SOURCE 101

by Kathleen Cook

Most students at Alabama have never heard of The SOURCE, but it is the key part to every extracurricular activity you, as a student are involved in.  Without the SOURCE, activities would be floating around like a lost balloon.  So, how does the SOURCE work and who is behind the scenes?  Well, here’s a crash course on the SOURCE.

You could say that the SOURCE’s mission statement in a nutshell is to advocate for effective policies, build a strong community and connect students to get involved.  Being a student at the University of Alabama means you can get involved with a variety of organizations that interest you.  Because of so many opportunities, going to The University of Alabama will assure you to graduate a well rounded person.  

The SOURCE’s big event that most students know about is Get On Board day, which occurs twice a year, once at the beginning of the school year and once in the spring semester.  From activities like hockey club, countless campus ministries, to giving back to the community through teaching kids how to read with READ Alabama, incoming and returning students are offered opportunities for a unique college experience.

The SOURCE is the backbone of activities at Alabama.  The Board of Governors is made up of six different directors that assist leaders of activities with their Financial, Partnering, Public Relations, Print and Social Media as well as Organizational Leadership and Outreach teams.  Organizations are also encouraged to become their best by being offered awards each year for their excellence both on and off campus.

So, check out our website at thesource.ua.edu and find an organization that best fits your personality.  With over 500 clubs and organizations, we are sure you will find the best fit!

Student Organization Spotlight: Viking House

by Gillian Richard

                  They aren’t Greek. They’re Norse. For those who don’t know, Viking House is a co-ed student group that serves as an alternative to traditional Greek life. The focus of the group is to bring together students from all walks of life.  Taylor Pierson, treasurer for Viking House, said that the group has given her a chance to meet new people. 

“Viking House has created opportunities and friendships for me that I wouldn’t have had on my own,” she said.

The group focuses on member involvement by meeting twice a week and hosting special activities. One of these activities is checking out the weekly movie showings at the Bama Theater. The meetings take place on Mondays at 8 and Fridays at 5:30 in the Ridgecrest South common room. There are no membership fees, and attendance at meetings isn’t required.  Pierson, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, said that this reflects the group’s atmosphere.

“Our group is really laid-back in comparison to the sororities and fraternities on campus,” said Pierson.

You can find out more about Viking House by joining the group page on Facebook (facebook.com/VikingHouseUA) or following them on Twitter (@UAVikingHouse). 

SGA Homecoming Information

From the SGA Director of Rules and Regulations for Homecoming...

Homecoming is just around the corner and the Directors and committee members are very excited for  "Timeless Traditions" serving as the theme for Homecoming 2012. We want to invite all students organizations to participate in the University of Alabama's Homecoming during the week of October 21st through October 27th to help us celebrate.

This has been a year of champions with the Crimson Tide family winning four national titles, a timeless tradition of our own. With another exciting year of athletics among us, we know that the tradition is in good hands. 

Homecoming will kick off with the annual "Roll Tide Run," followed by the Crimson Kickoff . With competitions such as dodge ball, basketball, and dance, the student body has a chance to unify as we celebrate our great university. A local art show, can formation competition benefiting Beat Auburn, Beat Hunger; a lawn decoration competition, and more are also among the weeks exciting events. The annual pep rally will take place on the steps of Gorgas Library, where the Homecoming Queen will be crowned with a bon fire to follow. Game day will kick off with a parade featuring Crimson Tide teams, Big AL, the Homecoming Court, and many local bands led by the University's own Million Dollar Band. The Homecoming game against Mississippi State will conclude our celebration of "Timeless Traditions."

An informational meeting will be held on Monday, October 8th at 7 p.m. in 301 Ferguson for all organizations interested in participating.

SGA Academic Passport

The Student Government Association is launching an Academic Scavenger Hunt initiative which will give students a chance to win prizes while encouraging them to use their academic advisors and other academic resources on campus.

This initiative will take place from October 1 to October 26 during the academic advising period. Students are encouraged to stop by the SGA office to pick up a passport, fill it out, and return it by October 26 at 5pm to the SGA office.

To fill out the passport, students must meet with two of their professors on two occasions to receive two signatures. They also must schedule an appointment to meet with an academic advisor for a third signature. For a fourth signature, students must visit an academic resource on campus, such as The Writing Center, the Center for Academic Success, Paty Engineering Lab, Tutwiler Math Lab, or B.B Comer Foreign Language Lab. Finally, students must complete an academic planner on DegreeWorks, print it out, and sign their name.

Prizes include a 16GB iPad, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and $1,000 and $500 scholarships.

If you have any questions, contact Meagan Bryant, executive press secretary at mdbryant@crimson.ua.edu