Media Relations
University of South Florida
Polytechnic
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863) 667-7077
Fax (863) 667-7097
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Contact:
Tom Hagerty
(863)
667-7077
LAKELAND,
FL (June 11, 2007) - This week the University of South Florida Lakeland announced that its Office of Student Life has received the Outstanding Collaboration Award from the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) for developing an innovative program to serve the USFL/PCC campus.
The award recognizes the Third Wednesday (3W) program, a free monthly social event for the campus community. In presenting the award, ACPA recognized the Office of Student Life for successfully incorporating a collaborative, campus-wide approach to serving commuter students and adult learners. Particular consideration was paid to significant innovations in sharing resources, funds and staff that cross academic, co-curricular and community boundaries.
“Both schools recognized the importance in building a community so that students would become more involved in campus life,” says Jan Lloyd, Ph.D., Director of Student Life. “I began conversations in August 2006 with the PCC Student Activities Board about developing a community-building program that would include not only PCC students and USF Lakeland students, but also faculty and staff from both institutions.”
Each event features free food, free activities and the chance to meet other students. The schools split the cost of each monthly event and advertise it to their students, faculty and staff. USF Lakeland faculty also encourage students to take part, with many faculty members taking a break during class to allow students to attend the event.
“I enjoy the Third Wednesday events that USF Lakeland holds in conjunction with PCC,” says student Sarah Steger. “They give me a sense of community at the college. The events have been really fun, with the De-Stress Fest and much more. I believe that the interaction between the students at PCC and those at USF Lakeland is important too. These events will show, and have shown, the students at PCC how much of a community that USF Lakeland is, and hopefully will encourage them to consider furthering their education at USF Lakeland.”
Dr. Lloyd takes pride in the many benefits of the 3W program. “These collaborative events have changed the culture of the campus, making it more inclusive for all students from both schools,” she says. “As an added benefit, we have enhanced collaboration between PCC and USF Lakeland while increasing the number of student life programs on campus by 200 percent this fall semester alone.”
Themes for 3W events have included a Kick-off for 3W, a coffeehouse, Constitution Day, and “What Winter?” Attendance has been good, notes Lloyd, with anywhere from 200 to 300 people enjoying each event.
That’s impressive, especially considering USF Lakeland had no Office of Student Life until June 2006.
“Starting from scratch has been fun and exciting,” says Lloyd. “As a commuter school, we have to create more ways for students to be on campus and to feel part of the campus community. We want to develop consistent program. That continuity is vital so that students can look forward to regular activities.”
One such activity is Movie Night, for which USF Lakeland partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. “The kids really enjoy it,” she says, “and it gives students a chance to interact with the community.” Along those lines, she also plans to hold volunteer fairs, where local nonprofit agencies will come on campus and offer volunteer opportunities.
In her position, Lloyd has also worked with students to help them form clubs or organizations. She’s excited about two recently formed groups, the Psychology Club and the Polk Linux Users Group.
“It only takes three students to start a club,” Lloyd says. “If there’s something they’re interested in, I can help them. All they need to do is ask!”
Note to media: The next 3W event takes place June 19, 2007, from 4 pm - 6:30 pm. (The event was moved to Tuesday during the summer because there are more classes on Tuesday/Thursday than Wednesday.) It will feature free food and activities including Sonic hotdogs, build your own flip flops, a dunk tank, and build-a-bull novelty activities. If you wish to attend, please call Tom Hagerty at 863-667-7077 or email thagerty@lakeland.usf.edu.
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