Smith - Week 5 - Holmes Cultural Diversity Center

Activities:
- Attended staff meeting to discuss events and programs remaining for the month of July
- Attended meeting with Honor Code Office Director, Dr. James Orr, to discuss ideas for a potential "Legacy Camp" program
- Responded to emails from student organizations concerning the Back to School Bash
- Assisted in a RD training session
- Began working on a scavenger hunt program for the PAWS Program
- Met with site supervisor and discussed issues on how to make Fraternity and Sorority Life more diverse

Reflection:
The meeting with Dr. Orr was very interesting. He wanted come to the HCDC Office and ask the staff questions and for their opinions on a new program the Honor Code Office is trying to create. His program is very similar to already existing programs such as orientation, summer bridge programs, and Dawg Daze. So he is going around to different departments on campus to gather information and opinions on if his program idea will be more effective than already existing programs. Dr. Orr wanted honest feedback on his program and that is what he got from our office. Everyone voiced their concerns about programs that already existed that aim to meet the same goals as the "Legacy Camp." I feel it was brave of Dr. Orr to open up his potential program to the criticism of his colleagues, but sometime that is what it takes to improve upon long established programs.

Some student organizations have responded quite positively to volunteering and donating with the Back to School Bash. Some responded that they were unable to help but could donate supplies, and others responded that they were unable to participate all together. The majority, though, did not even respond. I figured this might happen due to it be the summer when most students are here. Student Affairs professional do not have the summers off like the majority of students and have to work with what students are available at the time in order to make their programs effective.

RD training was amazing to be a part with the HCDC. It was incredible to see how passionate the new and old RD's were about creating an environment in their building that makes every student feel welcome. It really made me think what kind of impact resident life really has on students. Their residence hall is most likely where students spend the majority of their time outside the classroom. If they do not feel comfortable where they live and sleep, it will be harder for the students to benefit from the other resources the university has to offer.

Having meetings with Cedric are always beneficial for me. I always take away something that I can use in my future as a Student Affairs Professional. Since I am highly interested in Fraternity and Sorority Life our conversation last week was very beneficial for me. We reviewed a journal article about diversifying Fraternity and Sorority Life on college campus. We bounced around ideas about how to make thing more diverse then tried to figure out why or why not they would be effective. Due to Cedric's background in Fraternity and Sorority Life, he was full of beneficial information and past experiences on the issue. It was interesting to see how he has used his experiences in his past job in his present job.

-Cody Smith