Dean College Blog

Hi Guys! Cassie Balzarini here, one of several new bloggers writing our little hearts out this spring semester. On behalf of not only myself and the other bloggers, but the entire social media team – I’m excited to welcome you back to Bulldog Nation!

The beginning of a new semester brings many exciting opportunities for college students across the world and things here in Franklin are no different! I’m just here today to take a few minutes out of your day to highlight some of the multiple chances you all have as students to get involved, make a difference, help yourself and have some serious fun.

It can all be broken down into 4 basic choices:

1. Join A Club
2. Apply for a Leadership Position
3. Attend an on campus event
4. Talk to an Adult

Now let’s get a little more specific.

Join a Club
Did you know that Dean College has over 20 clubs and associations on this very campus? Even more so did you know that ALL of these clubs are open to anyone with an interest? With meetings taking place at night after classes have finished there’s really no reason not to try out a club that piques your interest. The Student Activities Committee has meetings once a week on Monday’s at 7:30pm in the Campus Center Golder Room ( that’s the big one on the top floor!) The Residence Hall Association (of which I’m an Eboard member!) also meets once a week on Monday’s at 8pm in Chapman House. All clubs and their meeting times can be found on today@dean!

Apply for a Leadership Position
You probably know someone on campus who is currently holding a leadership position here. From Orientation Leaders and Community Advisors to SGA Senators and Club Eboard members the opportunities to be looked up to and make a difference on campus are plentiful. Residence Life  and Student Activities are accepting applications for these positions in the ’13- ’14 school year now!

Attend an on Campus Event
Now, I’m going to be blunt for a moment here but anyone claiming that there is nothing to do around here either needs to stop looking at the ground 24/7 or needs to get their eyes checked because the SAC alone have provided students with more than enough nighttime and weekend activities. Last week alone we had Wing Night, Make your Own Dog Tag and a Dance! All  SAC sponsored events and details about them can be found in the “Campus Events” section of today@dean. Now, if walking across campus to the CC is too far a journey for you (Yes JOHA residents I’m talking about you) then talk to your RD or CAs! Residence life hosts dozens of events a semester in both the residence halls and other locations on campus! A bunch of other clubs are hosting events too, so read the plasma’s and check today@dean so you can get off your butts and have some fun!

Talk to an adult 
I know, I know! We’re all in college now we feel like adults and in many ways we are! But, there’s always something to be learned from those who have a bit more life experience than us. Dean College’s campus is swarming with a professional staff both fresh out of college and otherwise who would love to get a chance to know some of the students better! Plus, it’s never to early to begin building a professional network! Admissions counselors and professors, residence directors and academic advisors and even the lovely lunch ladies greeting us all day long at the caf - Everyone here has a story and everyone here has some knowledge and wisdom to give. So step in and say hello when your RDs/Advisors/Professor’s office door is open, take the time to ask Tina in the caf how her day was and NEVER be afraid to reach out to anyone when you find yourself in over your head and/or needing some help.  They may not be college students now but they sure were at some point!

So good luck this semester bulldogs! I hope you’re all able to get the most out of this 2-4 year experience!

Oh, and don’t forget to do your homework

- CB