All Together at the Union
Usually, we use the State of the Carolina Union to praise the great work of one Union department. In the spirit of togetherness, however, we want to turn the spotlight on all of us. Even as the Carolina Union team finds itself separated physically, we’ve seen extraordinary contributions from every team member as we help each other and the community we serve. So we’re showing our appreciation for everything our team has done and is doing through some very challenging weeks.
Let’s start with Housekeeping’s diligent work to keep our building clean while it remained open to the public. Our team tripled the amount of regular cleaning and disinfecting, with a focus on high-touch places like door plates and table tops. They even used a Kaivac Cleaning System to give the restrooms an extra cleaning. Their hard work ensured a safe facility for our staff and visitors.
With hundreds of scheduled events disrupted, the Events Services and Reservations team has been in customer service overdrive, communicating with event organizers and helping them understand the impacts of closures and their options moving forward. We all certainly look forward to helping them welcome back many of our clients when the time comes.
Fraternity & Sorority Life has been working collaboratively with the organizations it oversees, ensuring smooth communications with housing corporations and house managers to facilitate closures. They also continue to work with groups to help maintain aspects of their programming. Some groups are planning virtual new member educational sessions, and the Panhellenic Council is currently making plans to do a spring fundraiser on social media. IFC is in the process of donating money to the emergency fund support being maintained by the Dean of Students Office. We can’t wait to support them!
It’s times like these we appreciate the steady hand of our Business Office team. The professionals in this office have been busy providing financial information and analysis for COVID-19 related items to Students Affairs and the University. There’s also been all the work that goes into helping Union departments with refunds/returns/cancellations, including providing assistance with business-as-usual transaction processing. Meanwhile, they have developed alternative ways of doing business – e.g. check deposits; tracking of time and expenses. And all the while, they are continuing work on FY21 budget related items. Bravo, and thank you for what you do!
Communications & Creative Services created building/digital signage, website updates and social media posts that helped make the public aware of changes to building operations. The CCS team continues with regular client work and transitioning Union team members from in-person programming to virtual spaces. As the team finds ways to share the positives and highlights of this new way of working, they helped building tenant Carolina for the Kids publicize their annual Dance Marathon as a virtual event. CFTK ultimately raised more than $250,000!
And be sure to check out the new blog they have created, Carolina from Home. Written by a student communications assistant, Carolina from Home will document the ups and downs of life at home while completing the semester.
In many ways, it’s “full steam ahead” for Student Life & Leadership. Not only have they been providing invaluable direction and encouragement to student groups during this unique time, they have a calendar full of classes, programs and outreach to students. Here are a few things going on.
- All EDUC classes have been successfully transitioned online
- Plans are underway to conduct Student Officer Inauguration in April
- LEAD Workshop Series will be dropping online week of March 30th
- Broadcasts of both their Leadership podcast and live Q-and-A sessions with health experts will be airing soon
- A virtual Town Hall for student employees will be hosted online
- CUAB has launched a daily newsletter to help keep students engaged.
As we all go virtual, SAIT has helped all of us stay connected. From setting up Zoom to getting us on the server remotely, we appreciate all they’ve done to keep us up and running!
Finally, thank you to Administration and our Executive Team for providing a clear plan of action and leadership as we waded into uncharted waters. The focused leadership and regular updates have helped all of us feel informed, confident, and connected!