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Residence Halls--The goal here was to create a community within the individual residence halls. Also we wanted to meet the different needs of the different schools. One other main issue was to get students who usually would not come, to a program. The best way to go about this is personal invitations. Also, knowing what the students in each particular residence hall might enjoy, for example pizza and a movie at Harvey Mudd. It is also good to meet some students who live in the different halls because they can help you program and advertise. As noted before in the getting to know the campus section, it tells you who you should talk to, to get into each hall. One event to keep in mind is a traveling stress bus. Bring supplies to make stress balls, and relaxation tips. Everyone needs to relax once in a while.
First Year Students--I named this group of Students FYSH (First Year Student Haverim). Usually it is first year students of Hillel, but I thought by taking Hillel out of it, then we might attract more students. Since Haverim means friends in Hebrew, I thought it was perfect. My goals were to create a smaller community for incoming students, to help make the transition from home to college easier, and to meet new students and get them interested in Jewish life on campus. To do this I sent out a letter to all the first year Jewish students that I knew of. I gave them some candy, and invitation to a First year Scavenger hunt, and a coupon for a free cup of coffee with me. I also told them a little bit about myself. The Largest event was a stuff your face before you fast. The key to making sure that we saw the students again was follow up. Next year, the exciting thing is that almost everyone on board was a freshman this past year.
Jewish Women's Collective--The goals of this group was to create programming that attracts the female population. I wanted to create a close nit, safe haven within the larger Jewish Community. It was also important to do educational, yet fun and exciting programs that would be useful for today's Jewish Women. To go about this, I think that it is important to work with the resources that are out there. Scripps College is a great place to start, but also keep in mind that almost all the schools have a Women's Group. I would talk to the Women's Union at Pomona College. Try to establish some consistency by having monthly Rosh Chodesh events. Some events that I found most successful were, make your own beauty products and lip balm, the Women's Passover Seder, and the trip to the Spa.
Other Important Things to Know--In all your programs it is good to tie in, if you can, a Jewish concept, or aspect. Some programs are easier then others to do this with. A Women's Seder, it was easy, but a beauty night might be harder. We tied in tukkun olam with the make your own beauty products night. I did a crafts night, and I had people making Chanukah presents for their families. Be creative and thoughts will begin to flow.
Also, always follow up with students. Call or email works best. Invite them to coffee. A great way to track follow up and track students year to year is by using index cards. After you meet a student put their information on a card, including where you met, and anything else that you learned about them. That way you can notify them if an event is coming up that you think that might want to go to, and you can add a little personal touch. Personal contact is the best way to go. Even if it takes longer, write individual emails, you get more responses because the students will know that you really do care.
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