Department of Academic Enrichment and Learning Holds Services and Resource Fair

Peggy Diaco
Contributing Writer

Taxidermy lessons, club information and make-it-yourself ice cream sundaes are a sampling of the many informational tables available at the Resources and Services Fair last Wednesday in front of the Science and Technology Building.

“Our goal is to reach out to incoming freshmen and transfer students to let them know about all the great things available to them on campus,” said Dr. Jessica Santiago, Academic Success Coach in Academic Enrichment and Learning and coordinator of the event.

Tables lined up on either side of the sidewalk in front of the Science and Technology Center were loaded with lots of helpful information as well as goodies for the students.

Bopping along to music provided by a DJ, students had an array of services and resources to choose from.

Representatives from resources such as Student Life, Career Services, Multicultural services, Dining Services and Student Activity Association were available to answer questions about programs in place to assist students along on their educational journey at ESU.

“There is a brand new competition program for commuter students starting in a few weeks, and registration is free to enrolled ESU students,” stated Sarah Lloyd, grad assistant for Leadership Programs.

Lloyd went on to explain that the competition consists of four teams with seven people each who will compete against each other in a sport like soccer, volleyball or dodgeball for three weeks. The last week will be a championship game where the winners will walk away with a tee-shirt, free movie ticket and a $10.00 gift card to the bookstore.

Lloyd also answered questions about rock climbing and hiking at Stony Acres, a park that is available to all students at ESU.

The University Store was represented with bags of chips, healthy snacks, as well as travel-sized soaps and toothpaste.

Oliver Trojak, representing the Office of International Programs, answered students’ questions about studying abroad. If students are interested, stop by their office and pick up information or fill out an interview sheet.

Lessons about taxidermy were the main theme of the Schisler Museum of Wildlife table. Animal parts, skins of skunk and raccoon as well as realistic looking eyes used in taxidermy were a few of the items on the table.

The police were there to discuss campus safety with students and to let female students know about their Women’s Self-Defense course.

“This course is offered to open student’s eyes and teach them basic survival skills,” said Security Officer Thomas Ferraro.

An ice cream bar with all the fixings was popular with all the students who attended.

“My favorite was the taxidermy lesson and the ice cream bar,” stated Caroline LaDuke, a freshman biology major. Her friend, Reannon Zangakis, also a bio major, agreed.

These were just a few of the many resources and services available to students. For further information, go to the ESU website and click on Student Life.

Email Peggy at:
pdiaco@esu.edu