As the spring semester approaches, many students are curious if classes will still be online because of the pandemic, and the Student Life Board (SLB) doesn’t have the answers. At the Oct. 13 meeting, the board met via Zoom to discuss upcoming events at Brookdale. But the biggest question on students’ minds is out of the SLB’s hands.
“We’re being told, as staff, that we still have to get approval to be on campus, but we are still going to be working from home, most likely,” said Student Life Director Lauren Brutsman. “I don’t know what that means for you guys, as students, but I am hoping that at least some classes will be face-to-face, to help you with your learning.”
SLB President Rose Adu told the 12 people on the Zoom call that concerns about the college schedule should be addressed to college deans and administrators. However, she is more than willing to act as a liaison.
“I’m meeting with the president next week, Thursday, if you have any questions about anything at all with this semester or about campus reopening, you can say them now or contact me separately to have the president answer them,” Adu offered those in attendance.
Brutsman said many students assume the SLB has these answers, and the board has received many emails from students. “I think it will be in the college’s or in the student’s best interest if you, Rose, represent them .. so that you guys can be aware of what actually is going to be happening for next semester.”
Priority spring registration begins Nov. 2. “That’s coming up soon, only three weeks away,” Brutsman said.
While the SLB is not responsible for answering questions about these major topics, the board acts as a liaison between students and the college administration, advocating on behalf of Brookdale students. The SLB is a sum of student government, programming board, and finance board, all in one.
The SLB is a leadership group where members learn about team building, leadership methods and management. They achieve leadership skills with positions within the board and by participating in leadership retreats. The club also participates in regional and national NACA (National Association of Campus Activities) conferences.
“The Student Life Board is a group of your peers who help students on campus and virtual students have a fun experience. We are the voice of the student body, and we plan all the events that on-campus (virtually)” Adu said.
During the meeting, members discussed plans to fulfill its mission of making sure students are having a good college experience. A member, Isabel Pena, shared an idea of a virtual talent show. She shared her screen, portraying the procedures to how a virtual talent show might work. The entries would be displayed on the Brookdale Instagram page, and students could vote on Instagram.
Another idea would be to post video entries and allow students to vote anonymously. Pena said, “instead of first, second, and third place, there can be categories instead. Member Amanda Zelevansky pointed out that a voting system is important “so people don’t feel left out.”
The meeting ended with Adu summarizing an ongoing event- Take & Make DIY at Home Fun! Every two weeks, Student Life will have an arts and craft creation that students can pick up on campus to complete at home. Some DIY projects include stuff a critter and custom logo pillows. This is just one of many activities SLB hosts to help students engage in the college life.
All Brookdale students are encouraged to get involved.
Student Life Board meetings are bi-weekly (twice a month) at 4 p.m. via Zoom. This schedule helps to ensure they are meeting with a purpose and to provide student leadership, education and success with an agenda to the student body. Some benefits of joining a club including, helping plan events at the college, making new friends and being involved, and a bonus to anyone’s resume.
For more information, contact [email protected].