UNIVERSITY CENTER & STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Gary D.  Oliver, Director

Mission Statement

The overall mission of this department is to contribute to the educational process of the university by providing cultural, social, and recreational programs and activities aimed at making out of class learning a cooperative factor in the total development of the Savannah State University student.

Vision Statement

The department strives to enhance the out-of-class experience of students by offering activities and services that are new and unique to Savannah State University.

Guiding Principles

1.      The Association of College Unions International (ACUI) defines a college union (university center) and student activities programs as the “living room” or “hearthstone” of a college or university.   It provides for services, conveniences, and amenities needed for daily life on a campus and help people to get to know and understand one another through informal association outside of the classroom.

2.      Considered as part of the educational process, university centers and student activities programs are the center of community life on a college campus.  The area serves as a laboratory for training student in social responsibility, leadership and democracy.  This is usually done through general association, participating in clubs and organizations or by holding a position in student government.

3.        One may look at a university center as the town hall of the University.  It provides facilities and location for over 75% of activities and programs sponsored by the activities department or other factors of the university.  Also, the center houses various offices and departments that are instrumental in a college setting.

Primary Clients

1.      Of course students are our primary clients.  However, the University Center & Activities provides for all members of the college family – students, faculty, administration, alumni and guests.   The University Center usually provides special services that meet daily needs of its clients. They are generally the central locations for campus dining hall, snack bar, theater, conference or meeting rooms, and multipurpose rooms.

Basic Performance Indicators

Cost Effectiveness: There is no allocated budget assigned for general operation of the University Center.  This would include funds for general repair and upkeep.  Funds that are allocated come from student activities fees. The amount varies each year based on allocations from the Student Activities Allocation Board (SAAB).  These funds are usually used for activities sponsored by the University Center.  This would also include the purchase of supplies and materials for a game room, movie theater, etc.   Repairs are usually attended to by Physical Plant, based on the need and available funds.

Personnel funds for the University Center are handled through the Student Affairs budget.    Over the past year and a half, we were able to employ a University Center Manager.  This person is hired on a part time basis and cannot work more than 30 hours per week.    His hourly rate is $12.00 per hour and he does not receive any type of benefits.

This year no funds where allocated for student activities.  These funds went to the Student Government Association with an understanding that students will assist in the planning and implementing of activities.

Time Efficiency: The measurement of time is sometimes difficult to calculate in this area.  It all depends on the project/activity.   For example, the process of space request forms may take ten minutes, where planning and implementing an activity may take day(s) or week(s).  The Center usually opens at 7:00 a.m., with the main offices located within the building opening at 8:00 a.m.  Closing time for the building is 10:00 p.m. except on special occasions when the activity side of the center is open longer.  Students have access to various departments during their posted hours of operations.    Game room operation is from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Students also have access to television lounges/quiet rooms from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.  The University Snack Bar hours are usually from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Staff Productivity: The staff requirements for every union  (University Center) large or small falls into two categories: 1) the educational function which includes the direction of programs and the guidance of students, individuals and groups in social and recreational fields and 2) the business function of operations.

Currently, the director is a salaried employee and usually works 50 or more hours per week.  Special events and activities will warrant for this person to work more than the normal hours.  Evening and weekend work is usually mandatory for the position.  Not only is he responsible for the business operations of the University Center, he is also responsible for programming and student activities. 

As stated earlier, the University Center manager is employed part time and usually work during the evening.  His hours of operations are from 5:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

Higher Education Benchmark: Current trends of college unions (university centers) and student activities are to offer programs that will allow for common interest and unity among a diverse group of people.  These programs usually include art exhibits, concerts, forums, lectures, special programs, and projects.   The most popular trends and those that are commonly used in centers include film series, all-university special events, college bowl, recreational tournaments, etc.   Most if not all of these events are currently sponsored by the University Center and Student Activities.

Leadership within the profession is giving more attention to programs that are closely related to work in academic departments.  Some professionals teach courses in student development and group leadership.  Extracurricular activities are also new trends in the profession.  Students at some institutions are able to receive an extracurricular transcript and receive credit for participating in such activities.

ACUI research has shown that students who participate in university centers and activities have become more active in public office or civic affairs.

University Initiative Responses

1.                  President’s Personal Visions for 2005 – “Comprehensive set of services and activities for a richer collegiate environment.”

2.                  University Mission Statement – “ a supportive campus climate, necessary services, and leadership development opportunities…”

Planning Objectives

Goal#1:          The Primary goal of the University Center and Student Activities is to continue to enhance the type of programs and facilities offered to the Savannah State University family.

Action Steps:

1.      This goal can be obtained by working collaboratively with the various campus departments and organizations to place emphasis on the type of recreational, social, and cultural programs offered.  For example, this may require working with the humanities and social science departments to bring in a speaker that is both well known in its field and popular with students.   Other examples include working with campus Physical Plant for repairs or working with campus clubs to co-sponsor spring fling week or back to school activities.

Expected Outcome(s):

1.      The outcome from this goal will not only benefit the SSU student, but the entire campus community as a whole. It will increase the number of activities taking place at the University.  Also it will bring about interest from the local community and prospective students. A highly developed program will not only meet the needs of our students but those who visit the campus on a daily basis as well. 

Effectiveness Measurement Techniques:

Effective outcome can be measured by the increase in participation of activities and usage of the university center by all members of the university community

Last Update: 02/16/01