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| October / 2005 / Volume 20 / Issue 2 |
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Get involved!
Metropolitan State University offers a variety of student organizations
-- Student group information compiled by Jc Drobac and Phil Fuehrer
African-American Student Association
Purpose/mission statement: To unite students of African-American, African and Caribbean descent; to serve both as a link and a voice (from Metropolitan State University) to the black community in the greater Minneapolis and St. Paul communities; to increase awareness and appreciation of African-American culture through educational and social programming; and to serve as a support network for students of the African diaspora by learning and experiencing the richness that this particular group offers
Reasons to join: The opportunity to have a common bond of understanding your cultural history and linkages within the frame work of academia or community; the ability to have a common interest experiencing a rich cultural heritage in or out of the campus environment; the desire to work towards a common goal with the aspiration of achieving the best for the group, while also being a highly conscious individual who understands the black or Pan-African socio-political and -economic issues.
One of the main reasons to join our organization would be the camaraderie of the students; for African-American students, it provides the opportunity to meet with other students similar to themselves and discuss issues at the University that are prevalent to African Americans. It also gives them the ability to form study groups and receive tutoring from students that share their struggles and culture. Other students that join the organization have the opportunity to meet and work on issues with other students in a diverse atmosphere. It helps them learn about many of the stereotypes imposed upon them by society and many communities.
More: The A.A.S.A led the fight and held many forums on the ethnic studies issues at the university. This year we are holding monthly forums on topics that are important to students, the community and humanity.
The A.A.S.A. won Event of the Year last year with its Soul Food Dinner event, which served 300 people from the university and the community.
All like-minded students are encouraged to become members of the A.A.S.A. If you want to do something about the recidivism rates of black students, and want to help liberate minds, please join us.
Meetings/time commitment: The A.A.S.A. meets the first Saturday of every month, Lib 301, St. Paul Campus. Any changes in time or location will be posted on our list serve email. (Contact Hosie Thurmond to get on listserv.)
Contact information: Hosie Thurmond III, president, blackman4714@yahoo.com; Festus Addo-Yobo, advisor, 651-793-1541, festus.addoyobo@metrostate.edu
Alumni Association
Purpose/mission statement: To inform, involve and give benefit to graduates of Metropolitan State University.
Reasons to Join: The Alumni Association offers opportunities to network and volunteer, with a trip to Rome scheduled for March 15, 2006.
More: When you graduate, you can join our listserv and learn about the current activities of the Alumni Association. Stay connected: good things are happening.
Meeting/time commitment: Contact Julia Opoti for times.
Contact information: Vicki Lofquist, Alumni relations coordinator, vicki.lofquist@metrostate.edu, 651-793-1810
Asian Students’ Organization
Purpose/mission statement: ASO’s mission is to provide academic, social and cultural support to Asian American students. ASO serves as an advocate on behalf of students, promoting higher education in the Asian community, and facilitates greater understanding between cultures.
Reasons to Join: There are many cultures that we are not aware of. ASO is an organization where opportunities to meet and learn about diversity are huge. Members of different cultures come together through our events to educate one another about their cultures.
The purpose of these events including the cultural leadership conferences is to help students develop communication and social skills, and most importantly, to network, learn, and respect different cultures. It also gives our members the opportunity to explore what it’s really like in a world of diversity.
More: Some of the things that we sponsor are cultural leadership conferences and faily events. We also cosponsor with different student and community organizations, volunteers and community service projects.
We provide educational programs and workshops, opportunities for students to learn about different cultures, events that promote higher education for youngsters, academic support, and much more.
We organize monthly activities to get students to stay away from drugs and how learning and school can be fun and productive.
These monthly activities also include cultural leadership conferences that allow students to network with students of different cultures from other universities across the United States.
Meeting/time commitment: ASO usually meets twice a month on campus.
Contact information: Carolyn Xiong, president, 651-587-4638, xiongmo2@go.metrostate.edu
Cultural Diversity Committee (A subcommittee of Student Senate
Purpose/mission statement: By working with the Student Senate, we strive to provide education of cultural diversity issues (in race, sexual and gender orientation, ethnicity and national origin) in higher education through active participation and awareness, acceptance and tolerance of all differences between all cultural groups and individuals.
Reasons to Join: It is a chance to bring new cultures and ideas to Metropolitan State University’s campuses.
More: Being a part of the Cultural Diversity Committee provides the opportunity to work with the Student Senate, fostering new cultures and ideas, which help shape the Metropolitan State University campuses.
Meeting/time commitment: The group meets twice a month, with time and date to be determined. There is no minimum time commitment required to participate, but to sit on the committee you must attend at least one meeting a month.
Seats will be filled by members of different student diversity organizations and groups on campus. There are eight committee seats, but every student is welcome to participate and work with the committee.
Contact information: Emily Antin, chairperson, 651-398-6895, emilyantin@emilyantin.com
Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC)
Purpose/mission statement: WGSAC was created to promote and facilitate open communication between students and the College of Management graduate program faculty and administration.
Meeting/time commitment: GSAC meets once a month over the lunch hour at the Minneapolis campus. Time commitment is minimal, except in the spring when we plan the Annual Spring Dinner.
Contact information: Helen Tang; helen.tang@metrostate.edu
Human Services Club
Purpose/mission statement: To support students in deepening their understanding of Human Services as a discipline and profession.
Reasons to Join: The Human Services Club is geared toward helping students with Human Services majors, concentrations and minors by:
More:All human services students are members; other students are welcome to join as well.
Meeting/time commitment: St. Paul Campus. Please contact Ruth Purkapile for next meeting date and time. At our next meeting we will elect officers for this year. Presently, our club president position is vacant.
Contact information: Ruth Purkapile, president, rlpurkapil@msn.com, 612-789-5170
International Student Organization
Purpose/mission statement: The mission of ISO is to represent the particular needs of international students at Metropolitan State University, as well as recognize the contributions they bring as representatives of other countries and cultures and their unique perspectives and values as individuals.
It seeks to connect Metro State students who have an interest in getting to know students from other countries and to advocate on behalf of the interests of international students.
Reasons to Join: For international students, it is a great organization to connect with other students who know what you are going through as an international student; for others, it is a chance to learn about other cultures and peoples, especially if you have fun meeting and interacting with people from all around the world in a variety or activities and events.
More: ISO’s Cultural Heritage Night is an event celebrating cultures of the world. It won the award for Best Student Organization Event from 2001-2003. Some activities are cultural events showcasing food, fashion, music, etc. Some are purely social and just for the fun of it.
fun meeting and interacting with people from all around the world in a variety or activities and events.Membership is open to all Metropolitan State University students—it is not limited only to international students.
Meeting/time commitment: No minimum time commitment is required.
Contact information: Peris Outa, president, Peris.Outa@metrostate.edu; Bruce Holzschuh, faculty advisory, 651-793-1305, bruce.holzschuh@metrostate.edu.
The Latinos
Purpose/mission statement: The Latinos is a student group at Metropolitan State University that promotes understanding and appreciation of the Latino culture. The group was formed on campus by students of various backgrounds who are interested in the Latino culture.
Reasons to Join: Students have the opportunity to learn about the Latino culture, plan events, and work with other student groups. Many of our members are also involved in other student groups, such as Student Senate, Asian Student Organization, etc.
More: Every year the group hosts its annual Rumba Latino Get-Together. This event brings together all of the different cultures with music, dancing, food and information about the community. At this year’s event, an immigration attorney was a guest speaker and explained the immigration bill that was introduced by the National Association of Immigration Lawyers Act.
Meeting/time commitment: The group meets at least once a month. The meetings are held in Founders Hall, St. Paul Campus.
Contact information: Linda Martinez, Linda.martinez@metrostate.edu
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Club (LE/CJ CLUB)
Purpose/mission statement: Metropolitan State University’s Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Club provides students with opportunities to socialize and to learn through networking with other students. Some activities made available through the club have been speaker forums; tours of criminal justice agencies; an annual Agency Awareness Day; Habitat for Humanity; annual faculty/student picnic/softball game; postings of career opportunities; and career workshops and hiring seminars, which provide information about law enforcement and criminal justice career opportunities and the hiring process.
Reasons to Join: Participation in the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Club gives students a chance to network with professionals in criminal justice and learn about future and present career opportunities; students can provide community service and attend informative workshops as well.
More: The Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Club (LE/CJ club) seeks to broaden Metropolitan State students understanding and familiarity with the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, the courts, and the correction system. We will do this by organizing and conducting seminars, demonstrations, field trips, and sponsoring guest speakers.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice students need more than just classroom exposure to theories and ideas—they need networking opportunities, real-life examples of the professions at work, along with additional information about the many different areas of their chosen field of study. The LE/CJ club offers these networking opportunities by bringing in speakers in the most popular fields of the criminal justice system. We also offer volunteer opportunities. All aspects of the club are open to anyone with an interest in the criminal justice system.
Meeting/time commitment: Monthly, at the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Midway Campus. Minimal time requirements; contact club advisors for details.
Contact information: Web site: http://www.metrostate.edu/slc/studentclub.html. Everette Doolittle, assistant professor and club advisor; Jennifer Wingren, assistant professor and club advisor.
The Metropolitan
Student newspaper
Purpose/mission statement: The purpose of The Metropolitan is to produce a printed student newspaper (that can also be read online) 10 times per year that gives students of Metropolitan State University a forum in which to publish their work as well as to express their opinions; it offers student organizations publicity of their events/activities and provides varied and interesting content, which includes news, feature stories, columns and entertainment.
Reasons to Join:The Metropolitan newspaper offers students the opportunity to get their work published and have clips to show prospective employers while adding writing experience to their resumes. Thirty dollar stipends (350-word article minimum) and $10 stipend for photos are available for published work. Contributors have the opportunity to network with other student writers in a fun, but challenging atmosphere. For anyone planning on a career in writing, this is a very beneficial place from which to start (or add on).
Students can contribute a one-time article (or photo), submit once a semester, or more frequently. (Due to space limitations, not all submitted work is guaranteed to be published and writers are encouraged to contact editor before writing or submitting any works.)
Attending monthly writers’ meetings is encouraged, but not required. Those unable to attend writers’ meetings can contact the editor directly at Christina.Thury@metrostate.edu to share ideas or to obtain a writing assignment.
More:The Metropolitan newspaper is always looking for students who enjoy expressing themselves in writing to join our contributing writers’ group—regardless or your major or whether you’ve been published before.
Students can also get paid for submitting their course assignment to The Metropolitan for publication (prior contact and approval from the editor is first required).
We also offer student internships where you can earn credits. For more information, contact the editor at Christina.thury@metrostate.edu.
Meeting/time commitment: The newspaper’s staff, writers and contributors hold a writers’ meeting monthly on the St. Paul Campus during fall and spring semesters; they occur bi-monthly during summer months, lasting an hour and are voluntary. Other time commitment range from 1-12 hours a month, depending on the student and how many articles, photos or cartoon contributions one chooses to submit.
Contact information: Christina Thury, Editor, Christina.thury@metrostate.edu
Nursing Student Organization (NSO)
Purpose/mission statement: It is our goal to unite all student nurses at all Metropolitan State University campuses, ensuring a positive university experience, facilitating programs and meeting that will serve to help Metropolitan State University nursing students achieve and enhance their highest potential in their education.
Reasons to Join: We have various activities throughout the year, including:
More: We are always searching for new ideas and opportunities to serve the nursing students in ways that will benefit them and in ways that will fit into their busy school and work schedules. Though nursing students are located on all three Metropolitan State University campuses, the NSO tries to provide an opportunity for all nursing students to socialize and to feel welcomed and included in the Metropolitan State University’s School of Nursing.
We exist to help create social, educational and service opportunities for nursing students to enhance their nursing school experience and to make that experience the best that it can be.
Meeting/time commitment: Contact Brenda Kulhanek for more information.
Contact information: Brenda Kulhanek, president; Aimee Paulson, vice president; NSO@go.metrostate.edu
Photo Shooters
Purpose/mission statement: Photo Shooter’s purpose is to serve Metropolitan State University and its organizations, such as ASO, Lavender Bridge, African American club, etc., by taking pictures for them, according to their requests.
Reasons to Join: Students should join our group, because besides getting more photography experience, they will have the pleasure of getting better acquainted with other Metropolitan State University organizations.
More: Photo Shooter has had its work featured in the photo gallery at Metropolitan State University. Recently, we were asked by the Asian Student Organization (ASO) president, Carolyn Xiong, to work in conjunction with them on a project that involved photographing an event that will be recorded in an album for the ASO.
As a member of Photo Shooters, you are an involved and necessary part of many upcoming events where yours photography skills—as well as your input and ideas—will be appreciated and have an impact.
Meeting/time commitment: Because we know that Metropolitan .State University students have other obligations and are busy, the group mostly meets in the Cafeteria, which is located on the lowest floor in the New Main, St. Paul Campus. Meetings are scheduled at the convenience of members and officers; Photo Shooters usually meets monthly, with meetings lasting up to 40 minutes.
Contact information: Maikou Yang, Yangma06@go.metrostate.edu; Vila Her, hervi@go.metrostate.edu
Psychology Club
Purpose/mission statement: To provide support services and social outlets for all Metropolitan State University students and alumni with an interest in psychology and/or fields psychological in nature.
Reasons to Join: The Psychology Club is an academic organization for the students and alumni of Metropolitan State University interested in the field of psychology. Most members are psychology majors or minors, but all students interested in psychology are welcome to join! Other reasons to join include:
More: Club objectives include exposing students to a variety of topics within the specialized and general fields of psychology and to assist students in reaching their academic and career goals through guest speakers, study groups, and other various opportunities—but most importantly to socialize outside of class!
It has been proven that students who are active participants in school organizations are more likely to graduate, have higher GPAs and a greater overall college experience. Getting involved means getting connected!
Meeting/time commitment: Club meets once a month for approximately three hours. Meetings are held on and off campus.
Contact information: Jennifer
Nurnberg, president, jennifernurnberg@hotmail.com;
Heidi Malloy, Ph.D., faculty advisor, heidi.malloy@metrostate.edu
Email: Psychology-club@lists.metrostate.edu
Website: http://www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/club.html
Online application: http://www.metrostate.edu/cps/psych/cf_form.html
Student Activity Fees Advisory Committee (SAFAC)
Purpose/mission statement: SAFAC is a student-led committee charged with making decisions and recommendations on the use and dispersal of student activity fees—approximately $415,000 per year.
Reasons to Join: SAFAC is an excellent chance to work within a committee structure that has real responsibilities and authority. Members have much impact in the budgeting decisions for nearly a half million dollars. Additionally, it provides students with invaluable experience in negotiation, compromise, and interview/panel structures.
More: Due to the nature and commitment of the work, members may be eligible for a small stipend (averages about $40/month).
Meeting/time commitment: The group meets about once a month, September-February. The budget season for the next year then heats up and the committee meets about 8 times, March-April. It then again meets once a month in May and June.
During the months when the committee meets, the monthly meetings are up to 90 minutes. Some budget season meetings are up to 90 minutes; however, 2-4 of the meetings may take up to 8 hours (these are usually held on a Saturday). The committee sets it own meeting dates and times.
Contact information: YeeLeng Hang, 651-793-1552, yeeleng.hang@metrostate.edu; Krishna Jha, >kkjha_mn@yahoo.com
Student Senate
Purpose/mission statement:The Student Senate is the student-governing body of Metropolitan State University. As the representative body for Metropolitan State University students, the Senate provides a listening post and forum for student issues, concerns, and needs. It advocates for university accountability and responsiveness, and it acts as a voice to promote a strong sense of community among students, faculty and staff.
Reasons to Join: Membership in the Student Senate has several rewards:
More: Participation in student government offices allows you to develop your interpersonal and organizational skills and reflect favorably on resumes and grad school entrance forms. Remember it isn’t necessarily the quantity of activities you participate in, but the quality of the activities you choose to involve yourself in. The Student Senate is one of the highest-quality university groups with which you can be affiliated.
Meeting/time commitment: The Senate usually meets two Friday evenings per month in the Founders Hall Reception Area. In addition to attending these general meetings, Senators are expected to hold a committee assignment (typically an additional meeting per month) and provide a couple of hours per week of staffing in the Senate Office (New Main, Room L207).
Contact information: Student Senate President Krishna Jha, 651-793-1554, kkjha_mn@yahoo.com. General inquiries to student.senate@metrostate.edu.
Social Work Student Association
Purpose/mission statement: Student unification and empowerment through education and partnerships that support all nations and cultures.
Reasons to Join: Our association is invited to a minimum of two state conferences annually, which allows members to network with those in the social service fields. Our budget allows us to reimburse students for their lodging fees and we pay for airline fees if needed. We also host two fundraisers each year to gather funds for students’ scholarships and other association needs.
Our members also get involved in service projects in the community to support our environment. This year we are planning to implement a drive to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. So if you have any suggestions or connections that would help us fulfill this goal, we need you on our squad.
More: This is a great association for all students who have a passion to implement positive change within our society. We encourage all members to be creative, supportive of one another, goal-oriented, optimistic, and work well with diversity. We want to do great things in this association that involves our students, children, community and professors. There is power in numbers, therefore we invite everyone to be apart of an association that thrives from diversity and yearns to help those experiencing adversity.
Meeting/time commitment: Group meeting place is not available at this time, though it meets every first Monday of the month, 5:15-6 p.m. Contact Le’Royce for more information.
Contact information: Le’Royce Walker-Fields, Walker03@gometrostate.edu, 763-412-5314, 763-205-2592
TC3—Twin Cities, Technical Communication, Technical Community
Purpose/mission statement: TC3’s mission is to serve as a learning and networking community to promote the exchange of ideas among technical communication professionals and Metropolitan Sate University Technical Communication students.
Reasons to Join: Joining TC3 offers Metropolitan State University students the opportunity to get to know more about the field of technical communication—to build professional relationships and to explore the field at fun and informative, student-sponsored TC3 events.
More: Membership is free and open to all Metro State University students and alumni, regardless of majors. Plans for this year’s events include speakers, workshops, panel discussions and software demonstrations.
Meeting/time commitment: Department of Communication, Writing and the Arts Office, Midway Campus, Suite 205. We meet the second Saturday of the month. Meetings last 1-1 1/2 hours; other group involvement is optional.
Contact information: Alice Oden, infoarchitect@odensville.com, 651-483-1994.
Metro Theater Underground
Purpose/mission statement:Theater Underground is designed to support and develop opportunities for all students on campus (not just theater majors/minors) to become involved with the process of creating theater.
Reasons to Join: Theater Underground can offer students a showcase for their creative talent, opportunities for personal growth and a chance to work collaboratively within the process of the theater at many different levels.
More: After much positive experience, Theater Underground now annually attends the Kennedy Center’s American College Regional Festival.
Meeting/time commitment: Please contact the group for meeting information.
Contact information: Gail Smogard, advisor, 612-659-7156, or via email at gail.smogard@metrostate.edu
University Activities Board (UAB)
Purpose/mission statement: To create co-curricular activities for our student population.
Reasons to Join: It’s a lot of fun, it doesn’t take much time and students will learn helpful skills in planning and executing programs and events. It’s open to all students.
More: Some of our events and programs are Holiday Night; Spanish & French classes; salsa lessons; a self-defense course; chair massage; a GMAT prep course; free movie showings; Coffee House Series, and more. We also cosponsor other student organization’s events.
Meeting/time commitment: We don’t usually meet in person, except for events. Otherwise we communicate through email.
Contact information: Néstor Amarilla, UAB coordinator, student.activities@metrostate.edu
American Indian Voices (Voices of Indian Council for Educational Success)
Purpose/mission statement: VOICES, a group of American Indian students at Metropolitan State University, promotes the educational success among American Indian students. To achieve this goal, VOICES will focus on the following areas:
Reasons to Join: Students would choose to join our group because it gives them an opportunity to meet other American Indian Students.
More: This group organizes American Indian Heritage Month and participates in local recruiting trips at American Indian conferences. VOICES has a representative who yearly attends and is active in the National Indian Education Association.
Meeting/time commitment: The group meets on a bimonthly schedule and time commitment is about two hours per meeting. Other commitments would be to serve on university committees and/or workshops.
Contact information: Sharon Romano, 612-659-7306.
WE: Women Empowered
Purpose/mission statement: WE: Women Empowered exists to empower women to achieve success in their professional, educational and personal realms. WE is open to all interested students. WE will work toward its goals through educational, social and community programs and services, focusing on local, national and international issues.
More: WE: Women Empowered has a listserv, where members talk with each other and are sent reminders about events happening on campus—and in the wider community. Contact Rochelle or Anne about joining the WE listserv.
Anyone interested in helping empower women to pursue their educational, social and personal goals is encouraged to become involved with WE: Women Empowered. Women students are in the majority at Metropolitan State University—so help us build a powerful—and empowering student organization!
Meeting/time commitment: The group meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 4:30-5:30 p.m., in Founder’s Hall, Room 301, St. Paul Campus. Our meetings are open to all students, staff and community members!
organization!Students may be as involved in WE as they want to be—there is no minimum time commitment. We welcome any and all participation!
Contact information: Rochelle Hayes, president, rochelle.hayes@metrostate.eduM; Anne Phibbs, WE advisor, 139 Founder’s Hall, St. Paul Campus, anne.phibbs@metrostate.edu or 651-793-1544
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