Aidan Balderas
Staff Writer
A panel of faculty members shared ideas to boost undergraduate students’ futures, with an emphasis on seniors, at noon on Tuesday in the Quay Davis Executive Board Room.
Three panelists — Professor of Biology Christine Broussard, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Ngoc Bui, and Professor Creative Writing Sean Bernard – discussed the notion of creating a culture of research and creative activity for students at University of La Verne.
Faculty said they want to offer more plans, internships, contest opportunities and clubs.
The discussion was introduced by Marcia Godwin, professor of public administration.
“The class I teach is only seniors and I myself started as an undergraduate, so to have this opportunity to help seniors and young college students with clubs and contests is an honor,” Godwin said.
Godwin then turned the attention to Bui, who said she wants undergraduate students to engage in research and have a platform to express themselves within their major. Bui also said she wants to expand the majors offered at ULV, and new jobs or internship opportunities.
Bui spoke specifically about arts and science majors connecting both on-campus and through virtual platforms. She also encouraged upper-class students to start their own clubs and invite newer students to join to get the most out of their respective majors.
Bernard spoke about undergraduate opportunities within the creative writing program. He recommended holding regional conferences for creative writing.
He encouraged students to submit to the Undergraduate Creative Writing Contest, which he said can look good on a resume.
“La Verne alumna Gabby Ramos won the contest when she was at La Verne along with Emma Garcia, who won the Dean’s Awards for her poetry,” Bernard said.
Godwin asked Jason Neidleman, professor of political science who attended the event, for his input after the three panelists.
“I would focus on research communities to connect a lot of organizations and people alike,” Neidleman said. “Life after college is so important and it’s vital to give students plenty of opportunities. Being a research assistant can help. We need more awards for students from faculty.”
“We are trying to create venues for sharing the work, celebrating accomplishments and problem solving, creating a culture through shared time,” Broussard said.
Aidan Balderas can be reached at aidan.balderas@laverne.edu.
Aidan Balderas, a freshman journalism major, is a staff writer for the Campus Times.
William Zeus Hardy, a senior photography major, is a staff photographer for the Campus Times. His work can also be found at williamhardy.mypixieset.com.
