University of South Carolina Aiken

Student Involvement

Why The Name Change?

• More representative of what we do • Office is made up of several different areas: – Intramural/Recreational Sports – Leadership Programs – Traditional Events/Programming – Greek Life – Volunteerism – Student Government/Student Organizations – Orientation Programs – Facility Reservations – Administrative Responsibilities • Perceptions about office was limited by name

Why Is Student Involvement Important?

• • • • • Provides Important Skill Development Builds a Sense of Community Enhances the Educational Materials Give Students Real Life Experiences Retention Entering Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 1-year Retention Rate 70% 68% 64% 60% 67% 68%

Who Else Plays Are Role in Student Involvement?

• Intercultural Programs • Housing and Residence Life • Pacer Athletics • Alumni Affairs • Admissions • Career Services • Everyone on Campus

How Do We Get Student Involved?

• Over 65 student organizations • Over 20 different intramural/recreation opportunities throughout the year which serves over 500 students • 12 national fraternities and sororities • 9 traditional events created and implemented by student planning committees  Family Weekend  Homecoming Week        Spring Week Greek Week Get on Board Days Waterfest Fall Fest Midnight Madness Holiday Fest

How We Do It…cont.

• 2 alternative breaks programs • 6 Impact events per semester • At least 12 entertainment events through the Pacer Union Board and Aiken Unplugged a semester • 6 sections of ASUP 110 (Emerging Leaders) and 1 section of ASUP 210 (Citizen Leadership) • Annual Leadership Retreat • Live 2 Lead program • Student Life Leadership Awards Banquet • Student Activities Fee Allocation Process which funds 16 student organizations

Exciting New Initiatives and Programs

• • • • • • • • Double Knot Learning Society Pacer Promotions Student Pacer Booster Club Dance Marathon Greek 101 Back to Banksia Work to establish honor societies for each academic major Renovated Student Activities Center  New 250 Seat All Purpose Area  Student Media Lab   Renovated Intramural/Recreational Area Game Room  Student Workroom  Student Organization Offices  Health Center  A True Student Activities Center!

Challenges

• • • • Budget  Over 60% of budget goes directly to salaries and administrative costs  Continued rising costs for good and services Growth in Programs  Four examples would be Greek Life, Impact, Leadership programs, and Intramural/Recreational Sports Administrative Demands  Reservations  Providing adequate support for advisers and student leaders Time  Who has enough?

Greek Life Membership for Past 5 Years

250 200 150 100 50 0 Fall 03' Spring 04' Fall 04' Spring 05' Fall 05'

Semester

Spring 06' Fall 06' Spring 07' Fall 07' IFC NPC NPHC Total

Questions?