Aaron Berkowitz – General Assignment Reporter
The best way to keep the students engaged is to find topics they can relate to and expand on them, said President Papazian.
“The university is excited to announce that there will be several new courses offered for students to enjoy and learn from,” said Papazian. “We are most excited for the implementation of our new ‘Twerking Towards a Goal Program.’”
Papazian said she hopes the new program will help students stay fit and live healthier lifestyles while having fun through dancing.
“People dance differently now,” said Papazian. “But every generation dances different. Each generation comes with their own culture and this is one way which the university is aiming to adopt that culture.”
According to a press release, the push for the new program at the school was an easy one. Faculty members, the entire football team, and both basketball teams are the first to enroll in the program, which kicks off next semester. They will all be involved in a demonstration on April 7 during the SCSU on the Green’s open house at 900 Chapel St. from 5-7:30 p.m.
Michael Donnelly, the head men’s basketball coach, said he is excited for the new program and how it will benefit his players during the off-season.
“It should be an interesting experience,” said Donnelly. “This could help take our players’ game to the next level. Hopefully the student body can handle this program with some maturity, if they can I have little to no doubts that our campus will be a healthier one. How can you not be for a healthier student atmosphere?”
Robert Sheeley, associate vice president for capital budgeting & facilities operations, said the possibility of building a separate building for the “Twerking Towards a Goal Program” is probable after reevaluating the priorities of the school with President Papazian and her staff.
“If it were up to me we would reserve some space for the program in each of the academic buildings,” said Sheeley. “There was talk of dedicating some space inside the new science building and also the entire new addition to the Buley Library, but now we are planning to put the program’s temporary home in Morrill Hall.”
Pat Dilger, director of public affairs, said he encourages students’ feedback to continue because he would like to see more beneficial programs like this one at SCSU.
“This is huge for the new direction that SCSU is headed in. Our goal is to set up an environment around campus that will increase our student’s chances of succeeding. If it ‘twerks’ for them it ‘twerks’ for us,” said Dilger jokingly.
Dilger said he is anxiously awaiting the approval for a new building to shelter the program.
The program will offer a range of courses for students to enroll in. According to the SCSU website the courses range from Intro. to Twerking, Twerk History, and Twerk for your Health. All the classes are classified as electives and are worth six credits rather than the usual three. Class sizes are said to be smaller for these select courses so students interested in registering should speak with their advisors.
Students interested in registering for any of the classes can visit the school website for more information or head down to the Registrar’s office in the Wintergreen Building. Questions will also be answered at the April 7 open house on Chapel St.
“We hope to see everyone at the open house,” said Papazian. “The more support and confidence the school receives from its supporters, the better off the school and students’ futures will be. Next semester will be yet another step in the right direction for SCSU.”