With a new year underway, the Florida A&M University Office of Student Union and Activities is planning several events and activities in an effort to showcase its campus life and prove that FAMU really is the No. 1 university for black students.
Under new leadership, OSUA has made a commitment to “provide the best customer service and quality programming for the campus community,” said Morolake Laosebikan-Buggs, the new OSUA director.
Black Enterprise magazine ranked FAMU the No. 1 university for black students based on its social and academic environment.
Compared to the previous five universities where Laosebikan-Buggs was employed, FAMU has the most vibrant campus life, she said.
One of the most noted aspects of FAMU’s campus life is the flea market OSUA hosts every Friday. Laosebikan-Buggs made an early decision to return the market to The Set.
Last year, the flea market was moved to the Rattler Courtyard, located in front of the Rattler’s Den, because “the look didn’t look professional and becoming for the university,” Laosebikan-Buggs said.
Students and vendors alike are ecstatic for the return of the tradition. Cherrye Bess-Branch and James Branch are veteran vendors who sell black art.
They prefer being on The Set for obvious reasons: more people and more money.
“We get to talk to students and find out what they like,” Bess-Branch said.
Brandon Harrington, a civil engineering technology student, approves of the change.
“It was a good move. The Set kind of lost its hype when it moved,” said the 22-year-old student from Dallas.
For years past (and many years to come) FAMU has been known for its homecoming festivities and Greek life. With Welcome Week already under its belt, OSUA is now focused on Parents & Family Weekend.
Parents & Family Weekend is scheduled for the weekend of Oct. 13. OSUA is in the process of planning events for parents of all the students. In the past they have struggled with providing events that were enjoyed equally by parents of freshmen and parents of upperclassmen.
Homecoming is also on OSUA’s fall agenda.
“The Big Fang Theory: An Orange and Green Explosion” hopes to attract students, parents, alumni and friends. With a budget of around $60,000, OSUA has the responsibility of planning everything except the homecoming concert and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Step Show.
The week-long extravaganza will offer a lot of traditions but will also feature some surprises. One of the surprises will be the Essence College Tour visit.
Preparation for the Homecoming Fashion Show is already underway. With tryouts and cuts last week, the selected models will begin practicing immediately.
The Homecoming Fashion Show will take place on the Tuesday of homecoming week.
Clubs & Organizations are urged to participate in and sign up for the homecoming parade.
Because of the lack of participation in previous years, OSUA has developed a first-come, first-serve sign-up sheet for the parade.
Laosebikan-Buggs said since this is FAMU’s homecoming, the university’s clubs & organizations should hold the bulk of the attention in the parade.
Outside of the major events OSUA provides, they will also make sure there is never a dull moment on The Hill. OSUA began its Rattler Cinema series Sept. 5 by showing “Akeelah and the Bee.” Rattler Cinema will be held in Lee Hall every other Tuesday at 8 p.m.
A new Comedy Show, Coming to the Stage, will alternate Tuesdays with Rattler Cinema. Held in Lee Hall at 9 p.m., the Comedy Show will feature professional comedians.
Other weekly events OSUA will sponsor are the First Friday dances and Village Vibe Live. Village Vibe Live is a forum that discusses important topics that affect students on campus. Village Vibe Live occurs every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. in the Gray Core Complex.
In addition, the Cingular Wireless Tour is back! Cingular travels only to historically black colleges and universities for its promotional tours with Def Jam recording artists. Last year’s concert featured Trey Songz.
Many students plan on taking advantage of the events OSUA will be holding.
“It’s a good way to meet new people,” said Matthew Ford, 21, a senior graphic arts student from Washington D.C.
For more information about campus activities, contact OSUA at (850) 599-3400 or osua@famu.edu.