Promotion Zone The Xavierite
One of the most common themes discussed by the Xavierite Editorial Board is the idea that the SXU community is disconnected. In this issue, the editorial board examines their own involvement in the SXU community as we begin to close out this academic year.
There has been a notable issue with getting students involved on campus despite the innumerable events hosted. This lack of attendance dates back to before our current editorial board even formed.
Last year, an editorial highlighting the sheer amount of opportunities for students to get involved on campus was published. In that editorial, it was noted that members of the editorial board had “overwhelmingly positive” things to say about the events they attended.
In this week’s news article, “Students Loss of Interest and Knowledge of Campus Events, Graduate Assistant of Student Life Kennedy Adams stated that she “believed students are more recluse due to spending multiple years in isolation due to Covid-19. Staying inside and not going to events was considered normal at the time and it seems many students have remained in this mindset.”
Members of the editorial board took this opportunity to reflect on how often they attend campus events and why they find themselves at the events they attend.
Most members of the board noted that they go as often as they can, but things such as classes and work, or just overall scheduling issues, can prevent them from making appearances.
“It comes down to a matter of scheduling. There are so many events that look interesting, informative, fun, etc. that I would love to attend but can’t because I have class or work at the same time,” stated a member of the board.
That being said, members of the board wish to see more events celebrating and educating members of the university about the diverse cultures represented at SXU or less formal educational events.
“I prefer events that promote learning by having fun with friends and peers. I love learning but I don’t want to go to an event that is structured like a lecture, I want to learn about things in less formal ways,” voiced another member of the board.
In the future, cultural, film, welcoming, and combined events with other Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) may also be a possible route to take in order to increase engagement.
Board members voiced that they did not feel a part of the community at SXU, but they did feel a part of the community at the Xavierite or in the RSOs that they are involved in.
It may often go unnoticed that the university is made up of so many different communities with diverse backgrounds, and it is crucial that we find ways to connect those communities.
To connect our communities, we must first be involved in them.
The university’s strengths lay within these communities, and it is so important to immerse yourself in them rather than just come for class and then leave.
It is easy to feel out of place as a newcomer in an RSO full of people that may already know each other, but continuing to attend events and building relationships with other members makes it a little less scary.
“I’d enjoy events that aim at welcoming newcomers to RSOs. Attending events held by clubs you aren’t actively a part of can feel daunting, as if you’re an outsider looking in. In some cases, it makes sense for RSOs to focus on their members and celebrate the roster they currently have, but other RSOs end up feeling exclusive,” expressed a member of the board when the question arose as to what kind of events they would like to see in the future.
Many RSOs offer incentives such as free food to encourage students to attend their events, and members of the board have expressed that the motivational factor that provides is oftentimes successful. More information and promotion could also do wonders for engagement.
“There are so many flyers in posting zones, and most students don’t engage with the boards much outside of a quick glance. Granted, students could always check TheDen to see upcoming events, but email notifications could help encourage attendance.”
As noted, a possible solution to this issue is the increased use of the CampusRelay email system via TheDen.
RSO Executive Board members spend so much time planning and prepping events for their peers to enjoy. So please, take the time when you can to check them out. You never know what you may learn or how you may become involved in the community.
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