Gear Up for Get on Board Day!

Each year thousands of students, old and new, seek to find their niche on campus by joining clubs and organizations that match their interests. Weeding through the various lists can be taxing and frustrating, which is why UA hosts a yearly event where students can interact with the clubs and sign up for involvement.

This year, the SOURCE at the University of Alabama will host its 2011 Fall Get on Board Day on Wednesday, August 31 from 10 to 4 p.m. The event will take place on the Crimson Promenade and Woods Quad.

Get on Board Day is a wonderful way to meet with members from over 200 student organizations and ask questions about what they do. Students will have access to free food, music, and the opportunity to sign up for clubs that suit their interests. Some local vendors will even be holding gift card giveaways!

Students unsure of where to begin should not be afraid to ask for help at the event. Workers in blue shirts will be present to answer involvement questions and help guide individuals through the tables.

This year, students can expect an appearance from several vendors including Mamma Goldbergs, Taco Casa, and McAlister’s Deli, who will be giving away free tea.

Clubs and organizations will not be the only booths present; students can expect to see presentations from departments such as study abroad, as well.

Live action medieval demonstrations will be among the many promotional tactics. Jousting and other activities will be presented by the SCA Shire of Okeborne Keep, an international organization that works to promote the ways of pre-17^th-century Europe.

Students are encouraged to take their time while browsing the various organizations. There will be a variety of academic and skill-oriented groups, as well as clubs that are “just for fun”. Same day sign-up is not imperative and students may wish to review the gathered information at home before making a decision to join. Booths will be open all day, and students may stop by during any of the event hours.

For further information, follow the SOURCE on Twitter at “theSOURCEua” and Facebook at TheSource UA. Also, check out their website at thesource.ua.edu.

Get on Board Day Through the Eyes of a Freshman

             As I walked through the Ferguson Plaza squeezing by many other students of UA, I wondered to myself what is going on and what is Get on Board Day? As a freshman, large crowds struck me as overwhelming. I couldn’t figure out what was going on and how I could become apart of this large moving crowd.

             It wasn’t until a few moments later, when a girl looked my way with an invitational smile to come over to her booth. As I reached her booth titled “The Crimson White,” I already began to feel included. She explained to me that Get on Board Day gave students of any age an opportunity to walk around the Ferguson Plaza to each booth to find out more information about all organizations on campus.

            I soon felt much relief as I looked around and the large moving crowds were no longer intimidating. Everyone in these crowds were in the same position I was, on a search for an opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills. After thanking her for help, I began walking around filled with excitement because this was the day I found the organization that I belonged to on campus. 

SOURCE Space for Everyone

Welcome back everyone! As many of you may know (and perhaps many of you may not), the SOURCE has a physical space in the Ferguson Center that is not just for the Board of Governors, but has resources for all student organizations on campus to use! The space, located on the third floor between the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership and the Jones Center, was officially opened last October, so it’s still fresh, new, and ready to use!

            Within this space, there are laptops and iPods for use in meetings or events that student organizations may check out. If an organization lacks a meeting space, meetings can be held in the SOURCE space, where dry erase boards, flat screen TVs, Mac desktops, and bulletin board, event, and office supplies are available for use, free of charge. The SOURCE space also provides printing, copying, faxing, application pick up/drop off, and more. Organizations receive one free banner per year, and for only $50, can get drinks all year for their events from Pepsi Products. If your organization would like a banner or Pepsi products for an event, go to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in 355 Ferguson for details.

            Student organizations can reserve a conference table for a meeting through the SOURCE online through mybama, campus life, or the SOURCE website. Should an organization like to cater an event, contact Bama Dining for details. While all equipment rentals are free, the organization is responsible for damages to the equipment while in use by the organization.

            Contact the SOURCE Board of Governors Director of Special Events, Shea Mason, at source-events@bama.ua.edu with any questions. All forms are available for interested organizations in the SOURCE space. Come by and check it out!