Program assistants deserve recognition
Campus Times
February 27, 1998
It seems we always tend to focus and get caught up in the negativity
and problems that go on at the University of La Verne, which cause the positive,
good things to get overlooked, and that is a sad statement.
So, on a good note, how many of us know about the new program assistants
(P.A.'s) and the wonderful job they are doing to help ULV students to do
better academically, emotionally and to just have a little fun?
This is a new program that was started this year to help the resident
assistants (R.A.'s) and to provide more informational and enjoyable programs
for the student body. The R.A.'s were just dealing with too much and help
was needed, so this great program was added to assist them.
There are five P.A.'s; sophomore Maria Sandoval, juniors Jennifer Caforio
and Victoria Neas and seniors Jennifer Messina and Sergio Velazquez. Caforio,
Messina and Sandoval reside at the Oaks, Neas resides at Stu-Han and Velazquez
lives at Brandt.
"I wanted to become a program assistant because I like to work
with people and it is a great learning experience," said Sandoval.
Program assistants do not have the power and responsibilities R.A.'s
do, but they are in charge of their floors and are responsible to report
any foul play that they would observe.
However, their duties go beyond just a watchful eye on their floors.
Each P.A. is responsible to put on two programs a month. Their goals are
to bring education and social aspects together. They strive to have well
rounded activities for the students. The P.A.'s also try to plan activities
and have speakers that coincide with the different events that are scheduled
at ULV.
"We try to put on programs that go with what is going on each month,"
said Sandoval.
For instance, Sandoval put on a Valentines Day craft night during February.
Students gathered to make Valentine decorations.
This particular program received 36 students participating, which was
supposedly the best turn out so far. But these hard working P.A.'s deserve
more support than that.
Other fun nights have included Neas' game night, "Battle of the
Sexes," and movie nights.
It is sad to see that not many people respond to these great events,
yet students always complain that there is nothing to do.
"Once people realize these programs are beneficial to them, there
might be a better turnout," said Sandoval.
The programs that are put on can range from movie, craft and game nights,
to special professional speakers that could really be helpful to many students.
These free nights should be taken advantage of.
These P.A.'s are doing a great job.
"The program assistants have received great reviews," said
Tammy Cupples, facilities maintenance assistant and intern.
What reward do these P.A.'s get? Well, for starters, they get free room
and board just like the R.A.'s, but any other reward is self-satisfaction.
So let's help these P.A.'s and reward them by going to a few great events
and programs that they put on to benefit the student body.
These events are not just restricted to on campus living. All students,
including commuters, are welcome. So, if you are bored and cannot find anything
to do, look for the flyers and come enjoy an enthusiastic evening with your
fellow students.
Alicia Gibson, a senior communications major, is assistant news editor
of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at gibsona@ulv.edu.
