SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S FALL 2018/SPRING 2019 THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES KATTRIBUTES SUCCESSFULLY PREPARING BEARKATS FOR THE TEXAS WORKFORCE AND BEYOND Bearkat Buzz Welcome Bearkats! inding your voice in life is an ever-evolving process, where individuals learn who they are; and the philosophies, values and ideals that they hold within. After obtaining this self- awakening they learn how to, in a respectful manner, present their personal ideology in an ever changing global society. This Fgrowth and internal comprehension is something that we, at Sam Houston State University, emphasize while cultivating our Bearkats to become productive citizens. It is essential for one’s personal evolution to understand your internal perspective, so that your voice can not only be heard, but intentionally articulated and conceived as a starting point for intellectual conversations and changes on all facets of life. M. Brandon Cooper In the Department of Student Activities, we strive to aid our students in finding and using this new found student voice. It is through being engaged, Director, Department of Student Activities connected and involved with campus opportunities that this voice is developed and expressed so students may be able to better communicate on a broader spectrum. Albert Einstein once said, “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” This sentiment Board of Regents is one of the viewpoints we have adopted when we endeavor to shape our Bearkats as they go into the world and workforce. While academics is the The Texas State University System foundation and basis of institutions of higher education, student life and the Rossanna Salazar, Chairman .......................................... Austin byproducts of what they obtain through these opportunities, is what polishes and refines them. William F. Scott, Vice Chairman .............................Nederland Charlie Amato ....................................................... San Antonio Though there are many universities and colleges across Texas, the United Garry Crain ................................................................ The Hills States and internationally that provide equal opportunities of learning; there Dr. Veronica Muzquiz Edwards ............................ San Antonio is a unique perspective and pedagogy that we provide our students outside of Dr. Jaime R. Garza ................................................ San Antonio the classroom, which stays with them during their lifetime. We intentionally work to provide this comprehensive education to mold and form the student David Montagne ........................................................ Beaumont experience and voice. We anxiously anticipate meeting and engaging all of Vernon Reaser III .........................................................Houston our students through the initiatives and areas in the Department of Student Alan L. Tinsley ......................................................Madisonville Activities. Please know we are here to support your educational pursuits Leanna Mouton, Student Regent ........................... San Marcos and provide any assistance you might need in your journey at SHSU. Eat’em up Kats! Brian McCall, Chancellor ............................................... Austin M. Brandon Cooper Director, Department of Student Activities President’s Cabinet Dr. Dana G. Hoyt, President Ms. Kathy Gilcrease, Chief of Staff Dr. Richard Eglsaer, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Carlos Hernandez, Vice President for Finance and Operations Mr. Frank R. Holmes, Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Heather Thielemann, Vice President for Enrollment Management Mr. Frank Parker, Vice President for Student Affairs Mr. Mark Adams, Vice President for Information Technology Mr. Bobby Williams, Director of Athletics Kelly Patterson, Managing Editor shsu.edu/studentactivities [email protected] 936.294.3861 Lowman Student Center, Suite 328 2 shsu.edu/studentactivities DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES Frank Parker M. Brandon Cooper Vice President for Student Affairs Director for Student Activities Brian McColpin Rachel Valle Steven Begnaud Jordan Chang Edwin Cantu Assistant Director for Assistant Director for Program Assistant Director for Assistant Director for the Program Coordinator for Spirit Programs Council and Assessment Traditions/Special Events Center for Diversity and the Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs Intercultural Affairs Kelly Patterson Sarah Garcia Meagan Balentine Barbara Miller Breanna Provost Program Coordinator for Spirit Programs Coach Assistant Spirit Administrative Coordinator Administrative Assistant Traditions/Special Events Programs Coach KATTRIBUTES: COMMUNICATION, TEAMWORK, CRITICAL THINKING, ETHICS AND CAREER READY 3 Bearkat Buzz STUDENT ACTIVITIES PROGRAM COUNCIL Rachel Valle, Assistant Director Games, pageants, movie nights, giveaways, awesome seminars, and fun, fun, fun—these are all things that you will find Program Council (PC) bringing to the Sam Houston State University campus! Program Council is your student-run campus activities board that works to deliver exceptional programming throughout the year to the Bearkat family at SHSU. They are always on a mission to create educationally distinct programs that develop campus leaders and recruit students to be a part of campus life by attending an event, joining their committee, or planning a new campus program! PC plans more than thirty events per semester ranging from signature series programs such as Bingo Night and PC Cinema to larger scale programs like LSC Takeover and the Miss Sam Houston Scholarship Pageant. They work with a large number of student organizations on campus to collaboratively bring events to the student body in addition to working with academic and administrative departments that are looking to engage students in a social environment. PC balances bringing new programming along with traditional events and as a result, the calendar is always changing to offer a great line- up of events with a wide range of activities. Events such as Breakfast with PC, Bearkat Trivia, philanthropy events, Thursday Thrills, and much more are always on their minds when putting together your campus activities schedule. Eight Bearkats hold positions on the official SHSU Program Council Board and lead a PC volunteer committee on campus. If you want to be a part of a great organization, meet amazing people, and hold a central role in building campus life at SHSU, then joining PC is the right thing for you! You can stop by the office, located in the Lowman Student Center, Suite 324, and speak with one of the board members. They are always more than happy to help! The committee meetings are typically held twice a month and serve as a place where you can meet Program Council completely new people, volunteer changed my college experience for an upcoming event, and allowed me to make an and bring new ideas for impact on the SHSU Campus.” future events! Joining —Mekayla PC will allow you to stay connected with the SHSU community throughout your years at SHSU and build a strong network, not only among the student body, but also with the administration around campus. We are all about having fun, promoting healthy activities, and most of all—being Bearkats! You can learn more about being part of the board and checking out their calendar by visiting shsu.edu/pc! 4 4 shsu.edu/studentactivities CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INTERCULTURAL AFFAIRS Jordan Chang, Assistant Director Edwin Cantu, Program Coordinator The Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs (CDIA) is committed to engaging you not just inside the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. The Center prides itself on developing programs and events that will broaden your perspectives and introduce you to new ideas. So how do they do it? CDIA plans and implements over 60 programs and events per academic year. Their events range from cultural celebrations to diversity seminars. Looking to make new friends and gain some insight into our increasingly diverse world? Check out their events and the leadership opportunities provided by CDIA. These opportunities put students in charge of these great organizations, where they are making decisions about the programs and events their peers get to see! CDIA includes several student organizations, including SAMentors and the Diversity Council. SAMentors is a unique organization geared toward first-year freshman and transfer students who are mentored by upperclassman throughout their first-year in college. The purpose of SAMentors is to aid the During my time within the Center, social and academic I have had the opportunity to transitions of freshmen educate others, while being and transfer students into educated, on cultures, traditions, college life at Sam Houston and social issues of individuals State University. Through across the globe.” cultural programming —Karla and the annual Diversity Leadership Conference, the Diversity Council strives to educate the university community. By challenging bias through education and other fun social activities, the Diversity Council strives to supply a stepping stone toward a more inclusive environment. CDIA encourages everyone to get involved and embrace the rich diversity on SHSU’s campus! 5 5 Bearkat Buzz TRADITIONS/SPECIAL EVENTS Steven Begnaud, Assistant Director Kelly Patterson, Program Coordinator WELCOME WEEK As the new semester approaches, so does one of our most highly