Sometimes it seems like our lives get more hectic as the day progresses at Sinclair Community College. It gets to the point where we don’t have a chance to unwind because we are constantly working on homework or cramming for an exam.
But, the Student Leadership Association proposes one option for students, faculty and staff who want to relax halfway through their day — “Coffee and Conversation.”
“The purpose of coffee and conversation is to mix and mingle students, faculty and staff with one another for networking and making positive school connections on an informal basis,” said Merri Shearer, student leadership development and student judicial affairs coordinator.
The informal discussion will take place in Building 8 near the Tartan Cantina every Tuesday at 2 p.m. until the beginning of June. The discussion is free and open to all students, faculty and staff.
For those that don’t drink coffee, punch, water and tea will be provided as well as cookies.
“This is not a lecture, this is just come for coffee and just chat,” she said. “I just hope that people can get from the title that it is a casual event. We just wanted something that gives people a chance to relax and get to know one another.”
The discussion will not be geared toward a certain topic, but the goal will be for a different department to sponsor the event each week.
“We have sponsors for the event, which means that the coffee and refreshments are on them,” Shearer said. “They can bring materials, if they want, and have them available to students, but not necessarily stand up and give a lecture on their area. The material is just available to the student.”
The students, faculty and staff who are present will then have the opportunity to ask questions and get their questions answered on a one-on-one basis.
But Shearer said that with Sinclair being such a large campus, she believes that it is vital for faculty and staff to get to know one another.
“The more connections we make with one another and the more connections we build is a win-win for everybody, “ Shearer said. “I think one of the main goals is to expand somebody’s support system. Years ago, they said that a lot of business was conducted on the golf course and this is the our modern day version of connecting informally with positive goals in mind.”
Shearer said that the discussion will be beneficial for students, faculty and staff because of the networking that will be taking place in an open environment.
“It is just a chance to form a relationship,” Shearer said. “It is just making connections on an informal basis because you never know, when you talk to somebody where that will lead. It could lead to a great idea or a student deciding that he or she will finish [Sinclair], which is our goal. It is a possibility and we are open to possibilities.”