A major part of college student life is the activities, events and programs that are created for students.
Extracurricular activities and programs provide a setting for a student to become involved and to interact with other students, thus leading to increased learning and enhanced development.
Since my arrival in 2022, I have observed that many of the events, program and activities at Alabama State University are repetitive. Some of the same parties and events that were held numerous times last academic year on this campus are occurring again.
For example, the silent headphone party, carnival, comedy show, talent show, mixers, and block parties are good ideas, and a large number of students will show up, however, it would be so refreshing if new activities, programs and events were considered as well.
The Office of Student Life is mainly responsible for extracurricular programs and activities, the administrators might want to think about assembling a core group of students and discussing some new events, activities and programs that could be held on this campus for the student body.
I have seen and attended so many silent headphone parties since my arrival that if I did not go to another silent headphone party, I would be just fine. My guess is that there are many students who feel the same way.
Another area of concern are where the events, programs and activities are held.For example, a Midnight Yell attracts too many students to squeeze into the John Garrick Hardy Center.
Midnight Yells should be held in a considerably larger area for the amount of students that attend this event. We have had a number of Midnight Yells, and they all use the same formula.
There is nothing wrong with deviating from the traditional format and naming it something else.
The mixers are another example of a repetitive activity that is usually held in the wrong location.
The mixers are mainly held in the cafeteria, while students are strolling in the middle of the cafe, other students are trying to get by and eat, and that is very chaotic.
Although the mixer is a tradition here, there is not enough room in the cafe to dance nor stroll. Another location for mixers would allow students who live off-campus as well as students who reside on campus to enjoy the mixers.
Another activity that I have witnessed is the carnival.
In my opinion, college students are too old for those rides and games. In addition to that, thge food trucks that are invited are too expensive for college students.
I have heard many students show up and participate at the repetitive events because there is nothing else to do on campus at the time. Or they go with their friends and try to make it fun but that does not mean that they are not tired of the same old events.
One of my friends, Jaleeyah Davis, said, “I want to see more cultural events.” “I know we have our fun but the impressions of beauty were a good event that benefited students.”
All things considered, I think the students as a whole should fill out a QR code about what events they would like to see and have on campus.
Maybe the Office of Student Life and the University Programs and Activities Board should discuss what new events and activities they should have on this campus for students.
College is supposed to be a place where intellectualism flourishes, so I know that students can come up with activities, events and programs that are not competitive.
Finally, extracurricular activities should focus on institutional goals, such as building and sustaining community on campus as well as student retention.
As our campus becomes more diverse, students desire an environment in which they feel connected to others and to the university.
Our extracurricular activities should provide a place for students to come together, discuss pertinent ideas and issues, and accomplish common goals – a place where students feel comfortable with one another.
Learning and development are enhanced and student retention is positively impacted.
Face it, students will be more likely to participate in college activities and events if they feel they are constantly challenged.
Panel discussions about social and political issues, movie nights, visiting speakers once per week, Karaoke night, trivia night are just a few suggestions that I wanted to offer.
Remember, through extracurricular participation, students frequently interact with peers who have similar interests, providing social integration into the college environment. As a result, involved students view their college years as a positive experience and feel they are a vital part of the university.resulting in higher retention rates.