After an extremely active year last year, UCB (University Center Board), a student organization that creates events and opportunities for students, hasn’t been nearly as active.
UCB is the hub for university events, Millikin’s student-run venture since 2011. According to UCB’s Instagram, they promote alternative and diverse social programs as well as co-curricular activities for the student body.
But what is UCB up to now?
For the past few years, UCB has been active in the community building back up an eventful campus after Covid. So far this semester, they had events during Welcome Week such as Silent Disco, and Homecoming such as Chalk the Walk and Foam Party on the Quad.
Everyone knows of UCB’s existence from their Big Event and collaboration with other student organizations. Their events consistently drew large crowds, and their projects made a lasting impact on students and community alike. Lately, its presence has dwindled and there’s a noticeable gap. UCB is much more active in the spring, rather than the fall semester.
UCB’s current president, Zach Hollis, added insight to the organization’s whereabouts.
“We are currently going through the process of a new exec board, in which, hopefully we’ll have more structure and direction moving forward. We hope to have more events planned in the Spring,” he said.
The transition to a new exec board is underway, with members hopeful for positive changes. However, general members seem to struggle with the organizational functions of the board. Usually, organizational problems are much easier to fix by more communication, and making a point to make sure meetings are productive. The board has faced issues with student leaders balancing academic responsibilities and registered student organizations (RSO) involvement. UCB is working on improving its framework, including centralizing documents and transitioning knowledge effectively.
Athena Pajer, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development, and UCB’s faculty advisor, brought up a different perspective on the situation.
“Where is UCB? They are growing,” she said, “Millikin needs to respect that students are here to study and to think about their futures. A lot of student leaders get really involved in a lot of groups, and that kind of happened with UCB.”
We should keep in mind that RSOs that students get involved in can help them get a job, but when things get busy, student’s shouldn’t give up.
“Sometimes RSOs take a back seat to what’s more important, but at the same time that impacts the fun things that we get to see on campus. It’s important to support each other. Support UCB’s events whenever they come about, and if you don’t, remember that these are run by students. You guys are students and you shouldn’t be expected to be professionals,” Pajer said.
UCB used to be a big organization pre-Covid totaling over 70 members. Right now, UCB only has 14, but are always looking for more people to join. The more members UCB has the greater potential UCB can achieve on this campus. If you’re interested in joining the University Center Board, email [email protected].
