SGA working to bridge gap with other colleges

The SGA is working to bridge gaps between the University, Stillman College and Shelton State Community College to create more of a community, said R.B. Walker, SGA president.

Walker said the SGA is trying to unite the campuses through different activities and events.

"In many ways the relationship is already built," Walker said. "The student aspect has been absent."

One step towards breaking the barrier was College Summit, a dinner hosted at the Bryant Conference Center Oct. 16 for student and faculty leaders from all three campuses.

Emily Crawford, SGA press secretary, said the dinner was designed to help the schools appreciate the individuality of each campus.

Faculty from different campuses spoke at the event.

"It was a way to kind of start discussion that opened our eyes to see what great resources we have with each other," Crawford said.

Last spring semester, Stillman College hosted Unity Day, an event open to all three campuses, which included guest speakers and a hip-hop summit, where different sororities and fraternities performed step dances. Walker said Unity Day will take place at the University this year, and at Shelton State Community College next year.

Britney Mitchell, SGA vice president for external affairs, said Unity Day will be the University's biggest project to bridge the gap between campuses.

Walker said this is not the only joint event in the future of the campuses.

"We're trying to have a presence at more events they put on, and I know they are trying to do the same," Walker said.

Candace Portis, SGA deputy chief of staff, said that each campus offers something the others do not.

"[Bridging the gap] is important because we make up a large population in Tuscaloosa," Portis said.

Raashida Muhammad, SGA president at Stillman, said it is important to realize that all three campuses are a part of one Tuscaloosa community.

"In order for us to bridge that gap, or - in a sense - be able to break down the barrier, we have to be willing to go beyond our walls or comfort levels to experience different levels," Muhammad said.

Muhammad said taking part in Homecoming and attending football games at each other's campuses are other ways to create unity between the University and Stillman.

Also, Muhammad said there are plans to have a joint radio program with the University and Stillman on 90.7 WVUA-FM The Capstone, where Stillman and UA students will discuss stereotypes and different points of view about issues affecting both campuses. Muhammad said this program may start in November.

Kevin Windham, Shelton academic adviser and recruiter, spoke at the College Summit, highlighting ways Shelton and the University have had a successful relationship so far.

Shelton and the Universities work together in the Statewide Transfer Articulation System, which allows courses taken at Shelton to transfer directly to the University.

Windham said he would like to see Stillman become a part of the program. He also said students should be more aware of different campuses sharing libraries.

Beverly Hawk, director of Crossroads Community Center was also a speaker at the College Summit. She said Crossroads will work to facilitate the connecting of the three campuses.

"Sometimes you need a speaker, sometimes you need someone to facilitate a workshop," Hawk said. "However, [Crossroads] can be of service, but the students are really leading and whatever we can do, we're happy to do."

Hawk said bridging this gap and getting to know the surrounding campuses is what makes the college experience complete.

"Students are one another's treasures in student life," Hawk said. "It's not all about classes and grades. It is about the community we create, not only here, but for the future."

Walker said it is important to realize that in all three campuses, there are more than 30,000 students in Tuscaloosa.

"I'd like to think students at UA have friends at Shelton and Stillman," Walker said. "I'd encourage students to contact their SGA to find ways we can use creativity and resources to build a stronger coalition of students in this city."