In With The Old

2010-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Student programming boards are always in search of the next greatest act, speaker, or novelty, but I wonder: In the world of campus programming, is newer always better?

While new artists or agencies can be hit or miss in terms of performance and customer service, the security of the tried and true eases the stress of providing campus programming that meets the needs of the institution and the students it serves. This is particularly true for longstanding entertainment relationships which have developed over the course of years. Anyone in the field for more than two years could easily offer a stellar recommendation for an artist or agency that provides excellent customer service and is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Likewise, one doesn't need to question long before the same professional shares a horror story.

It's due to these "horror stories" that some performers find themselves without work. For other industries, negative reviews from one client easily translate to numerous negative experiences. However, in campus programming, we must remember that one size does not fit all. Student bodies have vast differences and vary due to the institution type, location, composition, and history among numerous other factors. As such, it is worth the risk to take a chance on a lesser known artist or agency or even those which have received less than moderate reviews. The most important tip is to trust your programming board as the most active members may very well be a far better judge of potential "hits" than their advisor.

This isn't to suggest that we abandon what has worked in the past. Instead, continue in with the old, but keep an optimistic perspective for the new, unknown performers which may prove to be just the gem you've been waiting for.

Student Leader Burnout

2009-11-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

As we enter the 2009 holiday season this week, I cannot help but consider its arrival overdue. Our most active college leaders have been approaching burnout in recent weeks and are in dire need of a little old fashioned R&R. They have spent the last 13 weeks planning events, organizing meetings, recruiting new members, and essentially fulfilling the requirements of a part-time job while juggling the obligations of classes, families, friends, and other PAID positions. While some institutions reward their most engaged students with scholarships, salaries, or stipends, our students are compensated with valuable experience and the pride of job well done. Needless to say, they deserve a break.

Student leaders, the volunteer workforce of our institution, will return in 2010 with wide smiles prepared to tackle a new semester of challenges. Recurring issues faced by student leaders will undoubtedly surface -identifying new leaders to replace those graduating or transferring, brainstorming unique events and means of promotions, and encouraging cooperation among organization members - but they will also encounter unexpected brick walls that always manage to appear without warning and at the worst possible time. That's when faculty advisors and student professionals like myself will step in and do what we do best: help students tear down brick walls impeding their success.

For now, we need to leave worries of next semester at bay and encourage our students to take a much needed break. I encourage everyone to enter this time of thanks with a new level of appreciation for the hard work students contribute to their communities both within and beyond their college campuses. We teach them the benefits of sincere appreciation, and what better time do we have to prove that we heed our own lessons.

Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to reward yourself with a little rest and relaxation.

Jennifer W. Purcell

In With The Old

Student Leader Burnout