By Tom and Jerry Caraccioli
When someone asks the question “What’s the point?,” it usually is done so in an exasperated state in which the inquisitor is frustrated or searching for meaning.
For SUNY Oswego students entering the office of Student Engagement and Leadership at 131 Marano Campus Center, asking “What’s The Point?” takes on a whole new meaning.
The Point is a physical space in the Marano Campus Center, which serves as home base for student organizations and clubs on campus.
It is an innovative program that advocates civic engagement and community service, provides students with extra-curricular experiences, a collaborative student-staff and local community partnerships.
Student organizations include clubs focused on the media, multicultural groups, club sports, news, academics, fraternity and sorority life, service, as well as other facets of college life.
The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership also offers opportunities for Oswego students to attend fairs and conferences that further build networking opportunities while in school and post-graduation.
“We have 148 approved and recognized student organizations on campus,” Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Vanessa Taylor said. “A lot of what our students learn in the academic classroom spaces can be complemented by their interaction with peers outside the classroom.”
Students from SUNY Oswego are able to volunteer with local organizations and businesses to engage in civic-minded initiatives benefitting campus and local partners.
“As an institution we try to build relationships across campus with the city,” Taylor explained. “When we bring our students back to campus in August, we put on events in which we bring in local food vendors. Students that may not be from the area start experiencing food that is right downtown. We also build connections between other organizations and the local community.”
These initiatives help create awareness for students to build and grow career skills through thoughtful work and experiences. And, it has been proven that getting involved outside the classroom creates well-rounded students, as well as enhances the overall college experience.
So next time you hear a new student ask “What’s The Point?” direct them to the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership. Hopefully you’ll see them around campus enjoying college life and also making a difference.
Tom and Jerry Caraccioli are freelance writers originally from Oswego, who have co-authored three books: “STRIKING SILVER: The Untold Story of America’s Forgotten Hockey Team,” “BOYCOTT: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games” and “Ice Breakers.”
