Central resource

Wilson Commons staff, working with the Rochester Parent Fund and The College to install a new plasma screen on the entrance to the Student Activities Office, has provided an attractive and valuable resource for showcasing all activities on campus, which undoubtedly will be greatly beneficial in attracting students to various events.Unlike the slide show of events that appeared on televisions throughout Wilson Commons in previous years, the new digitized feed allows video and audio content, which groups like URTV have already begun to explore by featuring a “public service” video on how to use the busing system. As URTV has already filmed notable student events like China Night, Mela and Yellowjackets’ concerts, many SA groups will be able to publicize their events in a dynamic way that will be able to effectively display their substantial talent. While this new addition is a welcome sight, the SAO should make every effort to reach out to SA groups and academic departments to obtain event information and showcase them in a manner that utilizes both sound and motion. In determining whom to hire to fill the new position in the SAO that will oversee the video service among other responsibilities, the SAO should look for someone who actively works toward using recent technological innovations to their fullest extent and is willing to take input from student groups seriously. For example, he or she should be willing and able to pursue getting the video feed available online through sites like the Campus Club Connection or the Hive. The SAO should also look into broadcasting the feed through the campus television system so that students will be able to view the information related to upcoming events in as many ways as possible.This new feature has great potential, and this video system may become integral to providing information about all events on campus. Because of its critical importance, the SAO needs to set up a brainstorming session with students as soon as possible in order to ensure that the all possible options are considered. These suggestions will certainly aid in tailoring this information system to UR’s needs.The new video screen will bring Wilson Commons one step closer to becoming the true center of student life and will serve as a centralized source of information. Perhaps this will aid in combating the myth that nothing ever happens on campus.