The Office of Student Union and Activities (OSUA) began the 2005-2006 school year with some new additions and brought back some old FAMU traditions.
The new director of OSUA is Michael Clayton, former Director of Academic Advisement in the school of general studies. Clayton has been with FAMU for 28 years, originally starting his career as the women’s basketball coach.
As the new director of OSUA, Clayton’s primary goal is to increase the quality of student life on campus. To meet this goal the OSUA plans to add some new perks.
“We want students to use some of the resources they have here to creatively use their talents and skills,” said Clayton.
Some of these resources include a new use of the Rattlers Den. Previously the Rattler’s Den was somewhat empty, but Clayton plans on giving it some extra life.
“When I went to the Rattler’s Den I noticed a smell of popcorn and that’s what drew me inside,” said Sheena Ballard, a history education student from Miami.
New additions coming to the Rattlers Den include fresh popcorn for students, extended operating hours, from 11:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m., X-box and Playstation 2 game systems.
Clayton is also bringing back some older FAMU traditions such as the “Snake Walk.”
Traditionally, the “Snake Walk” begins at the Set every home game and parades down. Students, faculty and auxiliary programs participate, gather the band and proceed to the stadium.
Now, it is used only at Homecoming, but Clayton is taking it back.
“With all that is going on, we’re not going to allow anyone to break our spirit” said Clayton.
While adding new perks, the OSUA is still stressing the importance of education.
OSUA is arranging for speakers to visit the University such as the daughter of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.
Along with outside speakers there is also the Grey Gore complex, which will host a lock-in for students during final’s week.
“My freshman year my friends and I would always go down there. It was a nice study environment” said Tiffany Blackmon, a junior pharmacy student from Rockledge, Fla.
As for the conflicts of last year involving the Office of Student Union and Activities, “I can’t say it’s running better or worse. Every administration is different,” Clayton said.
contact Jaque Lynn Hatter lynnrele@hotmail.com