To excite students about getting involved with Impact Week, the Syracuse University Student Association should adjust the event’s timing and better target the week’s initiatives toward its college demographic.

Impact Week was held Oct. 28-Nov. 2 with the theme, “Service is the New Black.” Nine events were held during the week. But besides a sold-out Impact Week Gala, the event lacked the publicity and student participation it deserves.

Impact Week is important for students to know about and attend. The event encourages students to participate in activities that connect them to the city of Syracuse and become more knowledgeable about the issues residents face.

Because of this, it is imperative that SA raises awareness of the event and improves Impact Week. First, SA should focus on the event’s timing.

This year’s Impact Week was held in the middle of the semester, when workloads are heavy and schedules are packed. It also ended just as Family Weekend began. Therefore, students were less likely to become involved.

Impact Week would benefit from taking place at the beginning of the semester, when students are more enthusiastic about getting involved on campus and are not burdened with work. They will have more time to participate in the week’s activities.

The week’s events benefit a serious cause, but a more engaging approach should be taken when planning the event. SA should continue to target its college-age demographic with activities that are not only fun, but show students the tangible results of their efforts.

SA did well by increasing participation from the greek and student organization community by introducing “Impact Greek” and “RSO Impact.” Greek members competed for the most service completed within the week, while student organizations competed for the most canned food donations.

But these types of incentivized activities should target the rest of the student body to encourage more involvement. There is an abundance of organizations on campus, including special interest and service groups, that might be willing to participate if targeted by SA.

The involvement of these groups will increase support for both Impact Week and SA itself.

SA should consistently work on how it can excite students about its cause. This can start with Impact Week.

Published on November 4, 2013 at 2:09 am

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com