By Avery Cook
Lamp staff
SPRINGFIELD — If students are the lifeblood of the college, then Student Life could be considered the heart of Lincoln Land Community College. Student Life pumps up students through clubs, events and programs and gives them the infusion to make the most of their college experience.
Students often arrive eager to sign up for clubs, but it is Student Life that is working behind the scenes to make sure those clubs can function, said Rebecca Sielki, a Student Life student worker.
There are almost 40 student clubs at Lincoln Land. Students can join with others sharing an interest in ceramics, chemistry, food, music or service. But if a student can’t find a club already doing what interests him, then they can create a new one, Sielki said.
The student can request permission from the college, she said. Then, they need to find an adviser, find around 10 members, write a club constitution and elect officers.
Student Life doesn’t just manage clubs, said Emily Millbury, another student worker in Student Life.
Student Life is busy planning activities, such as Welcome Week each semester, holiday events, Multicultural Fest on Oct. 5 and Inky Johnson speaking on Sept. 29 as part of the Dine & Develop series, Millbury said.
Student Life also offers students community service programs and a student empowerment course, Millbury said.
For those who want to get more involved in the overall student experience, not just in a specific club, there is the Student Government Association (known as SGA).
SGA give a voice to the students and represent the campus and its students to the board of trustees, said Marie Watson, the Student Life coordinator, and Marina Wirsing, the program assistant.
SGA members are able to bring up issues regarding the campus, develop their leadership skills, and serve on multiple institutional committees, Watson said.
Anyone interested in getting involved in student activities can stop by Student Life, which is on the lower level of Menard Hall. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Avery Cook can be reached at [email protected].
