A small minority of students gained media attention recently with yard parties and signs on UMD Move-In Day.
A much larger number of students -- more than 200 -- volunteered and worked tirelessly on Move-In Day and Bulldog Welcome Week. These unheralded students greeted more than 2,000 freshmen and their parents and helped unload hundreds of packed cars and vans. They led freshmen in small groups, helping the new students learn about the University of Minnesota Duluth and the numerous ways to engage in programs and campus life to ensure future academic success. During the Chancellor's Convocation they enthusiastically cheered for all new students, the marching band and each collegiate unit.
These volunteers are the true UMD student models for our newest and largest incoming class.
Members of Greek organizations and other student groups also volunteered for "street patrol," greeting students and parents in their vehicles as traffic gathered near campus. Dorm and apartment resident assistants and the Hall Orientation Team greeted students and helped them settle into their new surroundings.
Throughout UMD Bulldog Welcome Week, Student Association members sponsored socials and encouraged new students to get involved, both at UMD and in their new community. The Student Association also sponsored "Bulldog After Dark," a program continuing all year that provides students with alcohol-free entertainment options on weekends.
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Yet another group of students, Alcohol Peer Educators, made presentations on alcohol risk reduction. Their work is just one of many alcohol education programs provided for students throughout the year.
All these student groups represented a much greater majority of the UMD student body than the few whose antics gained media attention and who were so prominently cited in the News Tribune. These are the students who deserve our attention, thanks and admiration.
Jackie Millslagle is interim vice chancellor of academic support and student life at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
