Underclassmen may create class boards

Representatives from the sophomore and junior classes met this week to discuss establishing individual class boards for non-graduating classes at the University. At two organizational meetings, more than a total of 20 students expressed interest in establishing sophomore and junior class boards. The students are still debating about whether to establish a freshman board also. The main goal of the boards will be to plan social and philanthropic activities to bolster class spirit and unity, said co-organizer of the planning sessions Dave Yarkin. Wharton sophomores Yarkin and Jason Diaz said they thought of the idea for the class boards, which will resemble the Senior Class Board in organization and function, last year. "We've talked to a lot of students, and there's a lot of enthusiasm," Yarkin said. Diaz said that he wants feedback from people in all areas of University life and has contacted representatives from the United Minorities Council and the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance. Yarkin said that some of the ideas -- which would be followed through by individual classes -- include: · Establishing "class days" for incoming sophomores and juniors, complete with separate class t-shirts. · Sponsoring class trips to Atlantic City or Great Adventure. · Organizing semi-formal or formal affairs. · Publishing yearbooks. · Setting up corporate sponsorships which would continue funding the individual class until graduation. Diaz and Yarkin have met with administration officials during the past month to discuss the logistics of the class boards. Albert Moore, assistant director of Student Life, Activities and Facilities, said he thinks the class boards are a good way to create and maintain a sense of class identity. Moore has also been the advisor to the Senior Class Board during his six years at the University. "[It is in] the interest of the University to build class spirit," Moore said. He also said that the boards will help to offer students various social opportunities at the Unversity. "Hopefully, [the class boards will] diversify the [social] options away from fraternities and sororities," Moore said. He said students who are not affiliated with the Greek system should have the option to go to semi-formal or formal parties. Laurie Reed, assistant director of Student Life Programs, also said she supports the idea of class boards providing "alternative social planning." Reed, who also serves on the Drug and Alcohol Education Task Force, is new to the University and said yesterday that she volunteered to advise the new class boards if the idea gets off the ground. "Laurie and I are working with the organizers of the boards together [as a] team effort," Moore said. Moore said that class boards for sophomores and juniors will train students in possible preparation for positions on the Senior Class Board. He said that now, many candidates for the senior board have not had student government experience since high school. The Senior Class Board has a Student Activities Council grant this year of almost $10,000 and is in charge of organizing senior screamers such as Ivy Day and Hey Day. Underclass board organizers said there seems to be class unity at the University only during the first and last years. "You shouldn't have to wait until senior year to come together again as a class," Yarkin said. Diaz said that he hopes the board will "widen the social spectrum [so that students don't] miss out on potential friendships and relationships." "After freshman orientation, you never see your classmates again," he said. At the organizational meeting, students decided to hold the elections for the sophomore and junior class boards in the spring around the time of the Senior Class Board elections. Before then, however, Diaz and Yarkin will apply to SAC for recognition and possible funding. To apply to SAC, a group must have a constitution, list of members and mission statement. Organizers of the class boards are working on those documents now, Yarkin said.