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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 15, 2003)
Leadership activities abound in residence halls Residence halls offer many opportunities to participate in advising, leadership and government roles By Lisa Catto Freelance Reporter When she moved into the Univer sity residence halls this fall, freshman Chelsey DeBois was slightly appre hensive about how to make friends and learn her way around campus. But those worries were soon eased. "I didn't realize that the residence halls would have so many ways for me to get involved and meet other people living on campus," DeBois said. Students living in the residence halls can join housing government and academic programs, and apply for jobs — all without leaving their complex. John I lollan, assistant director of residence life in University Housing, helps organize different residence hall programs. He deals specifically with leadership within the halls. "Basically, I am in charge of promoting opportunities and creat ing opportunities for students," Hollan said. The Residence Hall Association is one of the largest programs Hollan works with. The association provides opportunities for students to sit on the executive board and take part in the different committees that plan hall events. Association members also attend several conferences during the year, and involved students have the op portunity to network with students and faculty from other campuses. In addition to the association, stu dents can also get involved with their own complex's government and make decisions regarding their immediate living situation as well as what they would like to see happen in their complex. Individual halls also have their own governments that deal with ac tivities and funding decisions. If a stu dent's hall does not have a hall gov Danielle Hickey Senior Photographer Carson Hall resident assistant Jaime Wren shares pluses and minuses for the week with fellow RAs Ismira Brkich (front), Bryon Burleigh and Marc Thayer (right to left) on Thursday. eminent, he or she can work with oth er members of the hall to start one. If students prefer to get involved in academic-related pursuits, the two hall advisory boards offer numerous opportunities. The Honors Hall Advisory Board, located in Walton Complex, hosts panels that bring in speakers on a va riety of topics. The Hamilton Advisory Board is new but has similar objec tives. Students from each complex control the direction and activities of the academic advisory boards. University Housing provides many employment opportunities for stu dents, including jobs in the various dining facilities and the housing of fice. There are also opportunities for current students to become resident assistants or freshman interest group academic assistants. RAs and FIG assistants live with their peers in the residence halls and work to create better communities for residents. Hollan said RAs and FIG assistants work as "crisis managers, counselors and friends." Cindy Ruggles, a senior account ing and psychology major, has been working as a resident assistant for three years. She currently lives in Stafford I lall in the Earl Complex. "Each year I decided to return be cause I found that during my time as a RAI could really make a positive im pact and enjoyed getting to know lots of people," Ruggles said. Ruggles said the involvement op portunities in the residence halls provide students with a chance to develop and implement their lead ership skills. They also get to make connections with other students and student leaders on campus and are able to voice their opinions rather than have them spoken for them, Ruggles said. "I enjoy the fact that I get to be a part of so many residents' first expe riences at the UO, and that 1 am able to help or guide them through it," she said. Students who want to be come involved with their hall should contact their resident assistant for more information. Lisa Catto is a freelance reporter for the Emerald. Did you know,that 7 em are looking for YOU? It’s true! This may be the only time where employers will come to seek you out on your own turf! Employers from corporations and non-profit organizations come to campus to interview students, like you, to fill career positions, internships, and part-time or seasonal jobs. Most recruiters hire students from all majors. rGet ahead of the pack. Secure a job before you graduate. Find out how you can get an interview. Go to http://uocareer.uoregon.edu/CIP/recruiting.asp For more information, contact Megan McGregor at 346.3237, or email recruit@uoregon.edu O Career Center 220 Hendricks Hall • 541.346.3235 UNIVERSITY . op oricon http://uocareer.uoregon.edu EAT. LAUGH. PRAY. (repeat as needed) / Discover the meaning of life through Christ St. Thomas More Newman Center... Catholic Campus Ministry 1850 Emerald Street (across from Hayward Field) Mass Schedule: Sat. 5:00pm, Sun. 9:00am, 11:00am, 7:50pm & Wed. 9:00pm (Student) 346-4468 http://www.newmanctr-uoregon.org e-mail: newman@newmanctr-uoregon.org Social Connections +Coffee Houses +Engaging Masses +Alternative Spring Break Faith Community +Progressive Dinners +Meaningful Retreats +Charity Fund Raisers societal commitment +Sports Events +Guest Speakers +Social Service Projects
