Student Development undergoes name, location change

Interested in getting involved on campus but not sure where to go? Student Activities & Leadership Program is the place to start your search. Formerly known as Student Development Center, the organization has recently changed its name. However, none of the services have been altered. Not only has the name changed, but the office will also be moving to Room 119 in Smith Memorial Center.

“Student Activities & Leadership Program is the gateway to all the various student organizations at Portland State,” Eric Kamweti, a staff member, said.

More than 200-student organizations call Portland State University home, and all go through the program.

These organizations include the Associated Students of Portland State University, the Literary Arts Council, and KPSU, the school’s radio station, to name a few.

All student organizations are clustered into different fields, and these fields are assigned an advisor. The various fields are Academic/Honorary Groups, Fine and Performing Arts Groups, Multicultural Groups, Political Groups, Recreation Groups, Service and Advocacy Groups and Spiritual and Philosophical Groups.

A complete list of the clubs available is on the Web site at www.salp.pdx.edu.

Those who wish to start their own clubs will find all the resources they need at the Student Activities office.

“I’ve been thinking about starting a group soon,” Steve Johnson, a freshman, said. “The office has been valuable to me as a place to not only get information on starting my own, but I can get a look at all the different groups.”

In order to begin a new non-funded student organization, a person must get at least four additional students to sign and form the group. Those wishing to start an organization are recommended to meet with an advisor several times to plan.

Officers of an organization must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater. All participants must be taking eight or more credits (six if a graduate student). Furthermore, the group must draw up a constitution.

“Although it is only required to have five total members to start an organization, we recommend getting eight, or even 10, just in case some students fall below the requirements or wish to drop from the club,” Kamweti said.

There are several benefits for having an official organization. Organizations get use of private computers and a copy lab, free graphic design help from the Graphic Design Center, the use of the display boards around campus and other benefits too numerous to list.

There is a specific committee that exists to assist students with the formation and maintenance of student organizations. The Student Organization Council in Room 451 of Smith Center is available to offer advice on funding and use of school equipment.

The Student Activities office does more than just handle student organizations. The center also deals with student events on campus. Any large event a student wants to have on campus must be approved through the office. Forms for that, as well as the permission forms for such things as serving food and drink and renting equipment can all be found at the office.

Those students seeking more information should contact their office at 503-725-4452.