Shadows program pairings return for 2001

By Adrial Lanka Lobelo '02

After a successful pilot last year, the Student Assembly and Employee Assembly collaborated again to coordinate the Shadows 2001 program. And last week, at the close of the program's second term, the Office of the Assemblies hosted a wrap-up reception in Willard Straight Hall for program participants.

Sophomore Sarena Arora, left -- who shadowed Betsy Shrier, director for finance and administration in the Office of Human Resources -- talks with Candace Rypisi, Women's Resource Center director -- who was shadowed by sophomore Adam Crouch -- at the Shadows program wrap-up March 14. Matthew Fondeur/University Photography

Shadows 2001 paired Cornell students with either administrators, staff members or professors in one-to-one matches to share their experiences. Members of each pair met over a two-week period, during which they attended each other's everyday activities, such as conferences, classes and meetings. The pairs also took part in a range of informal interactions, from breakfast and lunch gatherings to sports practices and poetry jams.

"Shadows is a good experience for students because they do not always have the time to get to know an administrator and see what goes on behind the scenes among that segment of the Cornell population," said Mike Moschella, a junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a returning member of the Shadows planning committee, at the March 14 reception.

With increased publicity and a larger number of participants -- last year the pilot program had 14 pairs; this year, the program had 38 -- the planning committee sought to engage a constituent group that was underrepresented last year: faculty. Another change involved expanding the shadowing experience from one week to two.

Ariana Yang, a freshman engineering student, had the opportunity to shadow someone whom she already sees twice weekly during lectures -- Graeme Bailey, professor of computer science. Through the program, Yang was allowed to shadow her professor in a particular format.

"It was always a mystery to me," said Yang. "What do professors do apart from teaching?"

Bailey did not hold back in allowing Yang to peer into his life at Cornell. "His everyday schedule is packed," observed Yang. "He begins at 8 in the morning and usually ends at 11 in the evening."

Yang learned more about her professor's life outside the classroom when she attended a Slope Day planning meeting with Bailey. "[Yang] was surprised to see the number of areas that professors are involved in, especially the areas that actually impact the students," said Bailey. "She was surprised to learn that Slope Day would have faculty, administration and police involved. She did not anticipate this. It was also interesting for her to see the dynamics of such a meeting."

Robert L. Harris, vice provost for diversity and faculty development, did not anticipate the incredible amount of energy and persistence necessary for those campaigning to be members of the Student Assembly. His shadow partner, Umair Khan, a sophomore in government, was in the middle of a major effort to get himself elected to the competitive Student Assembly when the pair was meeting.

"The amount of time involved in running for [a position in] the Student Assembly is very intense," remarked Harris.

Despite the limitations on time, Khan did manage to attend a breakfast gathering with Harris; Robert Johnson, director of Cornell United Religious Work; and the Rev. James M. Lawson, a leading civil rights figure during the 1960s and one of this year's Martin Luther King Jr. speakers at Cornell. "[Lawson] is a great man who not only discussed the victories of the civil rights movement, but also spoke of the challenges," Khan said.

With the Shadows 2001 program over, Harris and Khan said they will continue shadowing each other indefinitely.

"The Shadows program provides student-administrative interaction in ways we do not normally have," said Harris. "I met an interesting student who I plan to remain in contact with as a result of this program."

Bailey shares Harris' sentiment. "The need to bridge the gap between faculty, administration and the students is clear," he said. "This provides a great opportunity to start that process."