Volume 1
Issue 4
For the Kean University Student Community
September 21, 2004
The
COUGAR’SByte An Office of Student Life & Leadership Development Publication
Working to promote healthy development, Delta Phi Epsilon has adopted a kindergarten class in Irvington where they read stories, do arts & crafts and distribute holiday candy and toys.
Founders of “HYPE” (Helping Youth Progress in Education), Lambda Sigma Upsilon’s Emperadores chapter encourages urban and inner city high school students to seek higher education.
Founding Mother and Kean alum, Ileana Almaguer, continues to come out and support Lambda Theta Alpha as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary (2005) and is proud of its legacy.
MEET THE GREEKS Being the first national multicultural sorority, Mu Sigma Upsilon emphasizes unity amongst all women and sponsors R.A.C.E. – Recognizing And Celebrating Ethnicities during the spring semester.
Meet the Greeks fosters an experience that celebrates differences and promotes community among Greek students. ”I’m proud of the Greek Organizations for being a positive student group on campus.” ~ Alex Louis, Assistant Director, Office of Student Life and Leadership Development.
Raising money for Lou Gerhigs Disease and participation in multiple Breast Cancer Walks are among the many programs that Omega Sigma Psi is involved in and they are enthusiastic about the upcoming year.
“We are here to offer our guidance to any local fraternity, as I am sure they can provide support to us,” said Greg Harleston of Tau Kappa Epsilon, the largest national fraternity in the world.
Sharing similar interests, Nu Theta Chi & Nu Sigma Tau were established in 1940 and are the 2 oldest sororities on campus. As they join forces and put their letters together it forms Ν Σ Χ Τ – the NEXT sorority.
Based on service, brotherhood and trust, Sigma Beta Tau is participating in the Juvenile Diabetes Walk in October and plans on involvement in many more community service projects this year.
Lambda Tau Omega is a Multi-cultural organization, founded in 1988 at Montclair State and welcomes women of all backgrounds.
Focused on campus involvement and community service, Psi Sigma Phi is enthusiastically preparing for the MultiCultural Festival in December.
Lambda Chi Rho shares a love of community service, fun and diversity as they forge forward in their efforts to recruit new members.
For bonus news and information, visit our online edition at www.cougarsbyte.com
BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Joe Aubourg is a student of many dreams and numerous accomplishments. His long-time interests are entertainment and politics and his greatest aspiration is to run for political office one day. Here at Kean, Joe is ambitiously working towards a double major, political science and communications. He’s also very involved on campus, a passion that started his freshman year with the encouragement of his friends, and fraternity brothers, Joe Smith, MD Maruf and Bill Devoe. Working in the University Center game room, representing the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity in the Greek Senate, supporting the concerns of his classmates in the Student Organization of Kean University, Inc., and with his recent election to Vice President of the University Activities Board, there seems to be nothing holding Joe back from reaching his goals.
A Record of What You’ve Done and What You’ve Learned Kean University recognizes the value of a thorough education and understands that learning takes place in and out of the classroom. Kean strives to create programs that inspire students to develop insights, sharpen skills and acquire experiences that empower them to make positive choices throughout life. Students who participate in Universityrecognized clubs and organizations, attend workshops and seminars, demonstrate distinguished academic or personal achievement, display civic responsibility and are employed on campus or through a universitysponsored internship develop leadership, social and recreational skills. Because these "life skills" will prove to be extremely beneficial to the total education of the student, Kean University offers a wide variety of cocurricular activities to help you fulfill your learning potential. Kean University strongly encourages participation in the Co-Curricular Transcript program by all students. The CCT is a great tool to use when applying for graduate schools, scholarships, or employment. The process is easy. So, take advantage of this opportunity to reach your full potential. All the necessary forms are available at the Office of Student Life & Leadership Development in the University Center, room 219.
In addition to the many activities that Joe is involved in on campus, this past summer he attended various political events that exposed him to a whole new world. Through his placements from the Washington Center, a unique and comprehensive internship program that enables college students to take full advantage of the resources of Washington, D.C., Joe was able to lend a hand to the NJ Delegation and the Revolutionary Women. But when asked what his favorite event was, without hesitation, he responded, The Democratic National Convention. “It was a dream come true – a once in a lifetime experience,” said Aubourg. “Clinton and Sharpton are powerful speakers, standing up for what they believe in. Edwards tells it like it is, sticking up for the average American.” Not only did Joe meet politicians from across the country on this trip sponsored by the political science department, he also made new friends from around the globe and here at Kean too. Joe also completed an internship at Black Entertainment Television (BET) where he assisted the production team with audio and video recording, interviewing individuals and transcribing notes. While interning, Joe attended the Hip Hop Convention in Newark and the NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia. “It was great! I was able to meet a lot of excellent entertainers, such as Doug E. Fresh, MC Light and Fat Joe,” said Aubourg. “They delivered compelling messages aimed at encouraging minorities to take an active role in the elections.” He added that the people at BET were helpful and wonderful to work with and he was glad to have gained a lot of hands-on experience. As this part of his invigorating journey comes to an end, Joe is busy settling in to his many responsibilities on campus, enjoying recreational activities, and continuing to reach for the stars. He shares this bit of advice, “All students should get involved. You get exposed to new things, meet new people and experience different cultures.”
ASK THE COUGAR CLUB
Q: A:
I enjoy writing poetry. Are there any creative writing clubs on campus? SEAN O'CONNOR, First-year student
Yes Sean. There is a student club called "Creation Space." You should feel free to visit the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development, UC 219, for contact information on the members of this club. Also, attend the Campus Awareness Festival to meet students who are members of Creation Space."
Q:
There are no clubs advertised on campus. How do I get involved? CASEY STAMM, First-year student
A:
A list of student clubs can be found in the Office of Student life and leadership Development. There are over 130 student clubs. Also, on September 29, from 1:30 to 4:30, there will be a Campus Awareness Festival, which showcases most of the student clubs on campus. You should attend this event and get information from students who are involved about student clubs and organizations. I will work with the mentoring team to make sure there is more advertisement on students clubs after all student clubs have reactivated their groups, which is mandatory each year in the beginning of the fall semester. For information on student clubs contact a member of the cougar club by calling 908.737.5170
WICKED BUS TRIP To see the untold story of the witches of Oz, a limited number of tickets are available for purchase at Wilkins Theatre. Please present your Cougar ID to purchase up to 4 tickets to see this highly entertaining musical. Tickets are $35 for students and $50 for faculty, staff and alumni. Bus departs Wilkins Theatre at 5 pm on Tuesday, October 12, 2004. So, don’t miss the bus. Get your tickets today!
The Cougar ID Card Your Access Key to University Resources
O
ne of the most important items to carry around campus, the Cougar ID card identifies you as a member of the Kean community and entitles you to discounted tickets to theatre, athletic and special events, entrance to many campus facilities and access to a wide range of university resources. means not having to worry about carrying money around campus.
The Cougar ID card is the official identification card for all members of the Kean University campus community. But the card is much more than an ID; it allows you access to many campus facilities including the East Campus pool and gym, D’Angola gym, Wilkins Theatre, the residence halls, and computer labs. You can also use your Cougar ID card for everything from cheering on the Cougars at athletic events to checking books out of the Nancy Thompson Library to accessing meal plans at the many dining facilities on campus. You also have the option of activating a book voucher. By depositing money on your Cougar ID card account, you can pay for books and supplies at the Bookstore, which
If you lose your card, no problem! Call the Cougar ID Office, at (908) 7373216 to report your card lost or stolen. Then just stop by our office on the second floor of the Administration building during fall semester office hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am-5pm and on Wednesday 11am-7pm, to pick up a new Cougar ID card. Your first Cougar ID card is free. Just present a current semester schedule or tuition bill and official identification, such as a driver's license or passport, and you're on your way. But keep your card safe ... replacement cards cost $10.00 and can only be obtained during normal office hours. Make payments at the Office of Student Accounting on the third floor of the Administration building, and then simply bring the receipt to the Cougar ID office to receive your replacement card.
CAMPUS AWARENESS FESTIVAL
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Office of Community and Disability Services at Kean University is looking for part time and full time students to assist disabled students with note taking and/or reading, recording of assigned materials, and to attend monthly meetings to address concerns and/or changes. If you maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, possess good interpersonal skills, are detail-oriented, and have the ability to write and speak clearly, there are multiple positions available. If interested, please stop by our office located in the University Center, room 315.
SHREK2 September 22 8:00 pm University Center Little Theatre
The Ultimate Learning Experience Drs. Charles Boateng and Barbara Wheeler have received a grant from the Kean University Institute of Foreign Service and Diplomacy to take 6 non-traditional students to the West African country, Ghana, during Winter Break (January 3-14, 2005). The trip is designed to expose students interested in Foreign Service careers to on-site experiences of U.S. foreign policy. Competition for the six seats will be intense. Interested students are urged to stop by the Office of Africana Studies in Hutchinson Hall (J-302) to complete an application, which includes a short essay on your interest in a career in foreign service and diplomacy, as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is Friday, October 15, 2004. Don’t delay. Apply today!
Arouse your interest in activities and events, discover student services and activities, interact with faculty, staff and fellow students, explore one or more clubs/organizations, and dive into the diverse student life at Kean during the annual Campus Awareness Festival. On Tuesday, September 28 from 7-8 pm, get on board the midnight express at Hutchinson, Vaughn-Eames or the New Building lobbies, and stir up your involvement at Kean. Then, don’t miss the wagon train on Wednesday, September 29. Round up your friends and mosey on over to the University Center between 1:30 – 4:30 pm, and get a taste for the old west as you saddle up for fun and entertaining displays and activities.
HIP HOP SUMMIT Join Russell Simmons Thursday, September 23, 2004 for live sounds, soda, pizza, Hip Hop artists, and a voter registration drive from 11 am - 3 pm at the War Memorial Building in Trenton, NJ Information & directions at www.NJElections.org
WELCOME BACK PICNIC Rain was not an issue as the Student Organization Welcome Back Picnic went off without a hitch this past Wednesday. With the enlivening music of DJ Nix in the background and food on their plates, more than 400 students converged on the newly constructed Downs Hall patio to eat, listen to music and mingle throughout the course of the day. This year, the picnic was geared towards getting students registered to vote and among those to stop by and enjoy the outdoor affair were local New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak and Kean University Trustee Richard Kinney, the chairman of Democracy Today, a local non-profit, non-partisan organization, which co-sponsored the picnic. “The voter registration drive was a great success, we were able to get over 800 students registered to vote so far,” said Antonio Parrales, the Student Organization Sophomore Class President and a participant of Democracy Today. With less than a quarter of students between the ages of 18 and 24 voting, many students came to the picnic eager to register. Senior Alison Etinoff believes “It is important to get college students to vote so politicians pay attention to student interests like financial aid and funding for higher education.”
MORE MEET THE GREEKS
The ultimate goal of 1000 Votes, 1000 Voices is to register 1000 Kean students between the ages of 18 and 24. The drive will continue throughout the month of September. For more information, contact Matt Caruso at (908) 737-7047 or stop by the Office of Disability and Community Service in the University Center, room 315 or call them at (908) 737-5150.
Focused on outstanding community service, Sigma Beta Chi has been #1 since the inception of the 5 Star Program.
Iota Phi Theta is building a tradition, not resting upon one.
Beta Kappa Psi is looking forward a fun and eventful year.
The brothers of Nu Delta Pi received some promising prospects during Meet the Greeks and are excited about the upcoming year.
“Greek Life is a great way to get involved on campus.” Quack. Quack. Waddle. Waddle. Theta Phi Alpha
For bonus news and information, visit our online edition at www.cougarsbyte.com