By: Maya Tinajero, Skyline Editor
ALPINE – Club presidents are the backbone of the university experience, managing events, student and community outreach, as well as the responsibilities of being a student themselves. Recently, Student Activities has created mandatory “leadership meetings” for club presidents to attend, but some question whether these additional requirements will help build student involvement in the long run.
Student retention has long been an issue for Sul Ross University. According to College Factual, an online data platform, the university has a 45% retention rate while the state and nationwide rates are 68.17% and 70.57%. Several studies examine how club involvement may help with personal and academic retention; however, there is no set formula for how to increase student engagement overall.
These “leadership meetings,” created by campus activities, are called the Lobo Legacy Leadership Academy and are facilitated by Student Activities Coordinator Tyren Dews. These meetings consist of workshops such as how to send a proper email and, according to Student Government President Kalavati Caufield, are mandatory for clubs to attend.
Saniah Reynolds, Student Government Secretary and President of the Black Student Association, said she felt “frustrated and annoyed” over the new requirements. “The meetings always take place while I’m at work and as much as I enjoy being part of a club, I need money and hours at work more than that.”
Reynolds spoke to the Skyline about the struggles she faces as a club president.
“Last year I would say it was a lot easier because Katy (Williams) was here,” she said. “She just had her hands in so many things.”
Katy Williams, who left her role at the university this October, served as the SGA Advisor, Director of Civic Engagement & Student Assistance, and the Director of Lobo Pantry.
“It’s very overwhelming honestly, and there was a lot of pressure, at least for my club specifically because it’s the Black Student Association,” said Reynolds. “There’s a lot of pressure for us to be a ‘good face’ and be perfect about everything.”
Reynolds also mentioned how many of the other clubs at the university have departments they are “built on,” making it easier for them to receive resources, further their outreach, and host events such as field trips.
Another club president, Landon Velasco, also shared his dislike for the new club requirements.
“My general, personal consensus is that the way student activities is starting to run things now is going to greatly discourage students who want to be in or start clubs.”
Velasco serves as Vice President of the Hill Club and President of the Sul Ross Ultimate (frisbee) Team.
As for what would better serve student clubs and increase student engagement, the answer remains unclear; however, Reynolds did give her input. “I think that instead of having the leadership meeting, the bigger focus should be on making sure club advisors, presidents, and vice presidents have a good connection with each other.”
The Skyline reached out to Tyren Dews; however, he declined to comment.