Empowerment Awards

The Empowerment Awards are sponsored by the Office of Student Life, as a continuation of the work of the office formerly known as the Gender Resource Center (GRC). The GRC was developed by the college in the mid-1990s as a tool to increase and enhance the academic, leadership and social environment of women at R-MC. The Office of Student Life continues to provide a variety of services, leadership opportunities and social/educational activities to the entire R-MC community related to cross-gender relations and women’s issues.  Nominations are due Thursday, April 21, 2011 by 5:00pm. 

You may nominate by visiting:
https://rmcstudentlife.wufoo.com/forms/empowerment-awards-di-8/

• The B.J. Seymour Award
  The B.J. Seymour award, which is named in honor of pioneering Randolph-Macon College Professor Emerita Betty Jean “B.J.” Seymour. In 1971, the college officially became coeducational with the enrollment of 50 women. Seymour, who taught religious studies, joined the faculty in 1971 as the first full-time female faculty member. She was also the first woman to attain tenure, chair a department and be granted the rank of full professor.The award honors alumnae of Randolph-Macon College who have consistently worked on behalf of issues important to women and/or girls, and who demonstrate vitality, integrity and leadership.
• The Woman of Excellence Award
  The Woman of Excellence Award honors a student of Randolph-Macon College who has worked to contribute to advancing the status of women on campus, and who demonstrate leadership, vitality and integrity in her life off or on campus.
• The Man of Vision Award
  The Man of Vision award honors a student of Randolph-Macon College who has worked to contribute to advancing healthy, respectful relationships between R-MC men and women on campus, and who demonstrate leadership, vitality and integrity in his life on or off campus.

 

LGBTQ Education Week

The Office of Student Life and OSMA (The Organization of Sexual Minorities and Allies) are celebrating LGBTQ Education Week.  The purpose of LGBTQ Education Week is to affirm the value of and educate about the LGBTQ community.  It is also a time to bring awareness to the world that there are members of our communities who feel like they have no voice.  It is for those reasons that we celebrate the Annual Day of Silence which will be held on Friday.  At 5:00pm, The silence will be broken in the Brown Campus Center and R-MC Alumnus Tommy Royston will address the assembled group of students, faculty, and staff.

LGBTQ Education Week is about dispelling the fear associated with the unknown.  It is about calling attention to the fact that LGBTQ individuals are normal members of our community who deserve the same acceptance and respect as everyone else.  Events such as Trans-Jeopardy, Day of Silence, and films such as “Bullied”, “For the Bible Told Me So,” and “Milk” serve to provide a glimpse into the day to day struggles, both internally and externally, of the LGBTQ community.  Please come out and celebrate with us as we acknowledge and spotlight this important week!

 

7th Annual Student Leadership Awards

Recognition of Leaders in our Community including students, alumni, faculty and staff is so very important at Randolph-Macon College.  We are fortunate to have a community that respects and values leadership and service and seeks to honor those who demonstrate those two valuable tenants in their lives.   The 7th Annual Leadership Awards will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 7:00 pm in Blackwell Auditorium.   A reception will follow the ceremony in the Blackwell Performing Arts Center Lobby.

At the 7th Annual Leadership Awards, we will recognize our Leadership Fellows, Omicron Delta Kappa Members, Order of Omega Members, and many others.  In addition, awards and honors will be given based on nominations from the community.  You can nominate for the awards below by clicking here or on the nominate here button at the bottom of the page.  The awards that will be presented to students include:

Freshman Leadership – Honors one (1) freshman who has demonstrated superior service to the campus during their first year of college. He or she should be a student who shows promise as a future leader on campus. All nominees must have a 2.5 GPA*, and must have completed at least one semester as a full-time student by the time the nomination is received.

Sophomore Leadership – Honors one (1) sophomore who has demonstrated superior service to the campus during their second year of college. He or she should be a student who shows promise as an emerging leader on campus. All nominees must have a 2.5 GPA*, and must have completed at least one semester as a full-time student by the time the nomination is received.

Junior Leadership – Honors one (1) Junior who has consistently demonstrated superior service to the campus during their time at the college. He or she should be a student who demonstrates leadership in his or her involvement and daily life. All nominees must have a 2.5 GPA*, and must have completed at least one semester as a full-time student by the time the nomination is received.

Outstanding Seniors – Honors up to six (6) seniors who have demonstrated active involvement both on the RMC campus and in the Ashland community. All nominees must be listed as a senior with the College and have a 3.0 GPA*.

*All GPAs will be verified before the nominations are placed on the selection committee ballot. The GPA listed in the college system at the time the nomination is received will be the only GPA considered.

RMC Service Award: Individual – Honors the student who has contributed outstanding service to the campus. The service provided by the nominee should be voluntary, non-compensated activities at the College.

RMC Service Award: Group – Honors a recognized organization that has contributed outstanding service to the campus. The service provided by the nominee should be voluntary, non-compensated activities at the College.

RMC Leadership Award: Individual – Honors a student who best exemplifies strong leadership qualities. The nominee for this award may hold a compensated position.

RMC Leadership Award: Group - Honors a recognized organization that best exemplifies strong leadership qualities. The nominee for this award may be an organization with compensated officers.

Outstanding Student Event – Honors an event of particularly seminal importance in the life of the college. The event should reflect the values and mission of the college as well as promoting a sense of community.

The awards being given to faculty and/or staff are:

Outstanding Organizational Advisor – Honors an organizational advisor who has contributed outstanding service to an organization. The service provided by the nominee must be voluntary, non-compensated activities at Randolph-Macon College (i.e. if advising the organization falls under the staff/faculty member’s job responsibilities, then he/she is ineligible for this award).

Unsung Hero Honors four (4) staff members who have contributed outstanding service to the campus community. The service provided by the nominees should be beyond the call of duty and exceed expected job requirements. Nominees must be below the level of “director” and may not have received the award during the previous year. Undergraduate students are not eligible for this award.

 

Greek Week Speaker Presents “Hazed and Confused”

Wed. April 6, 2011 – Campus Center – 7:00 PM

In a three month span, Erle’s fraternity chapter lost two pledges.

As a chapter and an IFC officer, Erle knew changes were needed. Fraternity life on his campus was so immersed in a hazing culture and so troubled by institutionalized alcohol abuse, he knew more deaths were imminent.

In describing the challenges he and his fraternity community faced, Erle offers hope and possibility to fraternity and sorority leaders facing an uphill battle in changing their negative histories and traditions.

Hazed and Confused is a serious story, but Erle approaches his presentation with a laid-back, interactive and practical style. He believes that the answers to hazing will be found in the hearts and efforts of progressive, forward-thinking student leaders who find the courage to ask questions, confront their peers and set a new course. Fraternity and sorority members will leave with tools, ideas and motivation necessary to address hazing and substance abuse on their campus.

This keynote is a perfect choice for hazing prevention programming, new member convocations, presidents’ retreats and more.

Erle’s Bio

Erle received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations/Journalism and a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Auburn University. He is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and for years has been active in the fraternity’s LEAD program for new members.

In his spare time, you’ll find Erle boating, wakeboarding, skiing and hanging out on beautiful Lake Guntersville in northeastern, rural Alabama with family and friends.

Text Courtesy of  CAMPUSPEAK – http://www.campuspeak.com/speakers/morring

 

Greek Week!

It is that time of year again!  Greek Week starts today.  For our Fraternity and Sorority members, they are already gearing up and excited about the events and competitions, but for those of you who aren’t affiliated, you are probably wondering what all the hype is about.

Greek Week is a time for fraternity and sorority members to compete as a community and in many case to entertain the whole campus with events such as Lip Sync and Dance Marathon.  Greek Week is a time for our fraternity men and women to recommit to their community and to celebrate the years successes.  All students are welcomed and encouraged to attend Greek Week events.  Greek Week is not just about fraternity and sorority memebers.  It is about celebrating student life.

If you have questions, contact Sara Beth Sherman or studentlife@rmc.edu.

Schedule:

Sunday, April 3rd
4:30pm  Rho Lambda Initiation
5:15pm  Gamma Sigma Alpha Initiation
6:00pm  Order of Omega Initiation
Washington-Franklin Hall

Monday, April 4th
“Wear Your Letters” Day
Greek Week Kick-Off Cook-out Sponsored by R-MC Greek Ministries
5:00pm
Mary Branch Circle

Tuesday, April 5th
“Beat the Greek Contest”
Hosted by Gamma Sigma Alpha
7:00pm
Campus Center

Wednesday, April 6th
“Hazed & Confused”
Greek Week Speaker-Erle Morring
7:00pm
Campus Center

Thursday, April 7th
7:00pm   Comedian Adam Ace
Estes Hall

Greek Games
8:30pm
Brock Center/Brock Center Pool

Friday, April 8th
LIPSYNC!
6:00pm
March Branch Terrace

Saturday, April 9th
Dance Marathon
9:00am – 8:00pm
Brock Center

Sunday, April 10th
Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards Night
7:00pm
Blackwell Auditorium

 

Leadership, Funship, and the Good Ship Lolipop

Leadership is such an interesting and often difficult concept to explore.  Many people have defined it in many different ways with varying degrees of success.  I often postulate that leadership is at its very core about doing the right thing.  I view leadership as a normative concept.  Leadership informs how we ought to do things, and how we should inspire others through our actions.  Is this the end all be all definition of leadership, no.  It is merely one vantage point.

Why do I consider leadership to be normative and to inform how things ought to be done?  Well, I attended the Virginia Student Services Conference this past fall and a colleague of mine used a quote in her presentation, and it stuck with me like very few quotes ever do.  “There is no right way to do the wrong thing.”  I was awestruck by its simplicity.  Many times during my tenure as a professional and as a student leader, I would find myself going back and forth about the many proposed loopholes in a policy or rule. “How about if we stand on our heads and do it backwards?  Is it ok then?”  No, there is no right way to do the wrong thing.  See how simple!!!

I am amazed by student leaders on a daily basis.  They are incredible individuals.  They identify challenges, formulate strategies, and inspire their peers to come along for the journey.  Even when the journey isn’t amazing and exciting.  They even do it when it isn’t fun.  Though I suppose if all things in leadership were fun, they would call it funship.  It would be a lot more popular, but the end result would be questionable at best.  I have witnessed student leaders here at R-MC tackle issues with such great poise and dignity that they left me speechless.   There is a moment when you can see in their faces that they “got it.”  Then, they jump off the funship and start asking their peers to join then in the rough waters promising that land and a better tomorrow is just over the horizon.

Sometimes, however, we have things that we aren’t quite ready to label as a problem yet in our organizations and lives.  John Kingdon’s work concerning agenda setting basically says that a condition remains a condition until it is labeled as a problem.  Only a problem will rise to the level of being addressed by an organization or leader.  How do conditions become problems?  We take off our rose colored glasses and get off the “Good Ship Loliop” where things are sweet and tasty.  If you haven’t heard the song, Shirley Temple does a great rendition on youtube.  Challenge yourselves to look at your own organization and examine it regularly.  Assessment is the key to growth.

If you find conditions and practices in your organization are not the way they should be, you have several options.  You can stay on the “Good Ship Lolipop” and pretend like nothing is wrong.  You can board the funship and keep enjoying the way things are even though you know you are headed for a waterfall, or you can be a leader and jump off in the water and encourage everyone else to go with you.  The swim may not be easy, but you’ll be more fulfilled in the end.  Also, the Office of Student Life would love to be your life vest.  Anyone brave enough to jump into the leadership waters here won’t do so alone.

 

Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards

Yesterday’s post was about awards and recognition.  The first awards given this year at Randolph-Macon College during our awards season will be the Fraternity and Sorority LIfe awards which will be given at the annual Fraternity and Sorority Life awards on April 10, 2011 at 7:00pm in Blackwell Auditorium.

In addition to awards given to whole Fraternity Chapters based on their completion of the Chapter of Excellence Agreement, awards are given to indiviudals who have risen above the call of duty and performed admirably during the past year.

The Office of Student Life, the Inter-fraternity Council, and the Panhellenic Council are now accepting nominations for Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards.  Award nominations will be accepted until April 1, 2011 at Midnight.  Awards will be given in the following category:

The Molly Field Sorority Chapter Advisor Award is given annually to the Sorority Chapter Advisor that exemplifies the ideals and values of the Fraternity and Sorority Community and have rendered invaluable advice, service, and guidance to their chapter at Randolph-Macon College.

The Will Schick Fraternity Chapter Advisor Award is given annually to the Fraternity Chapter Advisor that exemplifies the ideals and values of the Fraternity and Sorority Community and have rendered invaluable advice, service, and guidance to their chapter at Randolph-Macon College.

The Barclay DuPriest Faculty Advisor Award is given annually to the faculty or staff member that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in advising a fraternity or sorority chapter at Randolph-Macon College.

The Outstanding Fraternity/Sorority Chapter President Award is awarded annually to the fraternity and sorority president that demonstrate a commitment to fraternal values and excellence.  This award recognizes true leaders who are not afraid to go against the norm to make their fraternity/sorority legacy at R-MC an incredible one.

The Outstanding New Member Award is awarded annually to a fraternity man and sorority woman who were initiated in the 2010-11 academic year.  The award will be based on excellence in their committment to leadership, scholarship, service, and character.

The Order of Omega Emerging Leader Award is awarded annually to a fraternity man and sorority woman who, in their sophomore year, show true commitment to values based leadership and are quickly becoming the go to people in their chapters and exemplifying the ideals sought by Order of Omega. (You do not have to be a member of Order of Omega to be nominated.)

The Outstanding Greek Achiever Award is awarded annually to a junior or senior fraternity man and sorority woman who excels in scholarship, service, character, and leadership.

The Greek Man/Woman of the Year Award is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Fraternity Man or Sorority Woman.  The Greek Man/Woman of the Year represent the best and brightest of the Fraternity and Sorority Community.  They are tireless workers for the future of the collegiate fraternity.  They are inspiring to their peers, and their commitment to fraternal values and relevance has been demonstrated in their work on campus, in their chapter, and in the greater fraternity and sorority community.

The Ira L. Andrews Spirit of Fraternalism Award is given annually to the members of the Fraternity and Sorority Community that exemplify the giving spirit and compassion demonstrated by Ira L. Andrews former Dean of Students at Randolph-Macon College.

How Do I Nominate? – Fill Out the On-Line Form Here!

 

All You Need is Love! – Recognize Good Work.

As the year winds down, our minds turn to giving awards and recognition to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in our respective areas, organizations, and groups.   Although it is great to provide trophies and awards at the end of the year, recognition can go a long way toward making members feel appreciated all year long.

Most groups don’t have copius amounts of money lying around to purchase trophies and awards, so here are a few easy suggestions for ways that you can recognize your members without blowing your budget.  Remember, when it comes to saying good job, it really is the though that counts.

Hats off to…
Cut out paper top hats, cowboy hats, baseball caps and write the names of members who have done an exceptional job and give them a “Hats Off Award” at your next meeting!

Energizer Award
Give an award of a battery to the individual who is doing the most during the week to energize the group or organization. You may use one battery mounted on a plaque or you may present each honoree with an individual battery.

Bright Idea
Give out light bulbs to those members of your organization who had a bright idea!

Paper Clip Award
Give awards of a giant paper clip to those who are working to keep your organization organized or working together – sometimes we forget how much of an impact those simple tasks can be.

Wanted Poster
Use photos to create “Wanted for Good Behavior” posters to be placed throughout the office or the campus!

Dedications
Dedicate programs, activities, and events to the outstanding individuals on your campus. This really will cost nothing – just make a mention of it on the advertisement or mention it in the introduction.

Go Back in Time
Ever wished you were a kid again?  By simply giving the gift of a children’s book with a significant message, you can assist somebody to regress into his/her childhood and relive the “good ol’ days.”  Might I suggest calling the Doctor (Seuss, that is!)? Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? or Oh, The Places You’ll Go! And what about, “The Little Engine That Could”?  There is no better way to tell someone, “I think you can, I think you can, I think you can

Say Thank You!
For Realz, it is that simple!

There are hundreds of ways that you can recognize the members of your group.  These are but a few ideas to get your started.  Visit the Office of Student Life!  We can help you design your own custom recognition program.

 

 

Officer Transitions: Make It or Break It!

As the days begin to lengthen and birds begin to sing, you and your fellow leaders may begin to get “The One More Meeting Itch.”  The one more meeting itch is when your organization’s leaders seem to be more focused on getting the meetings (read their terms of office) over with.   If they can just make one more meeting, they can shout “Not me” and run when the next issue arises.

Each year, I meet with new presidents and hear them bemoan the lack of transition.  “They gave me these binders and wished me good luck.”  This is an all too common turn of phrase.  But folks, it doesn’t have to be this way.  First, repeat after me, ” I am valuable, and I will seek the information I need.”  So, how do we begin a good officer transitions?

STEP 1 – Responsible Buy-In

• You both care about your organization. If you didn’t, they wouldn’t have been in office, and you wouldn’t be stressed about taking office.
• Next, have a conversation with your counterpart and set a definative time to meet.
• Remember you are both responsible for an effective transition.

STEP 2 – Meetings or Mayhem (You get to choose.)

• Yes, I said meetings.  You can’t possibly learn what you need to know in 20 minutes.  I suggest three meetings.  In each meeting cover one of the following, organizational management, sucesses and challenges, and recruitment and retention.
• Ask the right questions.  Make a list of all the things you want to know.  Ask your counterpart to make a list of all the things that they wished they knew but had to discover the hard way.
• Take notes and don’t be afraid to revisit something if you don’t understand.
• Ask your counterpart to introduce you to constituents on campus that you will need to interact with on a regular basis.  Their personal relationship can pave the way for your own.
• Collect the following:
  a) A copy of the constitution and by-laws
  b) A copy of the organization roster
  c) Financial Records
  d) Historical documents, minutes, agendas, etc.
  e) A copy of the mission and vision
  f) Copies of any evaluations and/or feedback

STEP 3 – Rinse and Repeat (It works for Shampoo why not for you).

• After you have reviewed all of the meeting notes, documents, and other pertinent information, meet with your advisor and your counterpart.  Your advisor can help fill in any blanks or clarify any confusion.
• If you later have questions, do it again!

STEP 4 – Only You Can Take a Bite Out of Bad Transitions (also true for crime).

• When you build your schedule for next year, go ahead and set up these transitions meetings in advance.
• You can be first in a long line of intentional leaders who think about the legacy you will leave.
• No one likes to reinvent the wheel and you can stop the cycle.  Just say no to bad transitions.

Ok, so what if this didn’t work for me?  My counterpart bailed and here I sit.  You are not alone!  The Office of Student Life is here to help you.  Let us know!  www.rmc.edu/studentlife or studentlife@rmc.edu or 804-752-7318

 

 

Spring Break on Campus

Well, many of you have taken off to the shores of various and sundry beaches, mountains, and service projects.  While you might think we are off on break as well, the Office of Student Life is still here at the college working away on the items that will make your lives better as we progress through the spring.

We are very excited to bring you some of the changes we have been working on and without further adieu. What have we been up to?

Campus Center Improvements

• The Student Leadership Library – 2nd Floor Campus Center – now has a computer stations.  Also, thanks to the generosity of our alumni,  we have been able to add several new titles to the library’s holdings.  The Student Leadership Library also seats 6 around a comfortable table.  It is perfect for small group meetings.
• The Student Life Conference Room – 2nd Floor Campus Center – was formerly an office.  It has been converted to a conference room complete with conference table, white board, cork boards, dry erase four month planners, and a drafting table.  The room seats 8-10 and is perfect for training and executive board meetings.
• The Commuter Student Lounge – 2nd Floor Campus Center – has undergone some minor changes.  Based on the results of the Commuter Life Survey conducted in March 2011, the Office of Student Life has provided desk chairs for the two desk areas in the room.  We have also provided a hole punch, tape, scissors, and various other office supplies that commuter students may need.  In addition, it still contains the usual microwave, refrigerator, and computer.  The Commuter Student Association will be conducting fundraisers in the Spring and will receive a matching grant from the Office of Student Life to replace the TV in the Commuter Student Lounge.
• Koffman Student Theatre – 2nd Floor Campus Center – has been used predominately for the showing of the weekly movies and matinee.   We are hoping to secure the equipment within the week and re-open the facility for reservation.

Stay tuned to Student Life @ R-MC for more information on changes, improvements, and programs designed just for you with input from you!