It’s a return to in-person classes, events and more for the organizations part of Student Life.
For many organizations, the tentative return to in-person classes and mask mandates being loosened means that they can pick up where they left off before the pandemic, and plan their semesters’ events and activities for their respective orgs.
The Programming Activities Council (PAC) is responsible for many of the events found on campus, and looks to have their hands full for the semester.
“Coming back from last year, our main goal is to really get students involved,” PAC Chair Mattie Kolb said.
During the last year, PAC assisted in putting on almost daily smaller events for students to get out during COVID-19; a challenge for its members. Although the annual Spring Concert they host has been cancelled the past two years out of precautions, they’re looking to get back into the swing of things with their fall concert on Sept. 11.
“We’re super excited; we’re going to bring in Surfaces,” Kolb said. “It’s going to be different content than we’ve seen in the past. Typically, the students always vote for more of that rap genre. So, to bring this little more vibey, a little bit more chill music, it’s just going to be a different crowd.”
PAC is also bringing back Pack the Stands, a halftime game show for certain sporting events. They’re also looking at bringing back Pack the Pub, an event where students can spend time at a local bar – however, this one is still in the works.
The Cultural Inclusion Council (CIC) also returns this semester with both coordinator and assistant coordinator positions for each branch filled for the first time in years.
“This year we finally have a full CIC,” CIC Communications Manager Nayeli Hernandez said. “Right now we’re just focusing on building up our alliances individually.”
CIC consists of the Black Student Alliance, International Student Alliance, Ho’olokahi Polynesian Alliance, Latino Student Alliance, Genders and Sexualities Alliance and Native American Student Alliance.
The Native American Student Alliance (NASA) returned last semester after being inactive for a few years, and looks to grow their membership this semester.
Students of any identification can join any alliance they wish.
“You don’t have to pertain to that certain culture to go to any of the alliance meetings or be a member of anything, everybody is more than welcome,” Hernandez said.
One of the biggest organizations on campus, the Associated Student Government (ASG) is also coming into the semester looking for opportunities for students.
“ASG’s plans for this semester are to keep building on the foundation that has been laid for us,” ASG President Jay Shearrow said.
The previous student government administration last year navigated the pandemic and set an example that this year’s looks to follow.
“This year has unique importance because it presents new opportunities to partner with a new University administration,” Shearrow said.
Former CMU President Tim Foster stepped down in June, leaving the position to previous Vice President of Student Services John Marshall.
“It also goes without saying that this year is unique because of the transition to a fully in-person environment. The definition of ‘normal’ has changed,” Shearrow said. “ASG plans to take the things we’ve learned from the pandemic and bring them forward to build a more collaborative CMU. We’re challenging ASG members to get more involved with the student clubs and organizations we represent. We know that we’ll serve more students by bringing ASG, clubs, and organizations together in a collaborative effort.”
Plans ASG has for the year include mental health initiatives and food insecurity through their Swipe Out Hunger program.
“ASG will also help students through that representation at the state level. Student [Aaron] Trustee Reed and I sit on advisory bodies that directly influence the state legislature,” Shearrow said. “If students have input or ideas for what they would like Trustee Reed and I to bring to discussion during these sessions, we would love to hear them.”
Many of the other Student Life organizations, including the Club Advisory Board, Sustainability Council and many others, are also navigating the tentative return to campus life with an eye on events, growth and more.
