Sarnoff to improve clinics
In addition to the construction in Memorial Union, other aspects of NDSU are undergoing some drastic changes in fall 2007.
Next year, Leisure and Outdoor Programs Coordinator Phil Sarnoff will be implementing new ideas to improve on current clinics and programs.
Last fall saw the successful execution of approximately 10 clinics.
Two of the programs were planned, but due to extenuating circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or lack of interest, were unable to occur.
The activities ranged from canoe and kayaking trips through scenic state parks to Frisbee golf games on campus.
Next year, according to the Memorial Union Web site, if students haven’t yet had opportunity to snowboard through some Minnesota snow, they can learn to snowboard or ski at Andes Tower Hills through one of the programs offered in the fall.
Sarnoff said that although the programs aren’t very lucrative monetarily for the university, the benefits of providing students with an opportunity to relieve stress and anxiety from academic pressures outweigh the cost.
“Students also find the memories to be valuable when we conduct trip evaluations,” Sarnoff said.
Approximately 78 percent of those who completed the trip evaluations ranked “escape from campus” as being one of the most beneficial aspects of the programs, Sarnoff said.
The evaluations provide Sarnoff with the means to better understand the needs of university students and how to improve upon current programs.
Although provoking interest in the programs can be difficult at times, students can be reluctant to pay fees or make time to participate, which is why the program has extended its presence to NDSU’s own backyard.
During Band Day last week a slackening line was offered as free entertainment from the university between the library and Old Main.
“About 21 people came over to use the slack line that day,” Sarnoff said.
This kind of attraction can be a highlight at many campus events.
“Down the line I’d like to see the Recreation and Outing Center in the same vicinity, keep it internal,” Sarnoff said. “It’d be great to have a unified front.”
And considering the new developments, Sarnoff is hinting towards for the fall and spring programs next year, a merging of the two centers won’t be too hard to obtain.