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Sept. 8, 2009 issue
Campus Life amplifies college experience at EMU


By Lisa Donovan

 

Laughing, dancing, learning and helping others are all part of the special dimension that Campus Life brings to Eastern Michigan University students. With a wide array of activities to choose from, new friends and experiences are all within easy reach.

"Students who are involved in campus events get to meet people and build relationships, develop communication skills, mature socially, learn beyond the classroom, increase their likelihood of graduation, and generally have a better college experience," said John Cassedy, Campus Life's student coordinator for arts and entertainment.

EMU After Dark logo

NIGHT ACTIVITIES: To keep students involved in
EMU after hours, EMU After Dark activities include
Laugh Lounge, Friday Night Movies, Snack and
Study, Sky Lounge and more.

To get the word out, Campus Life is stepping up use of its social media sites on Facebook and Twitter, as well as creating a new Web site.

"We want to interact with students and create a conversation with our community to produce exactly what the community wants," said Cassedy.

Campus Life Highlights for the fall include:

NEW! Students can put their luck or trivia knowledge to the test at the new Game Show Night , tentatively scheduled Oct. 12, 8-10 p.m., in the Student Center Auditorium. Stay tuned to see if contestants will be in the hot seat for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Wheel of Fortune or a surprise selection.

NEW! Musicians, comedians and poets can grab the spotlight during Open Mic Nights , tentatively scheduled Oct. 8, Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, 8 p.m. to midnight, in the Student Center. Come see if some new stars emerge.

Sky Lounge transforms room 300 of the Student Center into a cool nightclub with local jazz and dance bands. Students, faculty and staff can sit back and listen as they enjoy mocktails, or jump up and dance. Join the fun Sept. 17, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19, 9 p.m. to midnight.

Laugh Lounge

ENJOY A LAUGH: Local comedians will again
entertain at the Laugh Lounge, with events
scheduled Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3

Laugh Lounge was such a hit when it debuted last year. It's back on the schedule Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, 9 p.m. to midnight, room 300, Student Center. Local stand-up comedians pull out their best routines. Free snacks and beverages are available.

Film buffs should head over to the Student Center Auditorium for free Friday Night Movies, with showings at 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and midnight. This semester's features include "The Hangover," "Milk," "Slumdog Millionaire," and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Monday Matinees of the movies will be shown at 4 p.m. in the same location.

For off-campus adventure, try an Eastern Excursion. Cheer on the Detroit Tigers Sept. 29; get spooked at Cedar Point's HalloWeekends Oct. 17; or enjoy the sounds of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Nov. 14. For other excursions, check Campus Life's online calendar of events.

Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with Salsa Night, sponsored by the Latino Student Association and the Center for Multicultural Affairs, Oct. 14, 8 p.m., room 300, in the Student Center. Come out and enjoy great music, salsa dancing lessons and free food.

Help the less fortunate in the community during Hunger and Homelessness Week, scheduled Nov. 15-21. Activities include toiletry and food drives, volunteering at local shelters, and a panel discussion on hunger and homelessness issues.

Brody Condon

VIDEO ART: Geust lecturer Brody
Condon presents a lecture, "Re-
purposing Video Games or Game
Structures," Sept. 30, 7 p.m., in
Strong Auditorium.

Guest lecturer Brody Condon will present "Re-purposing Video Games or Game Structures" Sept. 30, 7 p.m., in Strong Auditorium. Condon uses existing video games or game structures to create sculpture, performance art and video installations.

Students can explore their interests through one of EMU's many student organizations. Groups include everything from Hockey Club to Gospel Choir to Student Government. For a complete list of student organizations, visit www.emich.edu/studentorgs.

Develop leadership skills through the Emerging Leaders Series, Tuesdays, 5-7 p.m., beginning Sept. 29. Students who complete the eight-week program, designed for first-year students, will receive Learning Beyond the Classroom credit for community service, citizenship and leadership.

For more information or to see the complete calendar of events, call Campus Life at 487-3045 or visit www.emich.edu/campuslife, Facebook.com/campuslifeEMU or Twitter.com/campuslifeEMU.