Delta Delta Delta

Delta Delta Delta, also known as the Tri Delts, has made a strong stance on the UM campus since re-chartering only three years ago. The sorority was a strong presence on UM between 1948 and1980, so it still has many rich traditions and a history at the University of Miami. The sorority has grown quickly, getting involved in Homecoming and Greek Week over the past several years. The Speaker Pro Tempore of the Student Government is a member of Delta Delta Delta.

Motto: “Let us Steadfastly Love One Another”

Colors: Silver, Gold, and Blue

Philanthropy: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

Famous Alumnae: Elizabeth Hanford Dole, 2000 Republican Presidential nominee, former president of the American Red Cross, Shawn Weatherly, Miss American and Miss Universe, 1980, Leeza Gibbons, News Anchor and Talk Show Host

National Website: www.deltadeltadelta.org

Delta gamma

Delta Gamma, also known as DG, has been at the University of Miami since 1946 and has gained much respect with its long tenure. Delta Gamma has many women involved on campus in Student Government, Panhellenic, Orientation and many other activities. Each year Delta Gamma holds its weeklong philanthropy, Anchor Splash, where the fraternities compete to raise money for their philanthropy. Since Delta Gamma’s symbol is the anchor, Anchor Splash is focused on water events, such as synchronized swimming and a belly-flop contest.

Motto: “Do Good”

Colors: Bronze, Pink, and Blue

Philanthropy: Service and Sight, Aid to the Blind, and the Delta Gamma Foundation

Famous Alumnae: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Actress, Jill Savery, 1996 Olympic Gold Medallist, Carol Bellamy, Executive Director of UNICEF

National Website: www.deltagamma.org

Delta phi epsilon

Delta Phi Epsilon, also known as DPhiE, has been a strong organization on this campus for many years. The sorority holds a rich tradition with its annual philanthropy, Deepher Dudes, a night of fun-filled events. Deepher Dudes is a night when fraternities compete in events at The Rat for their philanthropy, Cystic Fibrosis. Delta Phi Epsilon sisters were this year’s winner of the Presidents Cup, as well as winners of Greek Week 2002. You will always hear these women doing there D Phi E chants, while wearing their Purple and Gold letters on campus.

Motto: “Esse Quam Videri”

Colors: Royal Purple and Pure Gold

Philanthropy: Cystic Fibrosis, Anorexia Nervosa and other Associated Eating Disorders, and the Delta Phi Epsilon Foundatio.

Famous Alumnae: Lee Ducat, founder of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Judith Seitz Rodin, President, University of Pennsylvania

Phyliss Kossoff, cofounder of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

National Website: www.dphie.org

kappa kappa gamma

Kappa Kappa Gamma, also known as Kappas, is the oldest sorority on the University of Miami campus. Kappa Kappa Gamma has been at the University of Miami since 1938, and it has been bleeding “Blue and Blue” since. Last year, Kappa Kappa Gamma was the winner of both Homecoming and Greek Week. You can always see Kappa Kappa Gamma out once a year holding its Kappasta, an Italian Cuisine prepared by the sisters to raise money for their philanthropy. This year, the Executive Secretary of the Student Government is a Kappa Kappa Gamma sister.

Motto: “A Special Bond of Friendship”

Colors: Light Blue and Dark Blue

Philanthropy: The Love Jen Fund

Famous Alumnae: Julian Ward Howe, Author Battle Hymn of the Republic

Ashley Judd, Actress, Jane Pauley, “Dateline NBC” Host.

National Website: www.kappakappagamma.org

Sigma delta tau

Sigma Delta Tau, also known as SDTs, has been a great asset to the Greek Community. They were founded at Cornell University with the goal of enriching the college experience, making long lasting friendships and fostering personal growth. Their motto translated into English mean “One Hope of Many People,” which describes how the sorority’s ideals are held closely to heart by all the sisters.

Motto: “Patriae Multae Spes Una”

Colors: CafE au Lait and Old Blue

Philanthropy: Children’s Home Society Prevention of Child Abuse

Famous Alumni: Dr. Joyce Brothers, Psychologist, Sherry Lansing, Producer

Terry Savage, Author

National Website: www.sigmadeltatau.com

Zeta tau alpha

Zeta Tau Alpha, also known as Zetas, cannot be missed anywhere because of those Blue and Grey letters the sisters wear. Zeta Tau Alpha holds a fashion show every year to raise money for its philanthropy. This year the sorority raised almost $20,000. Its mission statement is to develop the individual sisters of the sorority through visionary programming. The Zeta Tau Alpha president is also Co-chair of Category 5, the Student Government Spirit Programming Board.

Motto: “Seek the Noblest”

Colors: Turquoise Blue and Steel Grey

Philanthropy: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

Famous Alumnae: Elizabeth Ward, Former Miss America, Ruby Graham, Former Chief Editor of “Seventeen Magazine”, Rebecca Holden, Actress

National Website: www.zetataualpha.org

Compiled by Mike Johnston

Sororities are an integral part to the University of Miami. There are a total of six National Panhellenic sororities on campus with a total membership of almost 600 women.

The Panhellenic Association governs the sororities on campus. The Panhellenic Association is made up of members of all the sororities, and it has executive officers elected every year. It does programming frequently with the Interfraternity Council. The Panhellenic Association also has a variety of coordinator positions filled by more women. These coordinators focus on aspects of Greek life like academics, women’s health issues, philanthropy and many more.

This year the University of Miami Panhellenic Association traveled to Atlanta for its annual SEPC. (Southeastern Panhellenic Conference) Every year SEPC award five awards to all the Panhellenic Associations in the southern United States. These awards range from outstanding programming to outstanding risk management. UM Panhellenic received two of the awards.

The Panhellenic community has a different recruitment policy than the fraternities. The women have a structured, formal recruitment process. Each woman interested in recruitment must register with the Panhellenic Association. After a woman registers, she is assigned a Rho Gamma, or “recruitment guide.” Rho Gammas are women from sororities who give up their time and disaffiliate with their own sororities to guide interested women through recruitment. They introduce interested women to all the sorority members, so each can make her own best choice.

Sororities are great organizations because of the support and guidance provided. Joining a sorority is joining an organization for a lifetime and gaining a new family. A home away from home is a great asset for college students. Remember, rushing will not obligate any woman to join a sorority, it just simply provides an opportunity for women to make friends.

If the words Fraternity, Sorority, or Greek Life were mentioned in the 60’s or 70’s, people would commonly associate them with keg parties, skipping class and the socially elite. However, as college campuses nationwide have changed, so have the roles of fraternities and sororities on every campus.

Fraternities and sororities may have, at one time, directed all their time to wild keg parties and late night escapades, but no more. Fraternities and sororities have refocused their time and energy back to the convictions of brotherhood/sisterhood, scholarship, athletics and success. ” I am a proud member of my fraternity, and I feel strongly that the Greek community is one of the best experiences you may have at the University of Miami,” said Student Body President Emeritus Jose “Pepi” Diaz. “Being a fraternity man has given me the opportunities to succeed to the level I have today.”

The University of Miami has an outstanding Greek community that excels in all areas of campus life. The Student Government president and vice president are Greek. Greek members hold approximately 85% of all leadership positions at the University of Miami. There are also many prominent administrators who are Greek; Provost Luis Glazer, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, Dean of Students William Sandler, and Gregory R. Singleton, Associate Dean of Students and Greek Life Advisor. Greek life encompasses all facets of the University experience, and joining a fraternity or sorority is an unforgettable experience.

During the academic year, you will see many Greek organizations all over campus. In the fall, fraternities and sororities competing to win Homecoming. In the spring, Greek Week is hosted and all organizations compete to raise money for a designated philanthropy. Last year, the Greek community raised almost $10,000 for United Cerebral Palsy and donated more than 900 pints of blood. There will be times where fraternities and sororities will hold individual competitions to raise money for their individual philanthropies. Long lasting memories arise every year from Delta Phi Epsilon’s Deepher Dudes, or Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bust, just to name a few.

When you join organizations that are not Greek, your membership last until the day of your graduation. However, when you join a Greek organization, your membership lasts forever. Fraternities and sororities are organizations every person can stay involved in after you graduate. Also, since alumni are so active, it is easy to connect with alumni who are experts in their field of study. Many times alumni of fraternities are able to write reference letters, give internships, or help get members jobs after college. The opportunities are endless.

Recruitment [rush] will begin as soon as school begins. Fraternity and sorority recruitment is very different. During the summer, each new student will get a mailing that he/she can send in to register for fall recruitment. However, registering for recruitment in no way obligates you to join a fraternity or sorority. Recruitment is organized so all new and returning students can meet all the fraternities and sororities. With last years 550 students who signed up for recruitment, there was no problem for new students to make new friends.

Fraternity and sorority membership will last after college, and the friendships will last a lifetime. The opportunities that arise from being Greek are incredible, and every new student should experience them.

When most people read the abbreviation HP, they think Hewlett Packard, a renowned organization. However, HP at the University of Miami has a different meaning. In Canes Town, HP is the renowned Hurricane Productions.

Hurricane Productions is an organization that produces many of the major events on the University of Miami campus. Hurricane Productions programs major concerts, movies at the Cosford Cinema, and recreational events on campus. Last year, Hurricane Productions brought Ludacris to campus. The rain was poring, but yet, there was an attendance of over 4,000 people.

“It was a great concert,” remarked Junior Jon Duerr.

The University of Miami’s theater is located on the second floor of the Memorial Building. The Bill Cosford Theater hosts many movies, with a couple sneak previews during the year. However, seating is limited, so people must grab tickets in advance in the HP office.

A big advocate of keeping students on campus by increasing programming is President Donna Shalala. Last year, President Shalala allocated money towards a pilot-programming project. The money was allocated to Student Activities to increase the amount of programs on campus. Since last year programs were such a success, President Shalala decided to increase funding for the upcoming year.

“Last year, we had late night programs, bands, movies, comedy shows, Jazz Nights at the Rat, and many other programs,” remarked Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Patricia A. Whitely.

This year, Hurricane Productions has created a new branch to their organization, Canes Night Live (CNL). Canes Night Live is a subdivision of HP, whose focus is to organize great late night programs.

“This year, an additional $70,000 was given to specifically for late night programming,” said Whitely.

Hurricane Productions is a great way to get involved on campus. Not only is it a great extracurricular activity, it is a great entrance into the entertainment world. The student members of HP are the people who organize bands and concerts, negotiate contracts, and manage all publicity. So, if any students are interested in this area, it is an opportunity that should not be overlooked.

If you are interested in Hurricane Productions, or would like to see upcomming events, visit the website at www.miami.edu/studorgs/hp.

Students in the residential colleges can surf the Internet, check E-mail and chat online, all for free, and without tying up their phone lines by using CaneNet, the university’s student computer network.

“If you’re used to dialing up or use DSL to connect to the Internet at home, you’ll love it here,” says Danny Ortiz, a student employee at the Technology Product Center.

The free T1 connection students can use on campus is generally faster than DSL technology that costs home consumers $50 per month.

If you’re a technophobe and need help connecting to the network, each residential college will setup an area where students can get assistance with CaneNet, purchase hardware, and create e-mail accounts during Back to School Weekend.

For do-it-yourselfers, if you don’t already have an Ethernet card in your PC, you have to determine what type of cards are compatible with your computer. Most new desktop PCs have open slots inside the computer that are compatible with PCI Ethernet cards. Laptops usually use PCMCIA cards. Consult your computer manual for information on hardware installation and compatibility.

Once your Ethernet card is installed and your PC is connected to the dorm room’s red Ethernet jack with a CAT-5 cable, your computer Ethernet card will automatically be assigned an adapter address. In order to access CaneNet, you will need the address number, your EASY PIN (issued by the Registrar’s Office), and your student I.D. or social security number.

Instructions for finding an Ethernet card’s adapter address vary depending on the computer’s operating system. Detailed instructions are available at http://www.miami.edu/canenet/quickstartguide.pdf

Once you have all of this information, you can self-register for CaneNet by pointing the computer’s Internet browser to http://easy.miami.edu. Log on first by entering your student number and password. Once you’ve logged on, from the main menu, click the orange “My Student” tab near the top of the screen. Then find the box titled “Student Life” at the lower right hand corner of the screen. Click the hyperlink “CaneNet Network Access” and you will be prompted to create a new password for CaneNet access. You will also be asked for your adapter address. After you submit this information you will receive a confirmation message and then you can start surfing the Internet.

Students in need of an e-mail account can sign up for one through the university’s Student Integrated System at http://www.umsis.miami.edu. UMSIS provides students with a free E-mail account, a personal calendar, file storage and a personal web page.

Graduate housing is not equipped with Ethernet jacks but students can still access CaneNet through wireless technology available for purchase at the Technology Product Center, Ortiz said.

The Technology Product Center located in room 304A in the Ungar Building sells computers, software, and accessories for educational prices to students, faculty, and staff.

Ethernet cards for desktop PCs start at $50 and laptop owners can purchase PCMCIA Ethernet cards for $120. The center also sells 15 foot CAT-5 cables for $7.

Retail computer stores offer similar equipment at lower prices. Best Buy sells desktop Ethernet cards starting at $20 and laptop Ethernet cards starting at $40.

What is the Ultimate Freshman Experience?

This answer is different for almost every college student. For some, it may have been living in the dorms. For others, it’s when they accepted a bid to a fraternity or sorority. This year, however, the Ultimate Freshman Experience is FEX 101.

FEX 101 is a one credit Freshman Experience class, offered by the Academic Development Center.

Last year, the Academic Development Center created the new course and it was so successful the Provost’s Office decided to double the number of sections offered for this academic year.

Dr. Perri Lee Robert, vice provost for Undergraduate Affairs, says the course not only is an opportunity, but also an asset to the freshman curriculum. “Students find it incredibly helpful for their first semester, and the rest of their college career.”

Jim Fatzinger, director of Freshman Programs and associate director of the Academic Development Center, agrees.

“The Goal of FEX is to expose a student to anything they are going to eventually encounter at the University of Miami,” he said. “FEX 101 is a combination of academics, college survival skills, and it is a ton of fun!”

FEX 101 offers a multitude of opportunities. Classes have guest speakers from range of departments. This year FEX 101 features speakers including University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Study Abroad Director Elyse Resnick, and Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs Nanette Vega.

“I just wish I had an opportunity to take a course like FEX 101 my freshman year, it could have saved me the work of figuring out the University of Miami myself,” said Student Government President Michael A. Johnston.

“The opportunities that come with this class took me at least two years to experience on my own. I think this program is one of the best opportunities the university offers to freshman.”

Last year, Johnston was a Teacher’s Assistant to Gregory R. Singleton, Associate Dean of Students and director of Greek Life.

Every FEX professor has chosen a student to assist with all aspects of the course. Consequently, each freshman can develop a close relationship with an already well-adapted college student.

“I had a great time assisting with this class, I still keep in touch with most of the students,” Johnston said.

FEX 101 focuses on two main areas – academics and mentorship. Since the classes are kept small and personal, each student is able to develop a great relationship with a major administrator or professor at the university. This is an opportunity that does not come often at college.

“FEX was redesigned based on the students and faculty who took the class last year,” said Fatzinger. ” The interest response from last year’s freshman was unbelievably high, and I am very excited for next year.”

Some of the academic issues FEX 101 covers are time management and test anxiety, both of which pose problems for most freshmen. Many times in college, there may be a class that has only one or two tests for the entire semester.

Sometimes, one test may cover more than 500 pages of a textbook, four months of lectures and a three-inch binder of notes. And the test may be worth your entire class grade. Few freshman have experienced this before.

“This class gives the incoming freshman a competitive edge to a brand new college curriculum, making sure they succeed,” said Fatzinger.

FEX 101’s enrollment has tripled since last year, now able to accommodate more than 580 students. For the incoming freshman class, spaces in this class will be very limited.

“Students reported that the class was extremely helpful, and we want everyone to succeed for the rest of their lives,” Roberts said.

For more information about FEX 101, go to www.miami.edu/fex101. Also, contact Jim Fatzinger at 305-284-3520 or via email a Jim.B.Fatzinger@miami.edu

“Student Housing for Student Learning” is the vision statement that all students living on campus will see daily. The Department of Residence Life has done a great job in securing a great staff, with top-of-the line masters in each college.

Dr. Robert J. Redick, Director of Residence Halls, is in charge of all residence life issues. Every Residential College is assigned one Residence Coordinator and one Residence Master. This summer, Dr. Redick was charged with finding 4 new Residence Coordinators and one new Associate Director of Residence Life.

“First of all, we did a national search for the Associate Director of Residence Life position. We got the top person that we wanted,” said Redick. “All the Residence Coordinators are experienced, and all are top notch, our four top people are coming to campus.”

The success of a Residential College at the University of Miami is definitely in the hands of the student Resident Assistants. (RA) Resident Assistants are chosen every year, and they go through a very rigorous selection process. Resident Assistants are on the floor to serve as mentors, and they assist with the transition into college.

The Vice President for Student Affairs, Dr. Patricia A. Whitely, is very excited about the RA staff this year. “They are terrific, RA’s are some of the most ambitious student leaders,” said Whitely.

Becky Quarles, a Senior Resident Assistant, recollects why she became an RA. “I became an RA because my RA was awesome. I had a great experience, and I wanted to give that experience to future residents.”

There are five different residential colleges on campus, and several apartment complexes. The five residential colleges are assigned based on class status.

Hecht and Stanford are known as “The Towers”. They are the four, twelve-story buildings seen from all over campus. The Towers are more prominently assigned to freshman housing, due to the architecture. Each floor is single-sex, and they share communal bathrooms. The atmosphere of the towers is more prone to meeting people, because you see the people that live on your floor every day. The floor programs are designed to introduce students to Miami, and to the university.

Mahoney, Pearson, and Eaton are a different style of housing. Each one of those students living in those residential colleges have suitemates. There are two rooms, joined together by a bathroom. Usually, non-freshman live in these dorms, because they have been exposed to the campus, and have already made friends. The floor programs are geared towards an older crowd of students.

Emily Huzyak, President of the Delta Gamma Sorority, recollects her residence life experience. “I lived on campus for my first two years. I recomend it to every freshman to live on campus for two years, because it is a great way to get involved and meet people.”

All residents this year are going to receive a treat. This year, WATSCO, made a $50,000 contribution to residence halls for student education. They will be providing students with tickets to go to the Contemporary Art Museum, The Art Ballet, and The Fairchild Gardens.

“They [WATSCO] believe in introducing students to the community,” said Whitely.

Another planned addition to Residence Life will be the future building of the University Village. The University Village has been a long-term goal for the University of Miami. These upperclassman apartments should start construction within the next year. These would be located on fratenity row, and be a great asset to residence life.

The University Village is a personal project of President Donna Shalala. So, with her reputation, the University of Miami can expect the University Village to have groundbreaking in no time at all.

Residence Life is a great time at the University of Miami, and it is a great opportunity to experience. Residence Assistants applications come available in mid-spring, so if anyone is interested, make sure to inquire early.

If you have any questions with Residence Life, call 305-284-4505.

Students in Pearson Residential College have the option of living in an environment where they can speak Spanish, learn more about Latin culture and promote diversity.

“La Casa Cultural,” which celebrates its third year in action this Fall, promotes Spanish culture by offering activities ranging from on-campus events such as potlucks, discussions, films, parties, and weekly conversation hours, to field trips to places like Little Havana, where the students go “gallery hopping” along with an artist. There the students discuss the different types of art they find, said Dr. Lillian Manzor, who along with her husband Daniel Correa serve as associate masters (faculty advisors) for the program.

Other activities such as Salsa or Tango classes are offered every semester, and professors and storytellers are invited to speak to the members. Last year, a trip to the Latin Grammy Awards was planned, but did not happen when the show was canceled after the events of September 11.

First named “La Casa Hispana” by Professor Rebecca Biron, the title was changed to promote the cultural aspect of the program, said Manzor.

“We want the focus to be more on the culture than the language,” she said.

Pearson’s first floor houses “La Casa,” which began with two rooms, but now has four. Twelve students have enrolled for the fall, and three suites have been reserved. Manzor said there are no plans to increase the size of the program at this time.

“If the entire floor gets filled up, we would consider it,” she said.

Manzor said participants in the program “self-select.” They decide at the beginning of housing sign-up if they would like to be involved in “La Casa.” It is advertised through the different majors and minors offered through the University. For the fall, Manzor is considering different advertising approaches to promote the program.

“We’re thinking of video taping activities, and putting them on the web. And we are going to do something through the school newspaper,” Manzor said.

Although Spanish is the primary language spoken within “La Casa,” other languages, English included, also are used. Spanish does not need to be the students’ first language to participate in the program. In fact, the majority of the participants consider Spanish their second or third language. Students from non-Latin American countries, such as Japan – with no ethnic Spanish background have participated.

There are only two eligibility requirements: students must live in Pearson have previously enrolled in Spanish classes at the appropriate level, Manzor said.

“Any student who has done at least one year (two semesters) of Spanish 211 or above, or is at that level [is eligible to join],” Manzor said.

Senior Sara Dominguez, who will be a new member in the Fall, is excited.

“I think the program is a wonderful idea. I am now able to embrace my culture and learn so much more,” she said.

Students interested in beginning their own form of “La Casa” in other residential colleges on campus should begin by “talking to their Masters in the dorms,” Manzor said.

“This is a pilot program. We want to perhaps open it up to say, French students. We want a multi-cultural floor. We wanted to start with “La Casa” and then branch out to other types,” Manzor said.

The job of Resident Masters – faculty who live in the University of Miami’s Residential Colleges – includes working closely with students and serving as academic and intellectual role models for them.

The masters’ role is critical to incoming students to help ease the transition from leaving home to becoming a college student.

“We try to do things to help the student bond – become a member of the community,” said Dr. Robert Moore, master for Mahoney Residential College. “This is important within the first four to six weeks because that’s when they are missing home,”

The Residential Colleges on campus were modeled after Cambridge and Oxford universities, and were designed to provide a family atmosphere for students.

To become a resident master, a faculty member must first be invited by the University’s president. The decision to accept the invitation is personal for each faculty member.

“About eight and a half years ago I was invited to live on campus,” said Moore, a professor in the School of Education.

“I had just finished 27 years here… I decided I wanted to see a different piece of it. I thought it would be a nice challenge,” he explained.

Sanjeev Chatterjee, who became the master for Eaton Residential College last June, said he likes the fact that his life is organized around the campus, and that makes him feel like he is a part of the University of Miami.

Chatterjee, who also co-directs the School of Communication’s Documentary Unit, said providing leadership and programming in the Residential College is his main responsibility.

“The second is to be available to the students, and to be present as role models in your professional and family life,” he said.

Moore says there are many advantages to living on campus. Getting a chance to meet students on a more personal basis, the comfortable accommodations the University provides and meetings with students over food all contribute to a home-like atmosphere, he said.

Students are able to visit the masters at home, use their kitchens and do other things such as watch movies with their families. Chatterjee and Moore agree much of their time is devoted to student activities, but that they still have as much privacy as they want and the students are respectful of their space.

“I have a lot [of privacy],” Moore said. “The students know that I typically go to bed around 10, and they don’t bother you. That has never been an issue,”

Moore is single, but Chatterjee has a family that, he said, is very well adjusted to the students and the activities that have now become a part of their lives.

“I am a first generation immigrant in this country,” said Chatterjee, who was born in India. “We come from a culture where there’s a lot of interaction with human beings.”

A master’s responsibilities are tremendous, said Moore, “Because you are speaking to students as a mentor.”

Chatterjee said he’s available around the clock because he chooses to make himself accessible. “They can call on me at any point, and they do. I’m available 24 hours, but I’m not working 24 hours.”

Fitness and exercise can go beyond the walls of a building. For those who like to exercise outdoors, whether playing a sport or just goofing off, the newly updated Michael Yaron fields located directly behind the Wellness Center offer just that.

The Intramural Fields, as they used to be called, were given the name the Michael Yaron Fields in honor of the man who donated the money necessary to fix them up. The fields are used for club sports, intramural sports and open recreation time for those who like to toss around a football or just play soccer with friends.

The fields were given a $1 million face-lift in the summer of 2001. Updates include an irrigation system, replacing troublesome crabgrass with nicer grass, a lighting system that rivals baseball stadiums and even surveillance cameras. Perhaps most helpful is a lightning detection system that forms a canopy over the fields if lightning were to strike, protecting everyone beneath it.

Registration for intramurals begins the first day of fall classes and is open to any undergrad, grad, medical or law student in any grade level. Some intramural sports offered are football, soccer, basketball, softball, and volleyball.

The Wellness Center provides a Free Agent Program that offers students a chance to meet others interested in playing on team sports but do not have enough people to make a team.

Before the renovations, the fields were open to the public. Now only Wellness Center members have access to the fields, which are monitored by staff during Wellness Center hours.

Since its inception in 1991, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community (GLBC) at the University of Miami has been meeting the needs of the entire University community with services, education and support. Everyone is welcome – gay, straight, or bisexual.

The GLBC plays an integral role in student life, offering programs on diversity, health topics, legal issues and social issues unique to the gay community. Additionally, several social events including gay bowling, gay skate, and Will and Grace night, to name a few, are a popular draw for UM students.

The GLBC shares a positive and supportive relationship with other student organizations including Student Government, United Black Students, fraternities and sororities and several of the religious groups on campus, and co-programs with these groups on a regular basis.

One of the traditional activities is the annual Coming Out Week, held the second week of October. Activities include Opening Ceremony and Concert, speaker series, and the Stop the Hate Matthew Shepard Memorial candlelight vigil. The vigil is co-sponsored with several organizations and attendance is as diverse as the campus itself.

Diversity and sensitivity trainings are offered to students, faculty and staff to increase awareness of issues gay students face and to increase the support and ally network. Involvement in local political and social activities are also a part of the GLBC efforts.

The GLBC Resource Center and the Confidential Support Group offer information, resources and confidential support for gay students on campus. The support group is facilitated by a staff member from the Counseling Center on campus.

The confidentiality of all members of the group is of the utmost importance. Not all students are comfortable with others knowing of their sexual orientation and that is constantly stressed in all of the meetings.

The GLBC meets on Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. in the University Center (UC), 2nd floor. Room locations are posted on the GLBC office door, UC 244. For more information, please call 305-284-5520 or email us at glbc.studorg@miami.edu or check out our website at www.miami.edu/studorgs/glbc . Look for us at Cane Fest and during New Student Orientation (www.miami.edu/orientation). We are here for you – whether you come to the meetings or not – you are not alone at the University of Miami.

Now in its seventh year of operation, the George A. Smathers Student Wellness Center is the largest employer of students at the University of Miami.

With approximately 300 student employees and 25 different positions available, the Wellness Center offers an opportunity for growth and development in a variety of settings.

Operating under the Department of Wellness and Recreation, the Wellness Center is a beautiful $13.8 million indoor, air conditioned 114,000-square-foot facility that includes a swimming pool, a 10,000-square-foot fitness room, racquetball and squash courts, aerobic facilities, a basketball/volleyball gymnasium, an elevated jogging track and a wellness suite. There are 35,000-square-foot outdoor courts and playing fields. DWR is responsible for many health-oriented programs, including intramural sports, club sports, as well as the Cane Health Assessment and Motivation Program (CHAMP).

All of these programs are significantly influenced by student employees, allowing these student employees the chance to learn both practical and leadership skills through their positions.

The Wellness Center has the distinction of being the only department on campus with a student run payroll. Under the supervision of Rhonda DuBord, associate director, student employees are responsible every two weeks for the printing of employee timesheets and the on-going compilation of student employee’s hours.

Positions such as this have many skills that are transferable to the classroom.

Roberto Castro, Outstanding Employee of the Year, touts these benefits. “Working for the Department of Wellness and Recreation for the past three years has really provided me with a wealth of valuable experiences.”

Engineering major Steve Usma agrees. “As an engineering major you are expected to evaluate a problem and follow it through to its completion. This is a skill I have been able to develop through my time in payroll. Problem solving, attention to detail, and teamwork are all skills I have learned through my job that have been beneficial to me as a student.”

And more than just classroom skills are developed.

“As a payroll supervisor I have learned time management and leadership skills that I can apply to everything I do. My extracurricular activities have definitely benefited from the skills I have learned through my job,” said senior Jennifer Haddock, a payroll supervisor.

An equally impressive sector of students exists within membership. These employees are responsible for the processing of memberships and interact directly with patrons in a professional environment.

Office assistants perform the typical clerical duties such as answering phones, photocopying and running errands. For those students with an intensive knowledge of the Macintosh computer and programs such as Quark Express and PageMaker 5.0, opportunities also exist as computer assistants.

Each of these positions offers student employees the chance to increase their skills and to apply them to their everyday life.

The majority of the Wellness Center’s student employees are utilized in the operational aspects of the facility. Facility positions offer a variety of possibilities with a boundless chance for growth.

New student employees begin with introductory positions such as working at the front desk, which entails greeting patrons and answering questions, working in the pro shop where patrons can check out lockers and various equipment, or working as operations assistants, who are responsible for the cleanliness of the building and the upkeep of equipment.

In the state-of-the-art fitness room, opportunities also exist for fitness assistants, who assist patrons in the use of equipment and interact with patrons as they work out. In each of these of positions there are numerous opportunities for advancement for those employees who take the initiative and want to learn and grow through their employment.

For sports-minded employees, openings for intramural officials are held throughout the year.

Officials are needed for a variety of sports, including basketball, floor hockey, touch football, soccer, softball and volleyball. This position offers a variety of hours with a generous amount of flexibility for students.

The Yaron Field, the re-vamped intramural fields, were dedicated in spring of 2002. To help manage this field, Yaron Field Assistants are employed to work at the field itself to answer questions and enforce reservations for the fields. These positions are thoroughly enjoyed by those who love sports.

Several more skilled positions are open for students who meet certain qualifications.

The Wellness Center offers a variety of aerobic and instructional program classes and thus, requires the employment of an array of instructors.

Current classes include traditional aerobic classes, water aerobics, yoga, hotwheels, belly dancing, and even salsa classes.

These positions allow a great deal of management and creativity by student employees.

Certified personal trainers as well as American Red Cross Certified lifeguards are also employed each semester with competitive wages.

The Wellness Center hosts several events each year to show their appreciation to student employees.

Employee Appreciation Week is held in April and offers a reward to employees each day. This year the highlights included a barbecue and free frozen yogurt at the Wellness Center Juice Bar.

Luncheons are held each semester and offer food and awards for the best employees and a chance to gather with fellow employees. The professional staff truly goes out of their way to make employees feel appreciated.

But at the Wellness Center you don’t just have a job, you have a chance to learn so much more. Skills like time management and leadership are quickly learned by hard working student employees.

“Working as the manager of the personal training program at the Wellness Center has given me more than just an on campus job,” senior Arielle Lane explains. “Being empowered and encouraged by the staff, I have been able to use the skills I have learned in the classroom and see the effects of my success. The professional staff at the Wellness Center focuses on empowering the student employees. Goals of pay raises and position advancement are made very clear from the beginning, encouraging the student employees to continually enhance their working habits. In addition, you are treated as a very important part of the staff and shown how the quality of your work benefits the business. You really learn what it is to be an important part of an organization.”

A supporting staff and a chance for growth are just some of the reasons why students have the chance to take away more than just a paycheck at the Wellness Center.

– Courtesy of the Wellness Center