Brian Dietz, Director of Student Activities and the Hicks Center

The Office of Campus Life schedules a variety of social and educational activities each quarter. Planning and implementing these activities is, not only an entertaining experience, but an educational one as well. Skills, such as time management, positive and assertive communication, learning to work as a member of a team, brainstorming, handling conflict, etc., are learned and fine-tuned through student involvement on campus.

The Kalamazoo College Student Activities Committee (SAC) is a group of student volunteers who are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing major campus events for the student body such as Homecoming, Monte Carlo, and Spring Fling. The student volunteers also plan events like comedy clubs and SAC movie nights. Although some SAC sponsored events are yearly traditions, students have the opportunity to create new events with the goal of providing safe, fun social alternatives for their peers. SAC is an organization with open membership to any Kalamazoo College student, and students may join the committee throughout the year.

Senior students may also volunteer for the Senior Graduation Committee. This committee plans and organizes fundraisers and events held exclusively for the seniors at Kalamazoo College such as the Road Rally, Pig Roast, and Senior Soiree. Community volunteerism is also a part of their involvement in senior activities. For example, students participate in canned food drives and the packing of Thanksgiving baskets for the needy. Students take pride in their volunteer experiences and being involved in the organization and implementation of the major events, both on and off campus.

Additional opportunities to become involved are available through Student Commission, the student governing organization of Kalamazoo College. In addition, a Kalamazoo College student may become a member of one or more of the many student organizations on campus. These organizations offer a variety of interesting, fun, and developmental opportunities for students. Student organizations also have the opportunity to organize workshops and panels on educational issues. In addition, they may decide to invite speakers to campus who address areas such as environmental issues, sexism, and racism.

We hope you will encourage your son or daughter to participate in at least one co-curricular activity - and that you will come to watch them perform whenever possible. Students who are involved in more than just their academic work are most often happier at Kalamazoo College and tend to benefit more from their educational experiences.