, START is the summer advising and registration program for incoming students and their families. START leaders will take away new skills and experiences that will open doors and aid them in future careers and opportunities.

I personally was a START leader for two summers after my freshman and sophomore year, and it was my best experience yet at OSU. Being a part of New Student programs freshman orientation program was a gateway to my involvement here on campus. During my time as a START leader I didn’t only educate new prospective students to OSU, but I learned a lot about it myself. It’s a really fun way to meet new people and develop leadership, communication, and public relation skills. In the spring you take a training class so you can really get a feel for what you are doing, so you don’t feel unprepared when the summer gets here. Then in the summer you facilitate small and large groups of students, and lead them around campus. It’s a great way to be involved and get paid while you are doing it!  Anyone can apply, even if you never went through start yourself!

New Student Programs will hold information sessions to give you an opportunity to learn more about the position and answer questions you may have.  Attendance at one of the following sessions is strongly encouraged but not required. They are January 18^th at 4pm, Jan 23^rd at 12pm, and Jan 24^th at 5:30pm in Kerr Admin B009.

If this sounds like something that you are interested in find out more by going to one of these information sessions or contact the office of New Student Programs and Family Outreach. Have a great winter term, and remember the last day to apply is January 31st. So get going ASAP!

 

By Monica Racicot

How many of you remember back to START when your advisors told you that there are over 300 student clubs and organizations at OSU? They said that if in that whole mix of clubs, you couldn’t find something that fit your interests, you could start your own… well, that’s exactly what I’m doing right now!

http://oregonstate.edu/sli/studentorgs

I am in the process of re-establishing “Comm Club,” or Communication Club, as a Voluntary Student Organization at Oregon State. The process is long, and kind of complicated. So before you get excited about making a club, make sure you understand what you will be getting yourself into. And make sure that you have enough committed individuals that are enthusiastic and willing to make your club happen. With that said…

How to Get Clubbin’

The first page you need to head to when you’re thinking about starting a club or organization at OSU is the Student Leadership and Involvement page. You will first want to review the current listing of active student organizations; just to make sure there isn’t one you would like to join that’s already underway!

Once you’ve searched, your next step is to review the student organization classification (http://oregonstate.edu/sli/studentorgs/classification) information in order to get a sense of what is required of each categorization moving forward.  Only two of the three classifications – Sponsored & Voluntary Student Organizations – are recognized by the University.  Non-Affiliated Student Organizations are not University recognized, they are just registered.

Depending on your potential organization classification, identify a minimum of 4-10 OSU students (including yourself) interested in supporting the creation of your new organization.

• Develop a Constitution/Governing Document for your organization including the minimum proscribed guidelines
• Review the Registration & Recognition information for an overview of the materials that need to be submitted.
• Schedule a time to meet with a representative from the Student Events & Activities Center

There are TONS of benefits for student organizations. I had no idea! Check this out: http://oregonstate.edu/sli/studentorgs/classification/benefits

Resources for Student Orgs

Not a business major? Keep reading to get some suggestions about how to fund raise for your organization.

Important things to remember when you are organizing a fundraiser, as stated by Student Leadership and Involvement:

• All fundraising events must be sponsored by a registered student organization. Events should be registered at least 2 week before the event date. 
• All financial transactions must be handled by members of the student organization.
• All funds raised from the event should be deposited into the student organization’s MU Account (MU 215).
• An individual or individuals of the student organization may not participate for private financial gain.
• If collecting currency, use a cash box from the MU Accounting (MU 215).
• All checks must be written to the student organization.
• Event admission charges shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, disabled veteran, or Vietnam-era veteran status.
• All costs associated with the use of state tax-supported facilities must be paid by the student organization.

FUNdraising Ideas  Coffee and donut sale Bagel and pretzel sale Candy sale Bake sale (make sure items are properly packaged and from a licensed kitchen) Auction Balloon sale Art/poster sale Plant/Flower sale Buttons/t-shirts/bumper sticker/other Holiday bazaar Benefit dance/concert Student-faculty talent/art show Birthday cake delivery Singing message Finals care package Tournaments/Contests Banquets/roasts Progressive dinner party Merchant donations Pledges Membership dues Immobile bicycle-a-thon Marathons (run, walk, jog, eat, see-saw, dance, cards, board games, etc.) Antique show Ushers for events Art fair Haunted house Provide work force for events Car wash Recycling drive Guess beans in a jar (or variation)

Funding Resources

Student organization funding may come from many different sources.  Some organizations institute dues or participation fees, host fundraisers or solicit funding from many places including those listed below.  Student organization fundraising activities being held on campus must be reported through the student organization database.  The Student Events & Activities Center can provide ideas for successful fundraisers. Take a peek at the options below for possible funding assistance—

Student-Fee-Funded Organizations

Student fees are utilized to support student organization development and activities.  These funds are made available through a number of funding boards, depending on unique criteria (i.e. sport clubs are funded through the recreational sports board).  Additionally, some student organizations receive annual funding or fund balance allocation through the Educational Activities Committee.

Educational Activities

Recognized student organizations may be able to receive funding from the Educational Activities Committee (ED-ACT) which exists to support the cultural and intellectual community on campus, to address the needs of students who are members of an underrepresented group, and to increase student retention through the contribution of extracurricular programs.

Student Foundation

Student organizations can apply for funding from the Student Foundation. The foundation will consider funding events, equipment purchases, travel, and more. To apply, pick-up an application in the Student Events & Activities Center (MU 103). You can also email student_foundation@oregonstate.edu.

Departments

If your club or organization affiliated with a campus department, you may be able to request financial assistance. Some of the key components to a request include showing how the department and students within the department would benefit.

*Don’t assume that your department will have the funds to support your club or org. For example, the Speech Communication department is not able to provide Comm Club with any financial support.

Community Businesses or Organizations

You may want to consider requesting funds from a community business or organization (some examples include grocery stores, CH2MHill, banks, HP, new businesses, restaurants). Sponsorship requests to companies or corporations should be made in writing with a professional quality letter or proposal. Include the purpose of the request, the history of the program, type of recognition offered to donors, and instructions on how to make the gift. It is important to follow-up with an in-person visit.

National Organization

Some student organizations may find national organizations or grants will support their activities. Use your advisor and other professional resources to help locate these opportunities.

Listserves- a SUPER HELPFUL way of getting your club out there!

Once your group has completed the annual registration process, you may want to create a group email listserve to help manage communication with your members. To establish a listserve, go to the OSU Mailing Lists site and fill out the on-line listserve request form.

Workshops-Leadership and Organization Development Resources

The Peer Leadership Consultants (PLCs) of the Student Leadership & Involvement staff are available to present on a variety of leadership and organization development workshops. You just have to fill out a request form at least 2 weeks in advance. Workshop examples:

*How to be a Juicy, Succulent Student Leader

*Communication and Conflict Resolution

*Ethics in Leadership and Decision Making

**An important side note

You can also start a sport club with OSU Rec Sports (aka Dixon). Contact the sport clubs and intramural sports office at (541) 737-4083. Word on the street is that lots of OSU students are requesting a “Quidditch” club…but nobody has created one yet. Will it be you?

 

By Alison Blazer

Welcome back to campus Liberal Arts students! Winter term is upon us and it’s a new and exciting time to get involved on campus! After having survived those first few months of college, it’s common for students to explore new outlets for their free time. Getting involved gives students new ways to express their creativity or fine tune the skills they already possess, while also eliminating some of that pesky free time spent sitting in the residence halls, so get up and get going because Oregon State is full of opportunities!

I’m sure many of you that are eager to get involved and more acclimated to campus, but you just don’t know how- I’m here to help. One major benefit of attending a large public university such as Oregon State is that there is a niche for everyone. My freshman year, I decided to delve into extracurricular activities first thing winter term. What was I interested in? Where did I want to help out on campus? Like many new students on campus, I was lost and turned to exploring the OSU website in hopes that something would catch my eye.  Two weeks later, I was a weekly columnist for The Daily Barometer, having never written for a school paper before and was simultaneously going through the interview process to become an INTO OSU Conversant. Through these programs I met other students, improved my writing and interpersonal skills and got to know faculty members. Getting involved on campus is like a game of dominoes, once you take the first step and get involved with a program (even if it doesn’t end up being the one for you) your experiences and the people you meet lead you directly to other opportunities on campus and before you know it, you’ll be as busy as your Liberal Arts Ambassadors!

On campus, there are countless cultural and resource centers, clubs, student run organizations etc. that are always looking for new members. For those of you interested in community service, the Center for Civic Engagement on campus is always welcoming volunteers. The Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) is our student government, so if you’re someone who wants to make a change on campus, or get involved with politics on a small scale, ASOSU is an excellent option. The Memorial Union Programs Council (MUPC) handles campus wide events such as Snow in the Quad and Dad’s Weekend– so for all you event coordinators out there, a visit to the Memorial Union would be a good first step to take this Winter. These are just a few of the numerous options for involvement at OSU, the rest of which can be found on the OSU website under the section entitled “Get Involved”. If you’re worried about picking the right program, worried about something being too hard or too time consuming- stop worrying and get out there! Joining a cause on campus doesn’t have to be permanent- if it’s not the right fit for you then so be it, but taking a chance on involvement could change the course of your college experience here at OSU. Student involvement may shed light on interests you didn’t even know you had so take advantage of all OSU has to offer and fill your time with some activities that broaden your horizons and expand your resume this winter!