Student Involvement: What are Students Doing for Fun?

Robin Sanderson, Director of Student Involvement & Programs

I would like to introduce myself. I am the new Director of Student Involvement & Programs, which was formerly known as the director of student activities. I am very excited to be at Sweet Briar! I graduated from a women's college as an undergraduate, and I am thrilled to return to this environment. I know that many of you are interested in the campus activities for today's student body, and I'd like to share some of this year's highlights with you.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working here during the past 9 months. The young women of Sweet Briar are energetic, and they are definitely keeping me busy! We currently have 50-plus registered clubs, tap groups, and organizations on campus. These groups have been extremely active in planning events, community service, and hosting Late Night Vixen events in the Vixen Den. Our Late Night Vixen program has been going strong this year. The most popular Late Night Vixen events this year were the “Princess and the Peas” hosted by the Sweet Peas and an “Old School Halloween Party” hosted by the first-year assistants.

The Campus Events Organization (CEO) has also had a successful year, having planned close to 30 events. They started off the year strong with Quadrocks and Club Fair that was hosted in the quad outside Prothro. Several hundred students and guests came out to usher in the new college year. CEO has also hosted day trips and overnight trips off campus. In the fall, over 20 students enjoyed a trip to Short Pump shopping center for a day of back-to-school shopping. This February, we took approximately 25 students to Washington, D.C. for a weekend trip to sightsee and shop. CEO has also hosted numerous comedians, coffeehouse performers, and even the national known improv group—Upright Citizens Brigade. CEO held a three-day Spring Fling event called “SBC: Where the Stars Come to Play!” Students enjoyed activities culminating with the Spring Fling casino night and concert featuring: Sparky's Flaw, Ben Lee, and Matt Nathenson.

Providing ways to engage students in campus life is one of our top priorities, and we value students' creativity, initiative, and input. The Sweet Funds program was created to support student ideas! Students can apply for Sweet Funds and plan their own events with the assistance from the Office of Student Involvement. This money provides students with the opportunity to create their own events and make an impact on campus. This year students have used Sweet Funds for a multitude of events including a “Chinese Dumpling and Calligraphy,” earring making, “Seersucker & Sundress,” a Spanish Club Fair, and a French Club craft night. Sweet Funds have also been donated to support all campus events organized by the marketing and management classes, including the return of a party on the dell. The Office of Student Involvement & Programs has worked closely with these classes to sponsor events throughout the year in an effort to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. These groups have sponsored a Battle of the Bands event, outdoor carnival, talent show, and fashion show, among other events. It's great that these students are able to gain business experience while providing fun events for the campus and giving back to local charities.

Last but not least, students are still creating their own fun on campus by hosting Boathouse parties. The Boathouse is rockin' most Thursday nights, as well as an increasing number of Friday and Saturday nights. The students continue to enjoy and value this special resource.

Students' voices are being heard on campus and the events are being adapted to meet their needs, whether it be the addition of a Spa Night courtesy of the CEO or a Seersucker and Sundress event paid for by Sweet Funds and planned by individual students. The Office of Student Involvement is working hard to reach out to students to plan events that appeal to all of our students. Feel free to contact me at rsanderson@sbc.edu if you have questions or suggestions!