This year, students wishing to pursue activities outside of the classroom may have even fewer barriers keeping them from becoming involved.
Beginning in January 2001, the University implemented a task force to examine ways to make it "easy and attractive" for students to participate in extracurricular activities.
Focusing on programming for or by undergraduates, the Student Organizations Programming Team is addressing key issues for the organizations themselves, specifically funding, space availability, program advising, coordination and communication.
The team, comprised of both faculty members and students, aims to improve the process of programming with a more effective coordination of existing resources.
The purpose of SOP is to "streamline service of all extracurricular programs, especially those of the undergraduates which, generally outnumber those of graduate and professional schools," said Donna Baker, assistant director for the operations at Newcomb Hall.
"The most important thing this committee will add to the University is recommendations for options for students," Student Council President Abby Fifer said. "Prior to this point, we have not had a comprehensive guide to these things."
Council is waiting enthusiastically to receive any suggestions from SOP and plans to aid students in a positive manner, she added.
Such sentiments seem to strike an agreeable chord with the student body, notably Sheila Laderberg, the communications coordinator for the University Democrats and a third-year student in the College.
"While the University Democrats have not really experienced problems with space availability, funding has been a bit of an issue," Laderberg said. "We understand the Appropriations Committee's limitations, but it is sometimes difficult to understand their reasons."
Such sentiments were echoed by Sheherzad Kaleem, a third year in the College, who said she also has experienced logistical problems related to extracurricular activities.
"Funding, organization, space and an appeals committee that actually addresses issues" have all been problems in extracurricular activities, such as the Third Year Council, International Student Host Program, International Studies Center, an internship and a job, Kaleem said.
She said she is hopeful that the effects of the SOP committee will be positive.
While the committee has sought clear and quick solutions, most processes are in need of review or reconsideration.
SOP will address issues in what the team considers the order of importance, beginning with program and space, followed by funding and coordination.
Assessing current policies, resources and other problems, the SOP's next steps involved additional issues of non-participation, transportation and graduate and professional school programs. The goal is to complete such an analysis by November to allow ample time for feedback on its recommendations from students and staff.
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