October 15, 1997 Student Activity Fees: Where Does the Money Go? By Christina Papa “All 1 know about the Student Activities Fee is that they collect it from us. I have no idea what they spend it on,” said Tamara McGee, third semester psychology major. This is the typical reaction of many students when asked about the student activities fee. Most know they pay a $25 fee per semester for full- time students, and that’s about it. What they don’t know is how it is being spent, and who decides that. To start, an Allocation . Committee at each campus is required by the University. PSU Delco’s includes six students: SGA President Anton Shuford, SGA Treasurer Robert Mathews, second year student Yanina Kulchitskaya, adult student Salm Evans, and freshmen Genna Curcio and Andrea Carroll. | In addition, the committee consists of three faculty/staff members: Student Life Coordinator Barbara Daniel, Student Services Specialist Raquel Arredondo, and accounting instructor John Terrell. The bi-monthly meetings every other Tuesday at 4:30 in the Cafeteria are open to everyone, so that whoever wants a chance to see how their money is being spent can get a first-hand look at the process. Last year, the total amount available was $63,000. $10,000 of that was carried over to this year, which makes this year’s total approximately $73,000. - “So what exactly is this money being spent on?” asked Ned Persons, third semester Business Administration major. The Student Activities Fee is used to pay for a variety of items and activities. Last yedr, some of the allocations included: leasing a campus van, computer equipment for the Volunteer Service Center, cheerleading uniforms, fitness room equipment, funding for the Asian American Student Caucus, and the list goes on. This year, some of the money has been spent on a new pool table for the Lion’s Den, an out-of-class project for women’s studies students, and a chemistry class speaker over the summer. Penn State Delco is unique in that we spend the money gradually throughout the year, as expenses present themselves. Many other campuses spend it all at once in the beginning. Barbara Daniel explains why Delco’s philosophy is different from the rest. “We want to be open to ideas and opportunities that we have no way of anticipating,” she said. There is a lot of money there to be spent on whatever students want, and all they have to do is fill out a simple request form, which can be obtained from SGA, Raquel Arredondo, or Barbara Daniel. Clubs, organizations, or anyone who has a creative idea can request funds from the student activities fee. Last fall, a questionnaire was sent out to all students to find out how they felt about the fee and asking for suggestions on how it should be spent, and not a single person responded. “The fee is there and all students have a voice in how it will be spent,” said Mrs. Daniel. The next Allocation Committee meeting is Tuesday, October 21. Anyone who has an interest in becoming part of the Allocation committee can see Barbara Daniel, second floor commons. Guest speaker Nikitra Bailey (senior, pre-law) joins Virgel Perry, Career Counselor, after speaking on the Minor- ity Mentoring Closing Program. She heads the Black Student Caucus at University Park. Freshman Seminar Course — LION’S EYE — funds, in the Lion’s Den. Students ponder their next move over a chess board, purchased with Activity Fee Faculty Member Offering Support to Fellow Veterans By Candice Meriano Calling all Veterans! Calling all Veterans! Where are you? It’s almost like an ongoing hide and go seek game. - Veterans. We know there out there. We know they're on this very campus. But do they know there is a helping hand awaiting? Mr. counselor, veteran and reservist himself, is here at Delco campus. He is concerned with the low numbers reported of Veterans attending Delco, knowing there are many more out there, deep below the woodwork. What Veterans need to be aware of is there is a caring voice here. A man who is concerned and willing to guide and support. Are they getting their money (for school from the service)? Do they know their options? Are they aware of the benefits? To all those out there who are Veterans, understand that you are not an outcast. Come forward and see Mr. Perry, located in the Student Center. “My concern is that I know they are out there. I need to get the message out that there is support here on the campus.” Perry also deals with the ROTC program. Though there is not a program here on campus and there are no plans to begin one, Delco connects with other schools so students are able to participate in this program. Virgil Perry, career “The ideal time for a student to enroll in the program is right as they come in. However there are options if you apply later or if you have prior military experience,” commented Perry. Once again, a call to all Veterans, the man to see is Virgil Perry. He is ready , willing and able to assist you! ce SR a ue i EC ls lh lil] Penn In Hand The campus literary magazine is now accepting submissions of poetry, essays, and black line art work for possible publication. Drop off submissions at the Student Life Office by Friday, October 31. Questions should be directed to the Editor, Cynthia Moore by e-mail at cxm291. All students and faculty are encouraged to participate. All judging isanonymous. Include name, address, and phone number on each submission. First Steps on the Road to Success at PSU Delco * By Elizabeth Dalziel The freshman seminar course “..is not only an introduction to university life, but to life itself,” explained John Terrell, accounting professor and freshman seminar instructor. The freshman seminar course was offered to all students at Delco for the first time, last fall. Before that only students in certain academic support programs could schedule it. It is a new version of an older program on campus which has proved to be successful. Increasingly, more universities across the country are integrating this course into their academic program, often making it mandatory for all freshman students. Raquel M. Arredondo, Student Service Specialist and seminar instructor, describes the program as being “a unique opportunity for students to acclimate themselves to the campus community and learn what's expected from a college student.” This course aims at making the transition from high school to university as smooth as possible. Often coming from a rigid, regulated, routine high school system where they are, basically, led by the hand and spoon fed, students are likely to feel bewildered when placed in a college environment where there is much more freedom and yet much more is expected from them. The seminar calls students to “reflect on why they are here,” says Terrell. And, according to Richard Betts, English professor and seminar instructor, “It makes students aware of what a college education demands.” A wide variety of issues are discussed during class, such as time management, tcacher/student connections, thriving in the information environment, study skills, diversity, career decision making, finances, and many others. As well as class discussions, students are required to attend activities on campus and large group seminars where the five different seminar sections meet and take part in a presentation made by assigned instructors and “student peer leaders” on issues relevant to the course. The course also treats areas such as computer services(e-mail, the internet, LIAS) and support services in general: advisors, learning center, and so on. Except in the freshman seminar, “these are areas in which no one really sits you down and explains the in’s and out’s,” comments Arredondo. And yet, they are essential to the success of a university student! Jamie Donnelly, a freshman student taking the course, comments, “I like the group discussions; they're like a stress reliever. We discuss the pressures of college, why we are here, and the instructor is very friendly and understanding. We are also encouraged to get involved on campus.” Norma Notzold, Director of the Learning Center and seminar instructor, stresses the fact that “there is much more to college than going to class.” A more relaxed, motivated student who has been “taught the ropes” is a more receptive student who will then perform better academically. So much depends on a student’s attitude to this new and demanding environment. A big step on the road to success is a commitment and involvement in all aspects of university life. : In concrete terms, one may ask, how successful has the program been? Norma Notzold asserts that there has been an increase of student involvement on campus activities as a direct result, and studies have shown that, on average, students taking the course, compared to comparable students not taking the course, have managed to raise their predicted GPA by half a point!
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