Even the most successful academic career is prone to common deterrents such as excessive partying and procrastination. These time-consuming tasks are often justified by labeling them part of the "college experience," leaving students with a mountain of work and little time to spare.
The 60 Life Workshops offered by the Office of Student Unions and Activities help ease students into what can be a productive stay at UB.
"It's like, a place to go. Somewhere [students] can turn or something they can do for fun," said Sara Lo, a freshman nursing major.
Free workshops ranging in topics from "Flower Arranging" to "Overcoming Procrastination," offer numerous options for those students who wish to become better rounded in their studies, if not florally inclined.
Cinelli describes the programs as a chance for students to "meet other people, exchange ideas, learn, develop interests and experience new things."
According to Cinelli, "Ballroom Dancing" and "Cooking: the Path to Your Lover's Heart" are two of the most popular workshops this semester.
"We try to include practical topics as well as fun topics," stated Cinelli.
Helping to create the workshops is Academic Advisement Workshop Coordinator Lisa Hackett, who shares Cinelli's goal of bringing valuable tools to a student's academic career.
'"Study Skills, Time Management' and 'Summer Registration' are both very popular workshops," said Hackett. "We often have close to 50 students attending these workshops."
No matter how artistically, socially, academically or morally aware students are of the diverse and growing community that is UB, there is a workshop that can open their eyes to another aspect of campus life.
Hackett, who also directs many academic workshops like "Why Am I Not Getting Good Grades?," often offers support and encouragement to students in her groups.
"We want to really make sure [students] do their best. Motivation is an important key," said Hackett, outlining the major reasons students do well in their studies.
Workshops are also held discussing potentially controversial issues, such as safe and satisfying sex, homophobia and body image, providing an opportunity for campus and community members to share issues that might not be discussed elsewhere.
Leading discussions are volunteers from all across the campus and local community, including students, professors, staff and professionals from organizations such as Planned Parenthood of Buffalo and Erie County and the Kriya Dharma Centre, which teaches Yoga.
Senior Charles Singhoff, an anthropology major, said he would like to see more politically-oriented workshops and more visible advertising of when and where workshops are being held.
Those interested in leading their own workshops are also invited to complete a proposal, which is reviewed by the Life Workshops Advisory Committee and Cinelli.
While all workshops are free, unless otherwise noted, registration is encouraged. Students can register or access a complete schedule of workshops on the Office of Student Affairs Web site, http://www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/activities/lifework.shtml.
Funding from the Office of Student Unions and Activities, part of the Division of Student Affairs, enables the workshops to be available at little or no cost.
