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Page 2 The Clark Atlanta University Panther August 31, 1990 PHOTO BY PAULETTE V. WALKER MICHELLE D. RHODES Student Activities Director Guide Corps Spices Up New Students Orientation Freshmen Prepare For Elections By PAULETTE V. WALKER Editor-in-Chief Nearly a thousand new students arrived on the campus of Clark Atlanta University in the last week and a half. With the influx of such a large number, one might expect to have seen many of them wandering around the univer sity, hopelessly lost. Not so here at CAU! Thanks to the CAU Orientation Guide Corps, the new students had help on hand when it came to moving into their rooms, registering, testing, showing up at the right place at the right time, or just company and support. The Orientation Guide Corps, a group of 80 CAU students, has long been the source of help and guidance for new students arriving here throughout the years. Any student at CAU can become a member of the Orientation Guide Corps, but there are requirements — and the competition is fierce. Applications are accepted toward the end of each Spring semester for the following Fall. Last spring, 210 students applied, but only 80 were accepted. “When choosing orientation guides, 1 look for students who are well-rounded academically and socially, and have displayed leadership and a willingness to help others,” said Michelle Rhodes, the director of Student Activities at CAU. Ms. Rhodes organized the Orientation Guide Corps and planned the entire week of freshmen orientation activities. "The purpose of the Orienta- tion Guide Corps is to enlighten, enhance and motivate the new incoming students,” said Rhodes. “We (the Orientation Guide Corps) are there to aid them in adapting to life and procedures at the university.” This is Ms. Rhodes’ second year organizing freshman and transfer student orientation, and also organizing the force of the Orientation Guides. As an alumna of Clark College, Ms. Rhodes has a unique perspec tive into the orientation process. As a freshman, she benefited from the help of a guide and for three years, she offered her services as a guide. “There have been a few changes made since 1 was a guide,” said Ms. Rhodes. “Most notably is the name; it used to be called the Freshman Guide Corps, but when 1 began organizing it, 1 found that guides were there for all new students — transfer as well as freshmen. So now it is called the Orientation Guide Corps.” Some of the other changes include an extended training period for the members of the Orientation Guide Corps. “This year, the members came back to campus a week before the freshmen were to arrive,” said Rhodes. “During this week, they went through an intensive training program that included various seminars." The topics of these seminars ranged from customer service skills to a refresher course re-orienting the guides with the various buildings on the recently consolidated campus. The members of the Corps were also required to become familiar with the history of Clark College and Atlanta University and were frequently tested on it througout the training period. A professional image was also enforced this year. “We got uniforms, not to look good, but as a way of assuring the parents that we were professional and there to assist them and their students, not just to play around,” said Senita Hunter, a member of the Orientation Guide Corps and chairman of the Corps’program committee. However, there was some playing involved. Although the new students were kept very busy throughout the week with testing and registering, they also had a lot of fun. Some of the activities included a party on the yard, an AUC Unity Block Party, an impromptu talent showcase — at 3 a.m., and a skating party. “It’s a lot of fun being an Orientation Guide,” said Hunter. “But many students don’t realize the hard work that is involved and the dedication that is required.” Hunter ended her summer intership in Detroit early, so that she could participate in the training program. During Freshmen Orientation Week, she put in over 17 hours of volunteer service a day. “All of the guides, especially Michelle(Rhodes) worked very hard to make this Orientation a success,” said Hunter. Bridgette Harris, the student chairperson of the Orientation Guide Corp, said her biggest challenge as chairperson, was assuring the guides that their services were both needed, appreciated, and acknowl edged by parents and students. “We (Guides) are an important part of the new students' comfortably adapting to the university,” said Harris. As a freshmen, Harris herself was immediatley impressed by the caring attitudes of the Guides. “My mother still talks about how nice and helpful they were when we arrived.” Why do they do it — do they get paid? No. The services rendered by the Orientation Guide Corps are strictly voluntary. For Ms. Rhodes, it is the personal satisfaction she gets from helping young students grow and develop. The members of the Corps get varying rewards out of the experience. “I get a thrill at seeing students come in totally disoriented, and then feeling more and more at home with our help,” said Mark Tyler, the 1989-90 Student Government Association president, and a third-year Orientation Guide. Although expressed in different ways, other members of the Guide Corps share Tyler's sentiment. They see their service to new students as a way of preparing them for excellence in the future by greeting them with excellence today. By STEPHEN THOMAS Contributing Writer Three candidates are vying for the post of Freshman Class president. The elections which will take place Sept. 5, are being coordinated by Student Government Association president Jamyee Pleasant. The candidates for president are Terrence Cummings, Henry Hayes, and Melakia Jones. Candidates for class vice president include ZeEster Browning and Kevin Dobbins. “I want to uplift the morale of the student body,” Ms. Pleasant said. “I'm looking forward to having joint participation between students. Freshmen will work with graduate students .juniors, and seniors,” she explained at a meeting Tuesday. The meeting, in Thayer Hall’s student lounge, allowed the students interested in running for office to sign up and learn of responsibilities and rules. A small group of about 15 attended the meeting. Angie Chivers and Herbie Smith are class secretary hopefuls. Melika Harris, Brian Kensey, and Kenyatta Rogers are running for class treasurer. Higher judiciary candidates are Janice Barlow, ZeEster Browning, and Ireyan Clark. Melakia Jones is currently the lone candidate for the lower judiciary post. SGA represen tative candidates are Jinkowye Anekwee, Kelli Pack, Mia Rolle, Stephen Thomas. Candidates for Miss Freshman include Vanessa Brooks and Aida Coleman. Cory Echols and Henry Hays are candidates for Mr. Freshman. “Every office is what the candidate brings to it. You may be the treasurer, but that is not all that you have to be,” said Ms. Pleasant. ‘‘You are representing your class, you must have a good rapport with your classmates. Officers are dignitaries for their class. They must capture the essence of the class.” Students can get involved by contacting the SGA office at 880-8105. Freshmen will have an opportunity to here their candidates speak on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in Davage Auditorium. Showtime At CAU By SONIA WHITE Staff Writer How many of you have ever watched “Showtime at the Apollo?” Well, even if you have not, last Sunday Clarkites gave their own rendition of this talent extravaganza. J his impromptu show, held in Davage Auditorium was a part of the freshman and transfer orientation festivities. It was a night to remember. Some of the acts included Candy Smith’s version of Anita Baker’s “Been So Long,” The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta — Vickie Craft, T.J. Huddleston. Shirron Jeffereys and Charmaine Williams — “Jammin for Sisterhood,’’and a few' of the freshman chose to imitate their guide directors — “Pfeiffer Hall Tribute to the Guides.” CAU spirit was in full effect, which was lead by the orientation crew. There w'as lots of audience participation, standing ovations, waving arms and a call and response of C-A-U repeatedly. I here were many other events scheduled for orientation, which included Roller Skating at Sreamin’ Wheels, a trip to Six Flags Over Georgia and induction dinners. Michelle Rhodes, director of Student Activities, was in charge of the orientation. LABOR DAY CLASSIC! CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY PANTHERS versus MORRIS BROWN WOLVERINES Herndon Stadium Monday, September 3 5:30 p.m. Featuring: Post-Game Concert with THE MANHATTANS and ATLANTA BLACK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Spectacular FIREWORKS Finale! Tickets on sale at CA U, Morris Brown, Blockbusters and PaschaVs