Faculty/staff volunteers sought to help at Slope Day/Fest

Students Offering Support (SOS) is seeking faculty and staff volunteers for Slope Day/Fest, Friday, May 4. 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 Slope Fest Planning Committee, SOS 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 wide array of student organizations and campus departments. Attractions at Slope Fest will include a performance by national recording artists Stroke 9. Carnival rides include a 30-foot slide, an Olympic "challenge" and more.

Food and drink, including bagels, muffins, water and other nonalcoholic 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.

Slope Day/Slope 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, April 30, 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 29, at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, May 1, at 7 p.m., both 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.

With supervisory approval, staff can use release time to volunteer for two hour shifts at Slope Day/Fest.

"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."

"Volunteers play an enormous role on Slope Day. Without their help, the day would not be as safe, fun or enjoyable," said senior Claire Ackerman, president of SOS.

To be a Slope Day/Fest volunteer, or to obtain more information, visit the web site www.rso.cornell.edu/slopeday, call 255-4311 or e-mail slope_day@cornell.edu.