Friday, 4/11/97
Forum offers support, advice to student groups
Poor showing by organizations reflects apathy, lack of
spirit
By Carol Lee and Cliff Jin
Have you ever seen members of a sorority, the African Student
Union, the Student Alumni Association, USAC and the Association of
Chinese Americans sitting at the same table, creating solutions to
solve campus communication problems? It happened Tuesday night at
the James West Alumni Center. Where were you?
Most likely, an organization that you belong to was invited.
Over 175 invitations were delivered to student groups, e-mails
were sent out, and personal calls and visits were made by members
of USAC and SAA in order to invite your organization to attend the
first Campus Interaction Forum.
The night consisted of entertaining videos, speakers and an
interactive game introducing the problem of lack of communication.
Most importantly, it allowed student group representatives to delve
into campus issues to create a more cohesive campus and positive
atmosphere. Through roundtable discussions, representatives
exchanged ideas about how to co-program and, hopefully, work more
closely with one another to increase campus spirit and pride. Four
main topics were examined: networking, communication, using
resources and programming. Groups were given a wide range of
coveted information and resources, including how to obtain funds,
how to program in USAC and the residence halls, and how to
establish better relations with other organizations and alumni.
Learning these skills is essential for our survival on such a
diverse campus. But despite the need for such forums and the
positive outcome, numerous groups were not present.
This is just one more example of campus apathy that the forum
hoped to take a step toward remedying. So why weren’t you
there?
It seems to be much easier for people and organizations to
complain than to act.
Student groups are quick to criticize the two organizations that
sponsored this forum, and this must be addressed.
USAC has often been criticized for being exclusive and
inaccessible. As stated above, over 150 organizations were invited,
but only a handful showed up. Were you there? Over half of the USAC
council members were present at the forum, ready to listen to and
discuss relevant issues concerning your individual organization.
Full presentations and packets of information were given in order
to help every campus organization.
Another recurring complaint is that USAC only works with certain
student advocacy groups and is unwilling to work with other campus
organizations. The truth is that USAC offices and the entire
council have made every opportunity to outreach and work with
interested campus organizations.
While it is obvious that certain organizations may differ in
opinion, the respect for disagreement and criticism has always been
present. From holding roundtable discussions to making
programming-resource packets and forming broader coalitions, this
student government has not turned its back on any student group. In
fact, it has gone the extra mile to encourage more opinion and
feedback about its programs, policies and governance. USAC
continues to work on relevant student issues and provide change
through the collective voices of students.
There are also common misconceptions about SAA concerning its
demographic makeup as well as its role on campus. People often view
the organization as homogenous and primarily Greek, organizing
unimportant and inconsequential events that focus solely on spirit.
The truth is that SAA events promote pride, unifying the campus in
a way that is only rivaled in sports, and that although the Greek
system is very supportive of SAA programs, so are many other campus
organizations. SAA also meets students’ individual needs with
programs such as Career Network Workshops, Senior Day On The Job
and Dinners for 12 Strangers. Our events not only improve the
campus atmosphere but make your stay here more enjoyable – dare we
say fun?
Our homecoming parade used to be the biggest in the country and
now it may be canceled. This is very unfortunate. SAA works hard to
maintain the traditions of the past – things we take for granted
now but would miss if they were gone. Ever heard of Mardi Gras?
(Even though this is not an SAA program, it is a prime example of
something that disappeared from UCLA). No programs like this can
happen without student interaction and communication and a
willingness to support each other. And that starts at the forum,
where people who don’t have the opportunity to meet each other can
exchange ideas and comments about student groups and programs at
UCLA.
For those of you who disregarded the forum invitation, we
suggest that you don’t miss out the next time this kind of
opportunity rolls around. Both USAC and SAA are ready and willing
to talk, listen and co-program with your campus organizations. Due
to the positive response of all the organizations present at the
forum, we know there will be another one in the future. We hope to
see you there.