COCA Notes 2007

COCA NOTES
COCA NOTES
Issue 4
In This Issue:
2008 COCA National
Conference Update/Mohawk 2
Bob Woods Retires
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Mike Fox (EMI)/Dan Valkos 6
Tony Lee Joins Scott Taylor
7
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The Agency News
8
Sex with Dr. Trina Read
9
Cricket Design Company 10
Dose.ca Happenings
11
Bingeman Offerings
12
K Promotions Ltd
13
NACA Articles
15 - 21
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
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Thank You NACA!
In this issue, we include two articles contributed by NACA - our counterpart organization in the United
States. These articles first appeared in NACA’s magazine called “Programming” and we thank NACA for
this contribution to COCA Notes.
Please see the article on Technology (Managing Student Programmers in the E-Generation) on page 13
and the article on Programming for the Residence Hall population located at the end of this issue. These
articles are reprinted with the kind permission of NACA - National Association for Campus Activities.
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 1
COCA NOTES
COCA: Capitalized!
Christina Burns
Chair - COCA 2008 National Conference
T
hings are rolling along with the
National Conference. We’re just
finishing up planning the Education
Sessions, and are in the midst of selecting the showcase acts for the conference. There’s some great talent out
there!
For those of you who haven’t found
it, there is a COCA/OCAC group
on Facebook. Just search COCA and
you’ll find it, and the ‘event’ listing for
the 2008 COCA National Conference!
On the Facebook group there will be
regular updates as we get closer to the
event, and it allows people to get to
know each other before the conference!
I don’t think I mentioned this before..
but for all you coffee addicts out there..
there’s a Tim Horton’s in the basement
of the hotel!!
COCA National Conference
Ottawa, Ontario
June 6 - 10, 2008
Mohawk Successful Year
Sarah Beno
VP Entertainment: Mohawk Students
Association
The Mohawk Students Association
had a very successful year in regards
to events for our students. We hosted
a common hour (a free event) which
happened every Wednesday from
12pm – 1pm and we reached capacity
most weeks with guests like Sue Johansson, Manolis Zontanos, Jason Rouse,
Darren Rose, and Stevie Star. On top
of that we had three major concerts.
Our first concert, in semester one was
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
IMPORTANT DATES
Showcase Acts Selected
Saturday March 29th
Fees due for Selected Showcase Acts & their Agents
Friday April 14th
Deadline: for Award Nominations
Friday April 4th
Deadline: Reserve Ad Space in Conference Manual
Thursday May 1st
Hotel Special Rate Guaranteed
Friday May 2nd
Deadline: Submit Ad Files for Conference Manual
Tuesday May 6th
Suggested Deadline to register for Conference Friday May 23rd
(School Delegates)
Suggested Deadline to register for Conference Friday May 23rd (unless you are selected or representing a showcased act - then the deadline is April 14th)
(Associates Delegates)
Conference Arrival Dates
June 5th or 6th
Conference
June 6th - 10th
Departure Date
June 11th
CROWNE PLAZA - OTTAWA
101 rue Lyon Street - Ottawa, Ontario
1-800-2CROWNE
•
•
•
•
•
Group Code: CCA
Price is: $155.00 (single or double) + $15.00 per person (triple or quad)
Price guaranteed until May 2nd or until all CCA rooms are booked
Add 5% Ontario Accomodation tax, 6% GST, 3% Destination Marketing Fee
Check-in Time: 3:00 pm. Check-out Time: 1:00 pm
Hedly with special guest New Cities.
In second semester we had our second
concert, Ill Scarlett with special guests
St Alvia Cartel which was a sold out
show. Last but not least we had Sum
41 with special guests Social Code
and Die Mannequinn as a part of the
MSA’s Radio station C101.5’s 10th anniversary celebration which also sold
out. Along with the successful concerts we also held a variety of other
events that’s were just as successful like
a Texas Holdem tournament, “Dirty”
Bingo and Karaoke. Along with those
we also had Mohawk/Campus Idol
which was a huge success, and CME’s/
Battle of the Bands which we had
eleven great bands compete and was
a big hit which brought out some of
Mohawk’s finest talent. Overall we had
an increase of students coming out to
all of our events, activities, and pub
nights, something we hope to improve
on again next year.
SUM 41
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 2
COCA NOTES
The Campus Legend Retires - A Tribute to Bob Woods
Trailer Park Boys. Apparently John was a
student at Guelph and during his last visit
to the campus, John dropped by and then
proceeded to take over a drama class to the
great delight of the students!
Earle Taylor
COCA Executive Director
B
ob Woods began his career at the University of Guelph on October 1976
as head bar steward at the Brass Taps –
originally called The Keg until the famous
restaurant chain claimed that name. Before
long, bar management realized they had a
“keeper” and quickly promoted “Woodsy”
to Bar Supervisor. Over the years, Bob
moved up the “Brass” ladder and became
Assistant Bar Manager, then Operations
Manager, and finally Manager of Programming & Operations.
Woodsy was a member and supporter of
both COCA and CHMA (Campus Hospitality Managers Association) for over 20
years; helping to found the latter and hosting national conferences for both organizations (COCA in 2002).
Bob started his career in the bar biz with
SIP (Server Intervention Program) and finished with Smart Serve. He was certified
to train in both of them and all the other
programs that came along in between. He
was an innovator in bar management and
initiated many programs and policies that
became standards at other campus bars
such as "Leave Your Keys With Us". This
program encouraged patrons to leave their
keys at the bar knowing that their cars
would not be towed overnight – a program
that required educating university administrators as well as students!
Other innovations and firsts for Woodsy
include: test tube shooters – the Brass
Taps being the first in Ontario to use these
unique serving vessels; the Late But Great
New Year’s Party – allowing students to
celebrate New Year’s with school friends
after arriving back from the holidays; Keg
Cares – a charity program raising funds for
both local and national charities; and many,
many more.
When asked about campus programming
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
John b Young presents Bob Woods with Founders Award
and COCA, the legend himself said; “I
learned a lot about how other Canadian
schools ran their programming departments by being part of COCA. I also
learned from American schools thanks
to COCA’s association with NACA in the
States. The US campus experience wasn't
always something I could use directly, but
we always picked up a few nuggets from our
American friends that could be tweaked to
apply to the Canadian campus situation!”
Woodsy made countless friends from
around the world over the years with
more than 5000 student employees passing through the Brass Taps during his time
there. In addition, he is grateful for all the
friends he made at other Canadian campuses not to mention the terrific people such
a beverage company reps who did business
with The Taps.
During his time at Guelph, Bob proved
his appreciation for all forms of entertainment by the eclectic program he brought
to Guelph students. Some of his favourites
include: Music artists - Ani Difranco, Bare
Naked Ladies, Alannah Myles and Leahy;
Guest speakers - David Suzuki and Jean
Chrétien; Children’s Performers - Sharon, Lois and Bram, and Robert Munsch;
Dance performances - Les Grands Ballet
Canadiens, Royal Winnepeg Ballet and Les
Ballet Jazz du Montréal; Comedy/Novelty
- Bowser & Blue, Tony Lee, Simon Cotter, Jim Rose Travelling Sideshow, Carnival
Diablo; and a very early show in the courtyard by then unknown comic, Jim Carrey.
Woodsy extended a special note of appreciation for Mr. Lahey and Randy from the
Other great acts that Woodsy remembers
with fondness include: Bruce Cockburn,
David Wilcox, Long John Baldry, Carol
Pope & Rough Trade, Bourbon Tabernacle Choir (re-uniting this year at Hillside),
Lucky Seven (first zydeco band to play
Guelph), The New Deal, Powder Blues
Band, Paul James, Martin Sexton, Rhymes
With Orange and the 500th Anniversary
Tour of the Vienna Boys’ Choir performed
in the Church of Our Lady. And, as
Woodsy summarized, “way too many more
to even remember on short notice!”
As Bob Woods retires from the field of
campus programming and campus bar
management, COCA loses one of its legendary members. Woodsy contributed to
campus life generously, tirelessly and with
a passion that reflects his respect for entertainers of all genres and his love for people
in general. On behalf of the members of
COCA and the many alumni from the past
26 years, we wish Woodsy the best of times
in his retirement. He will be missed! And
…. if you ever find yourself at the Aberfoyle Antique Market on a summer Sunday,
drop by Woodsy’s restaurant and ask him to
tell you some of those classic stories from
backstage at the University of Guelph!
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 3
Pensées « random » de l’humoriste bilingue Derek Seguin
Christina Burns
Director of Campus Events - McMaster
Students Union
Derek Seguin
Comedian
J
e trouve ça ben le fun de pouvoir
écrire cet article pour la “newsletter”
de COCA. Surtout qu’on me laisse parler de mon sujet préféré : MOI!!
On me dit qu’il y a rarement du contenu francophone dans ces bulletins
alors je suis encore plus conscient que
je devrais inclure plusieurs éléments de
divertissement. Commençons avec une
anecdote drôle : cet hiver, nous allons,
ici à Montréal, battre le record pour le
plus de neige jamais tombée dans notre
histoire et ce qui est drôle c’est que…
en fait, il n’y a rien de drôle! Assez de
marde blanche, TABAR%!$… Ok, je
suis mal parti, hein. Désolé.
Depuis environ un an, je me retrouve
dans une belle situation au niveau de
ma carrière et de la demande pour mes
spectacles. En grande partie, j’attribue
cette demande au fait que je suis parmi
un très petit nombre d’humoristes canadiens capables de jouer en anglais,
en français ou encore, dans les deux
langues pendant une représentation et
ce, d’une façon « clean » appropriée pour
des spectacles corporatifs ou « dirty »
pour vous autres; les petits pervers étudiants! ;) (On peux tu faire ça dans une
newsletter? Les petits clins d’œil avec le
point-virgule pis la parenthèse? I guess
so.)
En tout cas, je viens tout juste
d’enregistrer 2 spectacles de stand-up
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
COCA NOTES
McMaster Update
M
pour la télévision francophone (Productions Juste pour Rire et Canal VOX)
qui diffuseront à la fin avril et en mai.
Ce sont mes premières expériences en
TV francophone et je suis très heureux
de la croissance de ma carrière du côté
français. Ayant 3 enfants, c’est le fun de
pouvoir gagner ma vie sans toujours devoir traverser le pays en tournées « Anglo Canadien » et de pouvoir rester près
de chez moi plussouvent.
Depuis un an, j’ai participé au festival
Just for Laughs à Montréal ainsi qu’à
Toronto, le Global Vancouver Comedy
Festival, le Island Comedy festival à l’île
du Prince Edward, le CBC Winnipeg
Comedy festival (où j’ai fait des spectacles en anglais et en français à ces deux
derniers), Le Grand Rire du Québec (et
de Gatineau) et prochainement au CBC’
Ha! Halifax Comedy Festival où je vais
enregistrer plusieurs spectacles pour la
télévision (anglophone).
J’aime beaucoup découvrir de nouveaux
publics et les shows universitaires sont
toujours plein d’énergie. Je ne sais pas
si c’est votre jeunesse qui me remplit
de fureur mais je tripe toujours quand
je suis devant des grandes salles de jeunes!!! En fait, c’est peut-être surtout les
jeunes demoiselles, hein!? Les nerfs, les
gars. J’suis marié… avec une vieille de
35 ans. Ok. Ça suffit. J’espère que vous
avez trouvé ça aussi « random » comme
discours que je l’ai voulu. Venez me voir
au www.derekseguin.com .
arch is music month at Mac..
with acoustic nights running
every Tuesday, we’ve had Lesley
Pike, Courtney Lynn, Mike Woods,
Max Kerman (of the Arkells), and
are wrapping up the month with
David Cavan Fraser. We’ve also
been running our ‘Showoff 08’ Battle of the Bands every Wednesday
in March and have some strong talent showing off their stuff. We’ve
had some awesome bands emerge
from Mac’s battle of the bands in
recent years, including The Johnstones (currently with SLFA - two
members went to Mac), and the
Arkells (the Agency Group – four
of 5 members go to Mac). We’re
wrapping up the month with the
Disorientation Week concert featuring illScarlett with the Mission
District.
We had our big speaker of the year
on Tuesday, March 11th; Alfonso
Ribeiro, aka Carlton from the Fresh
Prince of Bel-Air. He’s the nicest
speaker I’ve ever worked with and
such an interesting person to speak
to. We sold out the event and the
students LOVED IT!
Alfonso Ribeiro aka Carlton
(Fresh Prince of Bel-Air)
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 4
COCA NOTES
Bilingual Comedian Derek Seguin Comedic Rant (in English)
Derek Seguin
Comedian
(Editors Note: Derek Seguin has submitted two completely different articles, one of which is in French)
(Stand-up Comedian forgets to take
his Ritalin before sitting down to write
article for COCA).
When I was asked to pen a little something for this version of the COCA
Notes, I was flattered and excited so
I obviously wanted to do it well. That
motivated me to “research” so I decided to consult previous issues and I
discovered that most performers who
write articles, talk about themselves
in the third person… Like it makes
them sound like they’re not bragging
if it sounds like they’re talking about
someone else. But when an article is
written by “Nathan” from “The Nathan Warriner Band”… did Nate think
we wouldn’t figure out that “they” was
“us”?
Ok. I agree. That does seem like a
waste of words considering I’m supposed to be shooting for a 300 word
total here but similar to when I’m on
stage, I often set out to do and talk
about one thing and end up in a totally different place and topic based on
what’s going on around me. In comedy,
the important thing is to keep people
interested… Oh, and probably also to
be funny. So far, is this article either of
those? ________________ (Insert answer here)
Enough about nothing, lets talk about
me. ;) (Can you do that in a newsletter?
Little sideways smiley faces using semicolon and a bracket? We’ll see, I guess)
Dammit! At 230 words already. I’m
easily distracted today for some reason.
I’ll have to be brief: I am sooooo funny. Check me out at www.derekseguin.
com. Ok everybody; good talk.
Derek Seguin
In the past year, Derek Seguin, who performs
his comedy in both English and in French,
has appeared at the Global Vancouver comedy festival, the CBC Winnipeg Comedy
festival, The Montreal and Toronto Just For
Laughs comedy festivals, the first ever PEI
comedy festival, the Grand Rire du Québec
and Gatineau comedy festivals and the Ha!
Halifax comedy festival as well as being a
touring headliner with the Yuk Yuks chain
and making many private, corporate and television appearances along the way.
(Ok. I admit it. I wrote that. I thought
I could throw you off with the italics
when speaking in the third person but
guilt has gotten the better of me. That
was me; Derek Seguin writing about
Derek Seguin… but Derek really is
fun, funny and always looking to connect with his/my audiences. Cheers.)
Comedian Sugar Sammy Goes International
Jennie Church-Cooper
Thurline Entertainment
I
n the last year Sugar Sammy has catapulted to international status, having
worked with big names such as Dave
Chappelle, George Lopez and Damon
Wayans. As well, he has continued
touring to foreign lands having visited
England, Dubai, Ireland, Hong Kong,
Thailand, Germany and the US!
He also performed at Just for Laughs
for the 4th year in a row as a standout
gala act. He is the first comedian in history to perform in the English, French
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
and Toronto editions of the festival.
Recently Sugar Sammy had a cross
Canada tour promoting his 1st comedy CD called “Down with the Brown”.
The tour was such a smashing success
that shows were added in almost every
city to meet overwhelming demand.
The rest of 2008 will take Sugar Sammy to Australia, The Caribbean, South
Africa, England and back to Canada
for exclusive shows at colleges and
universities.
Stay Tuned!
Sugar Sammy
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 5
Mike Fox (ex-Fanshawe) Moves up at EMI
COCA NOTES
Psychic Prediction
E
H
MI Music Publishing Canada is
pleased to announce that Mike
Fox has been promoted to the position of Creative Manager / A&R,
EMI Music Publishing Canada.
"EMI Music Publishing Canada is a
team of people that are first and foremost music enthusiasts. Mike brings a
wealth of knowledge and talent to the
table. He has been instrumental in the
success of our company over the past
years. I look forward to watching him
excel in his new role." - Michael McCarty, President EMI Music Publishing Canada.
After distinguishing himself as an intern in 2004, we hired Mike Fox as
Digital Media Manager. Since then,
he has demonstrated an ear for great
songs, as well as a flair for talent development and imaginative marketing
ideas. He has also become an accomplished songwriter, with songs on several albums, including last years Canadian Idol winner.
In his new position, Mike will use
these skills to sign and develop new
songwriters, and help build our artists
careers by securing new opportunities
for them, arranging collaborations, and
providing creative guidance.
Mike graduated class of 2003 from the
Music Industry Arts program at Fanshawe College, in London Ontario.
About EMI Music Publishing
EMI Music Publishing is the world's
most creative music publisher with
more than one million copyrights including some of the best-known songs
ever written, such as New York New
York, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Singin’ In the Rain. Iconic
Canadian songs in the EMI Catalog
include Snowbird, Working For The
Weekend, Spinning Wheel and Dont
Forget Me When I’m Gone. Its current hit-making writers and producers include Jay-Z, Kanye West, and
Amy Winehouse. Key Canadians with
EMI Publishing include Nelly Furtado, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent,
Alexisonfire, SUM 41, Gavin Brown
and Bob Rock. EMI Music Publishing
Canada has been named Publisher Of
The Year by an industry-wide ballot
10 of the last 11 years.
Mike Fox can be reached by phone at
416.340.9277 or by email at: mfox@
emimusicpub.com.
ey Gang! Psychic Dan Valkos
here predicting that this summer
is going to be very interesting as far as
weather is concerned and by July 1st,
spring should be here.
I had a blast this year with all the
schools I had done readings for and hit
2 milestones this year. Not only have
I performed at my 900th school since
I became a member of COCA but we
also did our 200th television show.
No one thought I would last this long
(except for me, of course). My job is
to help people and to give advice and
guidance and thanks to COCA, my television show and the radio stations I am
on, I am able to do just that.
I want to thank all the programmers
who have hired me this year and I am
looking forward to being at those campuses again this fall.
I am also looking forward to seeing everyone in Ottawa this June and predict
that the COCA National Conference
will be one of the best ever.
Dan Valkos
Psychic Entertainer
www.danvalkospsychic.com
[email protected]
COCA Notes
COCA Notes is published on-line three times per academic year by the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities (COCA) and is distributed to all school members, associate members and alumni of record. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of COCA or the COCA Board of Directors. Submissions, letters and
opinion pieces are welcome but must be signed by the author and submitted with the author’s phone number and email address. Submissions will be published as
space allows and at the discretion of the editor. Submissons become the property of COCA. All content and rights reserved. Please send submissions via email.
Policy on Spam
To help fight spam, we are trying to eliminate email addresses from COCA’s website. Some addresses may be replaced by: (Email thru COCA Directory) which refers
to the on-line directory. You must be logged in to the COCA website to access the Directory. Other email addresses may altered by replacing the “@” symbol with
something like: (att s-y-m-b-o-l).
Send submissions to:
Bill Mahon
John Abbott College
Editor, COCA Notes
cocanotes"att"gmail.com
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
COCA
Canadian Organization of Campus Activities
509 Commissioners Road West, Suite 202
London, Ontario N6J 1Y5
Tel: 519-690-0207
Fax: 519-681-4328
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CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 6
COCA NOTES
Tony Lee Teams up with Scott Taylor on Afghanistan Project
colleges and universities to display their
work - independent from major media
outlets. “We plan to show a worm’s eye
view through unaffiliated reporting,”
said Taylor.
Tony Lee
COCA Associate
F
amed journalist Scott Taylor is
teaming up with five people committed to the concerns of the Afghani
people and the international dynamics
of the Middle East to produce a fresh,
unbiased, and edgy documentary on
life in Afghanistan.
The documentary, which is slated to
start filming at the end May, will be
turned into a powerful lecture series
that will give a perspective of the war
torn country that is not found in Canadian media.
“We’re going beyond the wire to expose
what’s real as opposed to what people
think it’s like,” said Taylor. “Most Canadians are spoon-fed their news.”
Dubbed ‘the voice of the grunts’ by
the Globe and Mail, and ‘a one man
army’ by the Toronto Sun, Taylor is no
stranger to working in conflict-ridden
regions.
A former professional soldier, Taylor
has been editor and publisher of Esprit
de Corps since 1988. He has logged
over one million air miles as a war correspondent. Since August 2000 he has
made a total of 21 trips into Iraq to
report on the effect of UN sanctions.
Two of Taylor’s most notorious experiences include interviewing former Afghan warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum,
and the five days he spent as a prisoner
being tortured in Afghanistan in Sept.
2005. The harrowing story of Taylor’s
capture sparked worldwide media coverage.
The documentary will be a grassroots
lecture series and the videos will be
posted on YouTube. People will be
able to track the teams progress while
filming, and the group plans to go to
For the first time students will be able
to hear a motivational speaking engagement that will show students the
limits of humanity and human endurance from a man with first hand experience.
Students will be the first to see videos
and pictures in raw form before they’re
released to the general broadcast mediums. ‘Team Taylor’ will include journalists David Pugliese, Saha Uzunov,
and Darcy Knoll. Tony Lee, known in
university and college campuses worldwide for his performances as the uncensored hypnotist, will be a field producer. The team will also tentatively
include former volunteer for the UN
high commissioner for refugees, Jos
Dirkx.
“This project is one of the most serious lectures I will ever have an opportunity to help develop,” said Lee.
COCA National Conference
June 6 - 11, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 7
COCA NOTES
ARTIST NEWS:
T
AGENCY NEWS:
N
ick Meinema joined the company
in October as an agent. Setting his
sights on country music, Nick has been
enamored with the genre since he was
young. He has already spent nine years in
the industry. He began his career working
independently, booking shows in Canada
and has spent the last three years at Live
Tour Artists. Nick is active in the country
music community and has recently been
elected to join the Board of Directors at
the Canadian Country Music Awards.
After serving as President of Live Tour
Artists for seven years, Darcy Gregoire
joined the team at the Toronto office in
November. While at Live Tour Artists,
Darcy helped build the roster to include
over 100 artists in a variety of genres,
and he established important relationships with commercial promoters as well
as performing arts presenters and music
festivals across North America. Darcy is
also a volunteer board member of the
Canadian Arts Presenting Association
(CAPACOA).
Ralph James has been promoted to President of the Canadian operations. He will
continue to actively oversee his roster of
active and emerging artists.
Neil Warnock was named UK Booking
Agent of the Year at the Pollstar Awards
for the second time in a row.
Ralph James was nominated for the Bobby Brooks Agent of the Year award at
the Pollstar Awards for the second time
in a row.
The Agency Group Canada won the
Agency of the Year award at the Canadian Music Industry Awards.
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
he Agency Group has 36 Juno Award
nominations! Congratulations to
nominated artists Aaron Lines, Bedouin
Soundclash, Billy Talent, Brassmunk, Buck
65, Compadres, Derek Miller, Dragonette,
Emilie-Claire Barlow, Feist, Harry Manx,
Holy Fuck, illScarlett, Jeremy Fisher, Jully
Black, Justin Nozuka, Justin Rutledge, Keshia Chante, Marianas Trench, Oh Susanna, Patrick Watson, Paul Brandt, The Saint
Alvia Cartel, Shane Yellowbird, State Of
Shock, and Wintersleep.
Feist was nominated for four Grammy
Awards (including Best New Artist, Best
Female Pop Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, and Best Short Form Music
Video) and performed live at the awards
show. Nickelback was also nominated
for Best Rock Performance.
Lines, Alexisonfire, Feist, Hayley Sales,
Holy Fuck, Silverstein, and State Of
Shock.
The Canadian Aboriginal Music
Awards were held in Toronto on Fri. November 30 and The Agency Group had
three artists win five awards between them,
including Shane Yellowbird – “Best Male
Artist”, “Best Country Album”, “Best Album of the Year”, Derek Miller –“Best
Rock Album”, and Digging Roots –
“Best Songwriter”.
Paul Brandt will be the first to receive the
“Allan Waters Humanitarian Award”
in April, following the Juno Awards. The
newly named award recognizes an outstanding Canadian artist who has positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada.
NEW SIGNINGS:
Nathan Wiley took home the award for
“Alternative Recording of the Year” at
the 2008 East Coast Music Awards.
Amy MacDonald
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical
Bloc Party
Bootsy Collins
Brian Culbertson
Carol Welsman
Christian Scott
Claire Jenkins Avec Band
The Creepshow
Daniel Wesley
Dar Williams
Doc Walker
Down With Webster
Flash Lightnin’
Glass Tiger
Glass Tiger/Honeymoon Suite – Tour
Katie Melua
Kevin Costner & Modern West
Lindi Ortega
The Mission District
Ray Davies
Rebekah Higgs
Shelby Lynne
Sweet Thing
The Young Knives
The Agency Group had several winners
at the Canadian Radio Music Awards and
Indie Awards winners including Aaron
*All booked exclusively in Canada. Check
out www.theagencygroup.com for more
information.
Feist
Harry Manx was the recipient of two
awards at the Maple Blues Awards in Toronto: Songwriter of the Year and Acoustic Act of the Year (with Kevin Breit).
Feist won the U.S. Shortlist Prize, beating out the likes of Arcade Fire, LCD
Soundsystem, Wilco, MIA, and Justice.
This honour is the U.S. equivalent to UK’s
Mercury Prize and Canada’s Polaris Prize
and is given to albums released between
January and November 2007 that sold below 500,000 copies in America.
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 8
COCA NOTES
Sexologist Dr. Trina E. Read on "Sex With An Ex"
Dr. Trina Read
www.trinaread.com
“Experience is the name everybody gives to their
mistakes.” Oscar Wilde
There you are, sitting alone on a Saturday
night, eating stale Doritos and watching old
re-runs of Seinfeld you have already seen
seven times. It would not be so bad except
you have an itch—a sexual itch, that is—in
need of scratching.
You start flipping through your brain’s
Rolodex and realize, other than the slightly
creepy person in accounting who flirts with
you, there are no real prospects on the horizon. Big time Bridget Jones–loser feelings
start seeping into your every pore. Panic
ensues.
Your mind wanders back to the sex you had
with your last partner. Instead of remembering all the reasons you broke up, you
start obsessing about their soft, warm body
up against yours in your nice cozy bed.
Without thinking, you pick up the phone.
They answer. You try to make some small
talk but it is of no use. You ask them to
come over for a “drink”. Both of you
know that is code for, “Let’s have sex at
least three times tonight.”
Your legs are raw from twitching when they
finally arrive. In a mad haze to rip each other’s clothes off, there is little or no thought
given to consequences. Your itch is about
to be scratched…hopefully they will sleep
over as an added bonus.
Sex with an ex: good idea to keep your sexual juices flowing during the transition time,
or bad mistake that will keep you messed
up for a longer period of time? As every
breakup is different, doing some analysis
might save you heartache when your libido
takes over your brain.
First, know you are not some freakoid because you want to have sex with the exact
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
same person you spent days (maybe weeks)
getting all bent out of shape over after the
breakup. Sex can comfortably numb the
I’m-a-big-fat-loser worries, pain and panic in the short term. It is convenient and
semi-reliable.
As well, yours is an established relationship,
so all the preamble of getting to know each
other and weirdness of seeing each other
naked does not exist. Your ex is (hopefully)
clean of any STDs. Also, you might have
gone through a lot together and, on some
level, only they can understand you.
Now let’s look at the other side of this
equation. Never fool yourself. As much as
you want to believe that sex is simply sex
and nothing more, the act of sex is a ticking bomb of many emotions waiting to go
off.
To start with, count the time elapsed since
your separation. The fresher the breakup,
the stronger both your favorable and angry
emotions for this person will be. Conversely, the longer time your relationship has
been over and done with, the better chance
those dormant emotions will be jolted back
to life.
Be clear in this confused moment. The
need for sex can be a clever cover for a
need of an emotional reconnection with
another human being.
If the sex is good (i.e. deep emotional connection), you may wonder why you broke
up in the first place. Due to these confused
emotions, it is easy to start playing the
“come here/go away” game, and moving
on may take a lot longer than necessary.
Next is being okay with the hardcore reality
of your situation. Before you have sex, are
you willing to reestablish safe sex practices?
Or are you in denial that your partner is not
messing around behind your back?
place? Know that you will most likely feel
empty and unfulfilled because, after they
leave, you will again be partnerless.
What if they never call you back and,
shamefaced, you realize you were simply
their booty call for the evening? Speaking
of which, are you mentally prepared for
the eventuality when your ex tells you they
have moved on to their next partner?
If you are all right with all of this then go
ahead have tons of protected sex with your
ex. If not, take a long cold shower or slap
on a chastity belt when you feel your resolve wearing thin. Do whatever it takes to
stop you from calling them.
One great thing that comes out of having
sex with an ex is the valuable lesson learned.
Ultimately satisfying an urge at the sacrifice
of self worth is never worth it—yes, even
if the sex is amazing.
Samantha Jones, the infamous character
from “Sex and the City,” put it best: “Sex
with an ex can be depressing. If it's good
you can't get it anymore, if it's bad you just
had sex with an ex.”
Go to: www.bestsextipsever.com for
your free audio sex tip. Or for more informative articles go to:
www.trinaread.com/articles
Are you ready, in the aftermath of your sex,
when your ex starts exhibiting the traits that
had you breaking up with them in the first
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 9
COCA NOTES
Cricket Design Company in the campus world…
We recently completed a couple of campus projects in London, Ontario. Back again at The University of Western Ontario
we renovated The Wave. We also designed a new lounge and food court at Fanshawe College’s New Trades & Technology
Building B.
Cricket Design’s first ever campus project was to create the old Wave back in 1994.
Since that first project, Cricket has designed numerous campus pubs and lounges,
food courts and student centres right across Canada. The old Wave worked well,
but after 13 years it was worn out and its uses had evolved. The goal with the new
renovation of The Wave was to simplify the 11,000 sq. ft. space from its old “beach
house” theme, and provide a friendly multifunctional student facility that acts not
only as a night club/restaurant but also as a conference area and party room - and
do it with a minimum budget.
Working again with London’s Malhotra Nicholson Architects, we saw that the existing Wave had mezzanines and platforms
that worked well as a concert venue/dance club setting, but didn’t allow maximum flexibility when the 360 seat restaurant
was in operation. Expanding uses led to the advancement in planning for the new space.
Cricket reconfigured the layout to make it more of a friendly pub with comfy
booths lining the perimeter giving students the option for more privacy. Centrally
located counter height tables mixed with regular height tables promote conversation and interaction. Energy efficient LED lights create a focus for the inviting
bar area. Wooden partition panels on castors act as a mobile “wall” to provide an
intimate party room/rentable conference area. It is now a barrier free, multifunctional space that performs successfully on many levels. Management reports the
new Wave was well received and very popular.
With the success of past Fanshawe College projects including the Fanshawe Student
Union run, Outback Shack and the 9000 sq. ft. Oasis Student Centre servery and lounge.
The administration hired us to design a new cafeteria. With London architects aTRM, we
turned a former underused outdoor courtyard into a cafeteria and servery that is open
for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A new roof structure added over the outdoor courtyard
incorporates clerestory windows that make for a bright and airy seating area. The elevated
booths lining the room make an ideal study area, and the moveable seating on the floor
is a perfect place for larger groups to convene. The new cafeteria is very popular and we
were happy to find it hasn’t affected the strong sales at the Outback Shack and Oasis.
Check out our website at www.cricketdesign.ca to see more campus photos of our work as well as independent restaurants and entertainment facilities!
The WAVE (seating)
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
Fanshawe Lounge
Fanshawe Cafeteria
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 10
COCA NOTES
Dose.ca Happenings
D
ose.ca is your spot for the most
comprehensive daily entertainment
news and original musings about everything pop-culture. Exclusive interviews
with your favourite bands, inside scoops
on movies and TV happenings, the latest
coverage of Canada’s biggest events and
mind-blowing contests are just some of
the features you can find on Dose.ca.
This year has been very busy for Dose.ca,
and it’s only starting to pick up. Check out pics from our most recent sponsored event, the 2008 Nokia FIS Snowboard
World Cup in Calgary, AB and find out what great things we have in-store for you this year.
Telus World Ski & Snowboard
Festival 2008
It’s that time of year again and Dose.ca’s
biggest event is just around the corner.
The year’s most highly anticipated and
most over the top Ski and Snowboard fest
is carving its tracks back to the mighty
slopes of Whistler Blackcomb this April.
In association with Xtreme, Salomon and Bonfire, we’re giving you a chance to win a trip for two to the Telus World Ski
and Snowboard Festival this April, hotel, complete gear, ski or snowboard hookups from Salomon or Bonfire, VIP festival
passes, and $1000 spending money! If last year was any indication, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
Enter now at dose.ca/contests/twssf
Party Like a Rock Star!!
We killed it last year with the Rockstar
Hotel in Saskatoon during Juno weekend,
and that’s why we’re bringing it to Calgary this year! We’ll be there to walk the
red carpet and party until the wee hours
with the biggest rock stars at the Rockstar Hotel: the Hotel Arts in Calgary, Alberta. Since running mind-blowing, jawdropping contests is our forte’, we’ll be
running a national promo that will send
one lucky winner and guest to the Rockstar Hotel to party with us on the eve of this year’s Juno awards. For more info,
check us out at dose.ca/contests/rockstar
Whether its original content like an exclusive interview with My Chemical Romance and exclusive videos from Radiohead,
or an original contest where you could hang with the Canadian Snowboard team and film an episode of Ride Guide,
Dose.ca is your one-stop destination for everything awesome.
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 11
COCA NOTES
Check out all the great things to do at Bingemans!
Starr Schneider
Bingemans - www.bingemans.com
T
here are a ton of adventures awaiting
you and your family at Bingemans.
Get ready for some nonstop action on the
beach volleyball courts or enjoy the natural
beauty as you canoe down the meandering
Grand River. Get into the swing of things
in our batting cages or take a paddleboat
on our nature pond. Hop in the bumper
boats for a quick spin and splash or torpedo down our 10 super-twisting waterslides.
While you still have your bathing suit on,
enjoy our heated wave pool, Spray ‘n’ Play
or a peaceful swim in our outdoor pool.
Strap on your helmet, start your engine
and zoom around on Bingemans’ Speedway. Bingemans offers a diverse range of
camping options including cabin rentals,
tent and trailer sites. Complete your day’s
fun around a crackling fire with friends and
family. The best part is you can stay and
play again the next day!
FunworX 3rd Birthday Celebration
April 20, 2008
FunworX Indoor Playland is turning 3 and
wants you to help celebrate. Receive UNLIMITED use of ALL activities including:
Ropes Course, Hole in Fun glow-in-thedark mini-golf, FunworX Play structure
and Rock Climbing for only $3.00 from 10
am – noon
Big Splash Opening Weekend
June 7 & 8, 2008
Bingemans Big Splash opens for the 2008
season with the largest selection of outdoor
activities in the region. Open to public on
weekends only until June 27, 2008. A full
operating schedule is available online. www.
bingemans.com
Canada Day FireworX
Tuesday July 1st, 2008
Bring out your family and friends to accompany Bingemans in celebrating Canada’s
birthday with FREE live entertainment and
a spectacular fireworks presentation taking
place at dusk. Sponsored by 105.3 KOOL
FM. Weather permitting.
Wedding Dreams
October 25 - 26, 2008
January 11-12, 2009
The Wedding Dreams Show is the largest
show for brides and grooms in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph
area. With shows taking place in October
and January, the Wedding Dreams Show
features hundreds of local exhibitors
showcasing a complete array of the best
wedding related services and products
available. www.weddingdreamsshow.ca
Oktoberfest
October 10 – 18, 2008
K-W Oktoberfest is North America’s largest Bavarian Festival and 2nd largest in the
world next to Munich. Visitors from near
and far take part in the annual Oktoberfest
celebrations, an event not to be missed!
Bingemans is proud to provide a grand
selection of events for all ages throughout
Oktoberfest. Purchase your tickets online
www.bingemans.com/oktoberfest
Screampark
Bingemans 48th Anniversary
October 10, 11, 16 – 19, 23 – 31, 2008
To celebrate the 48th Anniversary, Bingemans is offering admission to the Big
Splash Waterpark for only 48¢ from 10 am
– noon.
A new adventure in terror, unlike anything
you’ve ever seen before…Come and experience a live haunting and travel through
a gruesome collection of frightful tales
– we’re expecting your presence. www.
screampark.ca
Big Splash Back To School Bash
Christmas Day Buffet
July 15, 2008
September 1, 2008
CHYM FM presents the annual Back to
School Bash. Receive FREE admission to
Bingemans Big Splash Waterpark from 4
pm – CLOSE on our last day of operation
for the 2008 season.
Thursday December 25, 2008
Savor your time with family and friends on
Christmas Day in our ballroom with a hot
buffet of Christmas favourites including
tender roast turkey, roast beef, a huge salad
bar and the dessert table of your dreams.
Surf Dogs
September 7, 2008
Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society presents 3rd annual: SURF DOGS. 11 am - 2
pm. Have lunch while your dog takes a dip
in the wavepool. Vendors, raffles, prizes,
contests and more.
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 12
LET US SHOW YOU HOW WE SEE THE WORLD OF PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS
COCA NOTES
We’ve been there before...
from frosh week to convocation
we have something for every
rite of passage on one’s
path to higher education.
With over 500,000 products
at our disposal, promotional
products are unlike any
other advertising media.
Low production costs and the
ability to leave a lasting impression
make our products the hardest
working tools in your campus
marketing campaigns.
K Promotions is a full service promotional
agency that provides everything from
spirit wear to headwear, from foam
fingers to hoodies, and everything in between. We’re here to help you with
ideas, product sourcing, meeting budget and delivery timelines. In fact,
we’re your one stop in a WORLD of imprinted campus products.
Call K Promotions today so you can see how a WORLD of Products can be
delivered right to your campus door!
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
1.800.665.2266 ext.39
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 13
Matthew Kirsh ([email protected])
COCA NOTES
COCA
Canadian Organization of Campus Activities Board of Directors & Office 2007-08
EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS
COCA Chair
Chair, National Conference Committee
Shea Dahl, Programming & Events Manager
AMS, University of British Columbia
Tel: 604-822-5336
Fax: 604-822-9019
Christina Burns, Campus Events Director
Students’ Union, McMaster University
Tel: 905-525-9140, x24114 Fax: 905-529-3208
ELECTED DIRECTORS
Eastern Region Director
Central Region Director
Western Region Director
Associate Members’ Director
Amber Daley, President
Students’ Union, Mount St. Vincent University
Tel: 902-457-6434 Fax: 902-457-0444
Ken MacLeod, Events Programmer
Students’ Association, Algonquin College
Tel: 613-727-4723, x5240 Fax: 613-727-7712
Chuck Erman, Program & Events Manager
Student Association, NAIT
Tel: 780-491-1321 Fax: 780-491-3989
Guillaume Lemieux, Agent
S.L. Feldman & Associates
Tel: 416 598-0067, x321
Fax: 416-598-9597
COCA OFFICE
Executive Director
Earle Taylor
Canadian Organization of Campus Activities
509 Commissioners Road West, Suite 202, London, Ontario N6J 1Y5
Tel: 519-690-0207
Fax: 519-681-4328 Web: www.coca.org
To send email directly to individual directors via the COCA Website, go to: www,coca.org. Login using your “contact” username and password. Click on:
Governance – Directors & Staff. See Email at the bottom of the page for direct access director profiles in the on-line membership Directory.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS, REGIONAL CONFERENCE HOST, & EDITOR
CHAIR, Awards Committee
Michelle Beauchamp
Social Programmer, Students Admin. Council
Cambrian College
Tel: 705-566-8101, x7744
Fax: 705-566-1791
CHAIR, Education Committee
Kenney Fitzpatrick,
General Manager
Mount St. Vincent University
Tel: 604-822-5336 Fax: 604-822-9019
CHAIR, National Conference Committee
CHAIR, Nominating Committee
Editor, COCA Notes
CHAIR, Communications Committee
Christina Burns
Campus Events Director, Students’ Union
McMaster University
Tel: 905-525-9140, x24114 Fax: 905-529-3208
Bill Mahon
Student Activities Department
John Abbott College
Tel: 514-457-6610, x5320
Ken MacLeod
Events Programmer, Students’ Association
Algonquin College
Tel: 613-727-4723, x5240 Fax: 613-727-7712
(TBA)
Fax: 514-457-6091
Email may be sent to committee chairs via the COCA Website – go to: www.coca.org. Login us-ing your “contact” username & password. Click on:
Directory – Simple Search. Choose Associate Contacts or School Contacts under Use a Saved Search. Find the person you want under their School or
Company/Artist name. Or, click on: Contact. Messages will be forwarded from the COCA Office to the individual your email is addressed to.
2007 - 2008, Issue 4
CANADIAN ORGANIZATION OF CAMPUS ACTIVITIES • 14
TECHNOLOGY: TRENDS IN CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Managing Student
Programmers in
the E-Generation
PA R T O N E
By Nancy A. Oeswein, Auburn Moon Agency (DE)
and Brad Carr, Graceland University (IA)
Technology is a way
of organizing the universe
so that man doesn’t have
to experience it.
– Max Frisch
This article is reprinted with the permission of NACA—
National Association for Campus Activities, www.naca.org.
This is Part I of a two-part article. Part I addresses
the challenges of managing students in the
technology age and begins to explore the impact
of technology on how we conduct the business of
programming. Part II, which will explore the impact
of technology on the broader campus community
and the role programmers can have in remedying
problems with overdependence on technology,
will appear in the January/February 2008 issue of
Programming.
This past year, I presented an educational session called “Are We Too Busy ‘LOL’ing to Really Laugh Out Loud?” I was
overwhelmed by the response from students concerned about the impact of overdependence on technology among a large
percentage of students on their campuses. I was also delighted by the enthusiasm of those students when they realized they could
do something about it through their role as programmers. One outgrowth of immersing myself in this subject was that it spawned
many conversations with student activities professionals about the challenges and frustrations of how to best manage students in
this new technological age. My friend Brad Carr from Graceland University was one of those.
– Nancy Oeswein, President, Auburn Moon Agency (DE)
Maybe Bob Dylan was indeed a prophet … . After all, it now appears that he knew and chose to warn us about the
microchip … . “The Times, They Are A Changing.” One thing is for certain: the college campus of today faces a confusing challenge as
we deal with the obvious advantages of the avalanche of new technology versus the time-honored truth of interpersonal contact
that has had such an impact on our earlier experiences. While we continue to preach and teach the concept of building a unique and
solid community on each of our campuses, we have to admit that the bottom line today is that we don’t interact with each other like
we did in the past.
– Brad Carr, Graceland University (IA)
The Face of Today’s Campus
Each of us has our own examples of what we find on
campus today; and many of us may even recognize ourselves
in the following:
l Our sidewalks are full of students who no longer have
conversations with each other on the way to class. Instead,
we see iPods blasting Rihanna’s suggestion that we “Shut
Up and Drive,” heads down as thumbs move furiously in
enigmatic shorthand, or students walking side by side but
each on their own cell phones or other electronic devices.
l In a residence hall corridor on move-in day, we see four
brand new students having just arrived, all living next to
one another. Their doors are open, which used to mean,
“Come on in and get to know me!” Now, they are standing
in the open doors just to get better cell phone reception.
l Sunday night student programming meetings were a
flurry of conversations and a collision of creative ideas.
Now, they seem a bit quieter as more and more students
listen (maybe) with one ear as they text message with
their eyes and hands.
l We might have thought the advent of Facebook was the
end-all solution for efficiently getting the word out about
the Friday night social event. No longer would student
programmers really need to hand-letter dozens of signs,
wear their “Ask Me About Tonight’s Event” T-shirts and
personally invite students they knew or encountered.
Now, everyone has the same invitation and the campus
has been carpet bombed with information electronically.
Yet, many are learning to hate Facebook spam and,
consequently, are missing the personal invitations that
could come only from a social rep taking a chance and
knocking on a stranger’s door. Everyone today is invited,
but many no longer feel personally welcome.
l Two students are chatting with each other for hours. Isn’t
that great? (Did we mention that they are both in the
cyber café sitting not more than 25 feet from each other?)
l International students certainly do not always use
technology in the same way in which many of us are
accustomed. Each culture on our campus represents a
different challenge that we often do not even consider. We
assume they will simply log on to find their information.
l We professionals work hard encouraging our student
leaders to learn the art of event planning with all of the
details that must be mastered to ensure that a campuswide event goes off successfully. We want them to take
the initiative and do the leg work as they become more
and more confident with their leadership positions. Yet,
more and more, we see our students reporting back
with the “killer Web site” they found on the Internet.
Forgetting the previous relationship between the college
and the handful of tried and true agencies that have
counseled, educated and worked hard to ensure that we
had the best programs possible and artists that are well
prepared for college tour challenges, these students push
these agencies and artists aside for a flashy site we know
nothing about.
l We professionals can easily be identified by our students
as being either very hip to the electronic generation or
a dinosaur that still roams the college campus asking
what the big deal is about YouTube. We may not have
thought of it, but much of our credibility with many of our
students may be based upon how we communicate with
them in their preferred style.
l You are attending a live showcase or show of one of the
most powerful up-and-coming singer/songwriters today
and the audience is clearly moved and the person next to
you is texting.
l You know students who have spoken to more strangers on
Facebook or MySpace this week than they’ve had real live
conversations.
l You’ve actually used “dot dot dot,” “LOL” or “BTW” in a live
conversation. OMG!
It’s a formidable challenge for professionals to educate
ourselves to the innovations of today, while still valuing
teaching and modeling the positive benefits of personal
human interaction. Associate Dean of Students for Graceland
University (IA) Marian Killpack admonishes us to “never
forget that when we make the effort to spend time together,
we nearly always break down the barriers that separate us.”
Professionals must come full circle and never forget that
we must always change and learn, yet never forget the
genius of spending face-to-face time with students. We must
carefully and skillfully pick and choose what is the best of
both worlds and teach and model those benefits.
Old School Bob Dylan reminds us … “You’d better start
swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone … for the times they are
a-changin’.”
Shift in Perspective for Advisors
l We need to go from pushing students with
a guiding hand to reeling them in from false
confidence.
l We must ensure students have regard for
expertise and preparedness, as well as
technological savvy.
l We must help students focus on reliable and
meaningful resources.
l We should be more confident of the value of our
own history and experience.
Managing Students in the E-Generation
They call us the “e-generation”—a generation of 70 million
adults that, according to research by the Pew Internet and
American Life Project, log on to the Internet every day to
access e-mail, news and health reports, driving directions
and movie times. We participate in auctions, research our
genealogy, make travel plans, gamble, chat, make “friends”
and participate in an endless list of other online activities
that have become a comfortable part of our daily life. And, of
course, we download or view entertainment from the billions
of choices available.
Technology makes our lives easier, faster and more
efficient. It also, however, makes our lives less connected, less
authentic, less rich in laughter, emotion and, by default, filled
with less real conversation. Treatment for anxiety disorders is
seven times more frequent than any other period in history
Technology makes our lives
easier, faster and more efficient.
It also, however, makes our lives
less connected, less authentic,
less rich in laughter, emotion
and, by default, filled with less
real conversation.
for young people (Fuetsch, M., Höfler, M., Lieb, R., Müller, N.,
Shift in Perspective for Advisors
Stein, M.B., Wittchen).
We’ve gone (or need to go) from pushing students with a
Are your students locking themselves away from
guiding hand to reeling back false confidence with a pulling
the world? Is apathy impacting much more than event
hand.
attendance? Internet dependency has become a part of
The major shift for advisors is that many students
our lifestyle, especially our student lifestyle, but is relying
approach their jobs with a false confidence that leads to
on the Internet’s advantages a threat to our education?
costly mistakes. The apparent
The fear is that with gradual
problem is that students
improvements comes a gradual
are making choices using
disappearance of the things
information from questionable
The major shift for advisors is that many
that innovation leaves behind,
sources. In the past, our role
like interpersonal contact.
students
approach
their
jobs
with
a
false
as advisors or mentors often
Managing students and
meant empowering students
programming for students
confidence that leads to costly mistakes.
through education, guidance
in this techno-age poses as
and pushing them to risk
many problems as it provides
The apparent problem is that students
making educated choices. We
opportunities. Technology is a
found ourselves providing
blessing and a curse—while we
are making choices using information
our years of experience and
can connect with more people
expertise along with a guiding
faster than ever, we lose that
from questionable sources.
hand, pushing students along
necessary dialectical way of
until they could stand on their
reading and understanding
own.
each other—looking people in
Nowadays, many advisors are finding it necessary for
the eye and communicating. Just as the kind of shorthand
that guiding hand to be firmly reeling in over-zealous or
communication and ease of gathering and editing
over-confident students. Because a large percentage of
information contributes in the classroom to the focus on
students were raised on technology in a way more seasoned
grades versus actual learning, in day-to-day interactions, it
advisors were not, they often believe they know more than
minimizes interdependency. Dependency on the Internet
the person managing them. The danger is that most haven’t
encourages academic laziness, plagiarism and a lack of
been through the countless number of real experiences to
credibility when relying on online sources. In programming,
understand what to look for, what questions to ask, and how
it can encourage that same laziness and diminish ethical
to really assess an artist’s appropriateness and marketability
behavior in dealing with artists and agents. Every associate
for their campus. When you understand where you’ve been
interviewed on the subject of the techno-age for this article
and what can go wrong, you are in a unique position to guide
independently mentioned problems with ethics among an
your students to utilize reliable resources. However, students,
increasing percentage of students.
who use the billions of sources of information on the Web,
often have little regard for the expertise or preparedness for
the unique skills and education it takes for an artist to draw
and engage college audiences.
Anthropologist Ruth Benedict said, “The trouble with
life isn’t that there is no answer, it’s that there are so many
answers.” This has never been more true. Providing techsavvy students with a framework for finding the best
answers and how to judge them before we cut them loose is
the greatest gift a seasoned, but perhaps not as tech-savvy,
advisor can give.
Neither students nor advisors have the time to educate
multiple artists every year on appropriate behavior,
appropriate supporting material, and how to engage a college
audience. A knowledgeable agency spends countless hours
educating and working with their artists, as well as carefully
screening them from hundreds of submissions. But more
importantly, a strong agency can hold artists accountable for
things like cancellations, tardiness, inappropriate language,
flirting or alcohol/drug/tobacco use. An artist that stands to
risk losing the support of someone driving their income will
follow that agency’s rules if pushed. That same artist may not
Often advisors approach these new
tech-savvy students without confidence
in their own history and expertise.
An understanding of which buttons
Part II of this article will explore the impact of technology on the
broader campus community and what role we as programmers
can have in actually remedying the problems associated with
overdependence on technology. Part II includes some pretty
revolutionary programming ideas that are also included in the
educational session “Are We Too Busy LOLing to Really Laugh Out
Loud?” being presented throughout the year at NACA regional
conferences. Part II will appear in the January/February 2008 issue of
Programming.
References
Afifi, T.O., Asmundson, G.J.G., Cox, B.J., de Graaf, R., Sareen, J., ten
Have, M., and Stein, M.B. (2005). Anxiety disorders and risk
for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Archives of General
Psychiatry, 62: 1249-1257.
Benedict, R. Quotation retrieved Oct. 9,2007 from http://
anthropology.usf.edu/women/ruthb/ruthbenedict.htm.
Book, S.W., and Randall, C.L. (2002). Social anxiety disorder and
alcohol use. Alcohol Research & Health, (Spring). Retrieved Oct. 9,
2007 from http://ansiedade.no.sapo.pt/artigos/Social%20Anxiety%
20Disorder%20and%20Alcohol%20use.pdf.
Causey, C. The “e-generation” and the problem of dependency.
LSU Legacy Magazine. Retrieved Oct. 9, 2007 from http://www.
lsulegacymag.com/issues/april2005/story6.html.
Dylan, B. (1963). The times they are a-changin’. Special Rider Music.
Fuetsch, M., Höfler, M., Lieb, R., Müller, N., Stein, M.B., Wittchen.
(2001). Social anxiety disorder and the risk of depression—a
prospective community study of adolescents and young adults.
Archives of General Psychiatry, 58: 251-256.
Frisch, M. Quotation retrieved Oct. 9, 2007 from http://www.
quotationspage.com/quotes/Max_Frisch/.
Lake, P.F., and Dickerson, D. (2006). Alcohol and campus risk
management. Stetson University College of Law (FL).
to push does not necessarily give
students a magical finger on the pulse
About the Authors
of programming for your campus, but
Nancy A. Oeswein is president/CEO of Auburn Moon
less tech-savvy advisors often lack the
Agency (DE), winner of NACA’s 2001 and 2002 Campus
confidence they need to effectively
manage their own students.
Entertainment Awards in the Agency category. During her
time with NACA, she has written a number of articles for
Campus Activities Programming, has presented numerous
educational sessions at NACA Conventions and regional
proffer the same respect to a student at one individual school
without incentive.
Web sites are a tool in searching for options, but you can
see that they are not a good tool in final decision-making.
Advisors need to push their students early on to forge
relationships with reliable sources and focus their searches
on meaningful resources.
Often advisors approach these new tech-savvy students
without confidence in their own history and expertise. An
understanding of which buttons to push does not necessarily
give students a magical finger on the pulse of programming
for your campus, but less tech-savvy advisors often lack
the confidence they need to effectively manage their own
students. They “let them go” with little guidance and fail to
“reel them in” when they race forward with decisions based
on questionable resources. Certainly, a strong manager
can open themselves up to learn from their students, and
together, they can make infinitely smarter decisions.
conferences, and has served on the Associate Member
Advisory Council and the NACA Board of Directors. She
holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and marketing
from Eastern Kentucky University and a master’s degree
in business administration from Indiana University.
Brad Carr is director of Student Activities/Conferences
and Events at Graceland University (IA). He previously
served as a Residence Life hall director at Graceland,
as well as a family teacher at Father Flannigan’s Boys
Town (NE). He holds a bachelor’s degree in public
administration/political science/social science and a
master’s degree in counseling psychology, both from
Northwest Missouri State University.
FEATURE
This article is reprinted with the
permission of NACA—
National Association for Campus
Activities, www.naca.org.
There Is
Something
to Do on
Campus!
Reaching the Residence Hall Population
By Elizabeth Hoppis
Avila University (MO)
“There is nothing to do on campus!”
How many of us have heard these words from a student and cringed? Both college administrators and students who
plan events on campus immediately visualize their ever-filling calendar of events and quickly inform the offending
student that there are many viable options and there is indeed something to do on campus!
It is easy to wonder how it is possible for students to be unaware of the many programs planned just for them.
However, a particularly special challenge is connecting with our residence hall populations. Walk down the hall of
almost any residence hall and you are bound to see bulletin boards covered with flyers. A less frequently witnessed
sight, though, is of a student or two diligently perusing the information found on the many brightly colored pieces of
paper.
The challenge of keeping students informed seems to increase steadily. Not even the newly popular methods of
publicizing through Facebook and MySpace work as well as they did only a few months ago. So, how do we reach these
students with our information?
Often the students who live on campus are those whom we count on to be an automatic audience for the multitude
of programs happening each week. It is easy to forget that residence halls are not just another campus building, but
they are also a home. Just as we toss away unwanted junk mail from our home mailboxes, residence hall students
also toss away or overlook the unsolicited flyers and advertisements that reach them. As they are inundated with
information, we must find newer, more creative ways of catching their attention. Let’s look at some ways you can utilize
the residence halls in your publicity plan.
Who Lives Here?
Keep in mind who lives in each of your residence halls.
A basic outline of the population you are targeting can be
helpful in forming a better plan of action. Are there living/
learning communities that may be particularly excited about
your event? Perhaps there is someone who knows a lot about
your event topic and would be willing to help spread the
word to their neighbors.
Take time to find out what kind of diversity exists in the
residence hall population. You may find that the best way
to advertise in a certain hall is going to require catering
to International students, athletes, men, women, or any
other number of diverse audiences. The office of residence
life should be able to provide you with statistics and
information about the population living on-campus.
Reaching the diverse masses may require some extra
research and effort, but in the long run it will be well
worth it.
l Post flyers in the languages you know some of
the residents speak. Not only does this catch their eye
because it’s their native language, but it also encourages
attendance because of the specific attempt made to reach
out to them.
l Be aware that some residence halls will have their own
mascot that you can use in your publicity inside that
building.
l Consider the possibility of shock value—perhaps the
men’s floor is not accustomed to seeing a hot pink poster
board in their hallway. Brainstorm to develop ideas that
will seem out of the ordinary to the residents.
l Remember that some halls may house a specific sorority
or fraternity—ask for permission to post your eye-catching
publicity in their chapter room.
Every Door Leads Somewhere
Every door in the residence halls are passed through by
both residents and commuters 24 hours a day. Take time to
imagine which doorways may be crossed hurriedly on the
way to class and which ones students may linger by as they
chat with friends. What things may be on their minds as they
enter a kitchen, computer lab, or lounge? If your event relates
to any of the activities that take place in this space, it may be
an especially great place to post your publicity. If your event
does not relate to the space, think of ways that you can catch
the eye of someone who normally passes through without a
second glance.
l Cover doors in butcher paper with your message included.
These doors will look different from all the rest and will
hopefully slow down the passerby long enough to find out
why.
l Place doorknob hangers not only on room doors, but
also on those where they not be expected. These have to
be creative if you want them to work! Brainstorm what
materials you can make doorknob hangers from that will
make them standout (foil, wax paper, foam sheets, playing
cards, etc).
l Use window chalk or window markers on glass doors.
l If an organization member lives in the residence halls, ask
them to use their door as one giant advertisement.
Look Up,
Look Down
Don’t forget about all flat surfaces in the building. The
same flyer that is ignored on a wall or bulletin board may
suddenly be much more appealing when found on a floor or
ceiling. Consider which spaces may be easily seen and those
that may be more surprising but may need more direction to
see (i.e. a flyer posted flat on the ceiling may require one on
the floor or wall that says “Look up.”)
l Laminate flyers in the shape of footprints and tape them
to the floor in the hallways. You may also use these to lead
to the space where your event is being held.
l Hang a mobile of items with information attached from
the ceiling.
l Use helium balloons to advertise! You can both write the
information on the balloon and hang tags bearing the
information from it.
l Hang publicity above lounge couches where residents may
lie down.
Everyone Has to Go Sometime …
The restrooms in a residence hall are a great location to
place advertisements. This is especially true for those halls
with community restrooms and showers. As much as some
may hate to admit it, in what other place are students forced
to take their time?
l Post a newsletter or event calendar on the interior doors
of the bathroom stalls. Keep this up-to-date so residents
always know what your organization is planning.
l Laminate publicity and hang it from the showerheads.
You may also use clear contact paper if lamination is not
available.
l Use old toilet paper cores as part of your publicity. These
are appropriate to the placement of your publicity and will
be eye-catching as well.
l Write event information on bathroom mirrors using
window chalk or dry erase markers.
She Said that He Said …
Many residence halls have a front desk staffed by students.
Ask if you can leave event information at the desk so that
the employees will know what is happening on campus if
residents ask them. If there are any other offices housed in
the residence halls, request the same for each location. At the
very least you are spreading the word to the employees!
One of the most important publicity resources you have in
the residence halls are the staff members. You should never
be afraid to ask resident assistants or hall directors to assist
in your publicity plan. Not only can they give you special
permission for posting publicity, but they can also tell their
residents about your event. Ask when they will be having a
floor/hall meeting and if they would be willing to let you talk
about your organization’s upcoming events. Many RAs must
complete programming requirements and are willing to work
in conjunction with you in advertising or will even arrange
a floor program that involves attending your event. If there
is a hall newsletter, request to submit event information for
publication. Getting the residence hall staff invested in your
program is one of the best ways that you can get the word
out to the residents!
l Ask resident assistants to pass out or slide handbills under
doors on their floors.
l Send personalized event invitations to the residence hall
staff with an included request to bring residents.
l Inquire within the residence life professional staff to
determine if it would be possible to issue a challenge to
the RAs to see who can bring the most residents to your
event.
l Provide the front desk with event calendars that can be
handed out to residents.
The Old Standards
While it is important to be as creative as possible in our
publicity efforts, we cannot deny the success of the old
standards. As you make your plan for advertising in the
residence halls, don’t forget the old standards, just don’t rely
on them alone. Here are a few favorites to keep in mind.
l Stuff half- or quarter-sheet flyers in mailboxes. Don’t
forget that these can’t look like junk mail! Give them a
personal touch that will make the recipient want to read
them.
l Hang multiples of the same flyer in a grouping. A cluster
or row of the same flyer is more eye-catching than one
alone.
l Find out which lounges or other areas are popular
gathering spaces. Place larger advertising in these areas,
such as life-size cutouts of an upcoming performer,
banners made from sheets, etc.
l Hand out candy or other giveaways with event
information attached. It may be possible to place these in
mailboxes or tape them to residence hall doors.
A Few More Tips and Words of Wisdom
As with any space on campus, educate yourself on the
posting policies and procedures for the residence halls. It is
important that you clear anything you aren’t certain of with
the residence life professional staff.
The residence halls provide a unique opportunity for
publicity because you have the chance to go into someone’s
home to advertise to them. Take this chance to utilize all
the spaces that are not found elsewhere on campus. Your
publicity can be even more creative, daring and effective if
you educate yourself and your organization on the residence
hall population.
Never forget to take into consideration your own opinion.
If you would bypass your own publicity without reading it,
then reconsider your efforts. Publicizing an event can be time
consuming and tiresome if you let it. However, it can also
be a way to keep yourself energized and excited about your
events. Have fun with your publicity and other people will
want to know what all the excitement is about!
About the Author
Elizabeth Hoppis is a residence director and
student activities specialist at Avila University
(MO). She previously served as a graduate intern
for student affairs at Truman State University
(MO), where she earned a bachelor’s degree in
English and a master’s degree in counseling/
student affairs. Active in NACA since she was
an undergraduate, she most recently served
the NACA Central Region as a volunteer and
educational session presenter. She is also a
member of MOCPA (Missouri College Personnel Association).