Tucked away in the top floor of the Ferguson Center resides a team of faculty and students working to bring various events and experiences to campus. To the University of Alabama community, they’re known as University Programs.
University Programs is composed of two boards, one faculty-based and the other student-based, which work to provide programs that connect the student body. At least once a week, the group grants every college student’s wish with a free event.
“It’s for everyone,” University Programs manager and New College alumna LaToya Scott said. “It’s about finding a place for all students to get involved and get connected.”
University Programs annually hosts Week of Welcome, which is its largest production. The student workers said it is their most challenging and rewarding initiative.
“You’re talking long hours in the midst of the school year starting,” Jessica Hancock, a senior majoring in journalism and marketing, said.
As members of various student organizations across campus, these students accomplish the balance between their roles as academics and student workers with the help of University Programs’ family environment. The students credit Scott for creating an atmosphere of both personal and professional growth.
“We have to be very thorough and solidify every task before moving on to the next,” Natalee Briscoe, a senior majoring in public relations and University Programs employee, said. “We have to adapt quickly to unexpected changes, have multiple backup plans. It is very demanding.”
Sydney Page, a senior majoring in political science and University Programs employee, said the kickoff event was the most difficult.
“It rained. You could feel the tension and frustration as we moved everything to an indoor venue,” Page said.
As the weather improved, the University Programs team, with the help of many volunteers, was able to relocate everything back outside a mere two hours before the event. Weekly, on a smaller scale, 12 student employees are tasked with the planning, promotion and implementation of an event.
Graduate assistant Averie Armstead explained the dynamic between the student workers and their supervisors is all about helping the students grow.
“They’re not puppets; it’s really about serving them and helping them develop” Armstead said.
Student workers said their experience working with University Programs has helped them to build a foundation in the workforce as they interact with UA officials and local business owners throughout their planning processes.
Occasionally, the student workers are given opportunities to attend professional development conferences across the country where they are able to interact with other programming and communications professionals and swap ideas and techniques they can bring back to campus.
University Programs has had student employees move on to positions with various organizations including the Miami Dolphins, Teach for America, MTV marketing as well as positions in the fashion and engineering fields.
All UA students from any major have an opportunity to join the University Programs team every semester, as applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
“If you’re looking for event/marketing experience, join University Programs,” Hancock said.
In addition to their events and student employment opportunities, University Programs also offers academic opportunities. The department currently offers an Advertising and Public Relations Practicuum as well as a Hotels and Restaurant management course. Students can find additional information concerning these opportunities through their respective academic advisors.
“It really prepares you for real world job experience,” Allison Terrell, a senior majoring in public relations, said.
A student does not have to be a member of University Programs to get involved with its events. In addition to the events on their agenda, University Programs has an opportunity for students and student organizations to propose events through the “Request for Proposal” feature on its website. Students can find additional information at ferguson.ua.edu under the “Events” tab.
University Programs has already hosted events that have included zip-lining and trips outside of the campus. Looking ahead, Armstead said students should “expect the unexpected” as the University Programs team continues to make dream events come to life at the Capstone.
University Programs looks for open minded students who are creative, want to get involved, ready to learn and are not afraid to enter a fast-paced environment. To apply, students can obtain an application from ferguson.ua.edu and email their completed application to universityprograms.sa.ua.edu or drop it off at the University Programs Office in Ferguson Center Room 314.
