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Spring 2003 Volume 6 Number 2 |
Home » MSC Today Magazine » Spring 2003 » Living the Student Life
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Living the Student Life Student Organizations offer something for everyone at Macon State College
When Rob Farmer finds himself knee-deep in term papers and information technology projects, he takes a break by transforming into a mysterious creature of the night. Clad in a flowing cape, he moves through the Student Life Center at dusk, searching for others of his kind. It’s all fun and games, and after a few hours of live-action role playing every other Saturday evening, Farmer is ready to hit the books again. “It’s my way of relaxing and getting involved in student life here,” said Farmer, a Macon State College senior and multimedia major in the IT bachelor’s degree program. Two years ago, Farmer, with the approval and support of the MSC Student Life Office, founded the Society for Overactive Imaginations, a.k.a. The Gaming Club, at Macon State. Members of The Gaming Club meet on campus to take part in role playing, laser tag games and board games, including everything from Backgammon and Battleship to Scrabble and Stratego. “If you intend to get involved in college, then find something you are really interested in,” Farmer said. “For me, that was a gaming club, which the College didn’t have at the time. From the very beginning, we’ve received great support from Student Life.” More to College Lynn McCraney, a 1987 graduate of Macon State who is now the College’s dean of students, believes there is more to college than attending classes, writing essays and taking finals. The Student Affairs Program, McCraney said, is designed to complement the College’s academic curriculum and provide support and leadership training for students. MSC Student Life programs, publications, organizations, service learning projects and special events are funded by the $44 per term activity fee paid by students enrolled for four or more semester hours. Currently, there are more than 25 active student organizations at Macon State. “One of the things I’m most proud of at MSC is the variety of our clubs and organizations,” said Michael Stewart, Student Life Program coordinator. “Our organizations run the gamut, from professional and academic affiliations, to civic- or community- based interests, to social- or hobby-based groups.”
Seeing Through the Eyes of Others Civic and social interests drew Angela Brownlee to the Black Student Unification at MSC. Since joining more than two years ago, she has been elected treasurer and, now, president. Through her involvement, Brownlee said she has learned lessons that will serve her long after college graduation. “Being involved in BSU has helped me to better understand and appreciate people’s different points of view,” said the criminal justice major, “plus I’ve learned not just how to get along with different people but how to get along with different personalities.” Such lessons will benefit all students, especially at a college with such a diverse student population, she said. Macon State’s student body of 5,000 is equally divided between recent high school graduates and mature adults. Minority students account for more than a third of the student population. “It’s great when an organization is made up of students from various backgrounds, be it age, ethnicity, gender or major, because this helps to create an atmosphere that breeds conversations and discussions that further the learning in the classroom,” Stewart said. “When a student interacts with people outside his or her zone of familiarity, it allows the student the chance to see the world through another perspective, and to me, that is a big part of the college experience.” Making a Difference After helping coordinate BSU’s holiday food drive for a local food bank, Brownlee said she also is “more in tune” with the community’s needs. “While socializing is a great part of being active in a student organization, it’s not the only part,” she said. “We have a chance to make a positive impact on this campus and in this community. I think something like this can make us better students and better citizens.” Participation in any campus organization broadens and enriches the college experience for students, said Dr. Martha Wilson, interim associate vice president for Planning and Assessment and faculty advisor to the College’s chapter of the international student honor society Phi Theta Kappa. “Students not only have the opportunity to share fun and fellowship and to build the kind of relationships that can last a lifetime, but they also enjoy many other benefits from active participation in campus organizations,” Wilson said. Making Friends
“Our AITP chapter members have opportunities for socializing and personal development,” Mackie said. “The purpose of our organization is to facilitate the learning of information technology practices, conventions and new technologies in an informal environment while providing friendship and unity among the IT students.” The chance to make new friends, make good contacts and “make a difference” is what attracted public service major Crystal Jones to the Student Government Association (SGA). “I just felt that it would be fun to participate in an organization that concentrates on the needs of the student body,” said Jones who is completing her second year as SGA president. “Being part of a student organization is a great way to network with students, faculty, college administrators and even people in the community, all of which might lead to possible job connections,” Jones said. “And no student should forget that participation in student organizations looks good on a resume!” To learn more about student organizations at Macon State College, contact Student Life Program coordinator Michael Stewart at 471-2710 or visit the website at www.maconstate.edu/studentlife. |
