Parents Leadership Council Grants and Initiatives funded, FY 08
The Department of Campus Recreation
Rebel Challenge Course - $60,000
Campus Recreation has a vision for a facility that will have a positive impact on the student body, to construct, maintain, and facilitate a challenge course that will offer students a venue to conduct team building activities, foster leadership skills, develop trust and cohesiveness, challenge personal limitations, and provide outdoor meeting space for large groups.
The University Counseling Center
Substance Abuse Program - $15,000
The University Counseling Center has three substance abuse programs. The programs include Crossroads, an intensive 8 to10-week substance abuse treatment program with a student-focused approach; Oasis, a weekly support group for students maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free way of life; and Turning Point, a weekly support group for students affected by a loved one’s drinking or drug use. Additionally, the students who participate in these services remain enrolled in classes, thus avoiding the seemingly impossible choice between remaining enrolled in school and seeking help for this potentially deadly issue. These programs involve networking with the Department of Housing and Residence Life, the Dean of Students’ Office, Student Health Services, and the individual students’ professors.
Department of Campus Programming
“Providing Alternatives: Late Night Programming at The University of Mississippi” - $10,000
Affectionately named “Rebel Nights”, The University of Mississippi’s late night programming effort, is a safe on campus activity. On Friday evenings, twice a semester, Ole Miss Students can participate in numerous free activities designed to provide students enjoyable and attractive alternatives to staying in their residence hall, going home or going to parties or local bars. Hosted by the Student Programming Board and the Department of Campus Programming, activities have included Ole Miss Idol and the Ole Miss Poetry Slam, musical entertainment, comedians, casino nights, game tournaments, etc.
Career Center
The InternNet: “Connecting students to a web of internship resources and opportunities” - $7,000
The InternNet program was established to educate students about the value of internships as an experiential learning opportunity and to assist them in their preparation and search for internships. With the establishment of this program, the career center will assist students in meeting the following learning objectives:
- Students will increase their awareness of internship opportunities using a variety of printed and on-line resources
- Students will understand the benefits of internships as they relate to gaining a competitive advantage in the job market
- Students will be able to develop employer correspondence necessary to apply for internships
- Students will develop useful techniques for completing an interview successfully
- Students will be able to engage in meaningful dialogue with employers in a professional networking setting
University Libraries
Information Commons - $8,250
The J.D. Williams Library is constructing an Information Commons. The goal of the commons is to make information easily accessible and readily available. The commons is designed to accommodate group projects and the exchanging of ideas.
Parents Leadership Council Endowment
$20,000
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the Parents Leadership Council granted $20,000 to fully fund the Parents Leadership Council Endowment. This brings the total endowment to $100,000. The purpose of the endowment is to provide un-restricted funds to be used at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. The endowment pays out at a rate of 5% a year with the remainder of the monies re-invested for the future.
