Students Offering Support (SOS) is seeking faculty and staff volunteers for Slope Day/Fest, Friday, May 5. Two-hour volunteer shifts are being scheduled between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. that day.
Acknowledging the celebration's long-standing tradition, the university has worked extensively with several student organizations, including the Student Activities Forum, the Slope Fest Planning Committee, Renaissance (an organization that coordinates programming that doesn't involve alcohol) and Cornell Emergency Medical Services. With the combined efforts of these groups and university departments, including the Office of the Dean of Students, Campus Life, Environmental Health and Safety, Gannett Health Center and others, Cornell hopes to promote a memorable and safe day.
Due to last year's success, the Slope Fest Planning Committee will once again host an alcohol-free festival in the West Campus "dust bowl" on Slope Day. This event is sponsored by a number of student groups in a collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Students, the Division of Student and Academic Services, Gannett Health Center and the Division of Facilities and Campus Services. Attractions at Slope Fest will include performances by national recording artists Pilfers and local favorites including the Lost Sailors, Nozmo King and Sunny Weather, as well as Cornell musical groups. Carnival rides include a 30-foot slide, an olympic "challenge" and more.
Food and drink, including bagels, muffins, water and other non-alcoholic beverages, will be provided free on the slope and at Slope Fest. Volunteers will assist in the distribution of these items, locating individuals in need of medical assistance, collecting trash and staffing carnival games and rides.
"We continue to make progress in transforming the celebration of the last day of classes into a fun, safe and enjoyable experience," said Susan Murphy, vice president for student and academic services. "I congratulate all who have been involved in the planning on their hard work and ask everyone who plans to participate on May 5 to be safe as they celebrate our year together."
Slope Day/Fest volunteers are encouraged to attend a training session designed to familiarize them with duties and revised shift information. There will be one session specifically for faculty and staff on Monday, May 1, at 11 a.m. in the Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room. There also will be two sessions offered for students. Faculty and staff are welcome to attend one of the student sessions if they can't attend the faculty/staff training. The student sessions are Sunday, April 30, at 2 p.m. in Cornell Cinema at Willard Straight Hall, and Tuesday, May 2, at 7 p.m. in the Willard Straight Hall Memorial Room. Volunteers need only attend one session, and the first 1,000 will receive free Slope Day T-shirts.
Acting on a request from the Office of Human Resources, most campus departments and offices will provide paid release time to volunteers taking two-hour shifts at Slope Day/Fest, with supervisory approval.
"I know that staff from around the campus will join us in helping keep Slope Day/Fest a fun and safe event," said Mary George Opperman, vice president for human resources. "Our staff are dedicated and concerned about the well-being of our students, and each year they come out in force to lend a hand for this day of celebration. Once again, I want to encourage staff to volunteer their time at Slope Day and their supervisors to permit this wherever possible."
"With their presence, staff and faculty play a very positive role in the celebration of the last day of classes," added Diane Horey, a sophomore and co-chair of SOS and the Slope Fest Planning Committee. "It lets students know that everyone wants to celebrate the day, but in a fun and safe manner."
To be a Slope Day/Fest volunteer, or to obtain more information, visit the web site http://www.activities.cornell.edu/slopeday, call 255-4311 or e-mail slope_day@cornell.edu.
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