Community Programming Board aims to deliver memorable experiences

by Isabela Placencia 

RCU’s Community Programming Board is an organization of student leaders whose goals are to make students feel welcomed through emotional support and fun activities. 

Cyrus Watkins, student body president and a senior interdisciplinary studies major, said, “We’re a team of creative individuals who want to engage students and create more community on campus.” 

The Community Programming Board engages the community through fun activities such as Trivia Tuesday, Stomp and a Valentine's Day party. They even coordinate last-minute events, such as sledding, when the weather permits.

“We try to create a wow factor with each event,” Watkins said. “The wow factor at Stomp was the mechanical bull, while the wow factor at the Halloween party was the haunted house.” The point of these “wow factors” is to create memorable moments for students.

One requirement for Community Programming Board members is to meet every couple of weeks, which is where event planning takes place. The time and place for these meetings are up to the members. Although every member is expected to work on events, some will take a more active role in the ones they are most enthusiastic about.

One challenge for the Community Planning  Board is timing, as RCU students have busy schedules. Plus, the Community Planning Board must account for athlete schedules and campus disruptions — mostly due to inclement weather. 

To join the Community Programming Board, interested students must submit an application. Students are expected to serve for one academic year and can apply again in subsequent years. 

Requirements to serve on the board are: 

• A 2.5 GPA and a clean RCU record. Members who fail to maintain their GPA will be placed on an Academic Success Plan 

• Personal life must reflect RCU’s values

• Show enthusiasm and a good attitude 

• Sensitivity toward cultural differences

• Verbal and written communication skills 

• Problem-solving skills  

Student leaders are compensated, with compensation varying depending on individual financial aid packages. The basic rate is $12.75 per hour for three hours per week (maximum of 40 hours per semester), plus a $1,500 scholarship. 

After being selected for the Community Programming Board, students undergo staff training to help equip them with their job responsibilities and meet expectations. The first two days of training are a retreat at Michigan Christian Youth Camp. This part of the training involves team-building exercises and Narcan training, which entails learning about drug abuse and how to save people experiencing a drug overdose. Student leaders also work with Haven, a local nonprofit, to learn how to support students who have gone through sexual abuse and intimate partner violence.