CAB picks up new, exciting programming

Norwich University's campus is coming alive, thanks to a student-led group, the Campus Activities Board (CAB), which is working hard to plan and administer events for students on and off campus, according to its chair.

Baylee Annis, a 19-year-old sophomore English major from Saranac Lake, N.Y., is the chair of CAB. "We are aiming to engage every kind of student during the weekly and major events we host," she said.

The committee is run by Annis and her vice chair Emily Baugus, with Charisse Hulse on staff in the board's office in the Wise Campus Center.

According to the Norwich website (http://www.norwich.edu/campus/clubs.html), some of the weekly events CAB plans to promote include the Pub Quiz, karaoke, ballroom dancing lessons, campus movies, and yoga lessons.

Annis said the committee also plans events such as "the Lee Brice concert, various comedians, Winter Carnival, Junior Ring entertainers, and WICK @ Nite."

CAB not only plans weekly events, but also works on the major events on campus such as Regimental Ball, Family Weekend, Winter Carnival, and Junior Ring Weekend.

Nathalie Ouellette, a 19-year-old sophomore communications major from Gorham, N.H., said that by having a student-run committee, it allows them to get an idea of what students are interested in doing on and off campus.

Jessica Rosado, a 21-year-old senior civil engineer major from Bronx, N.Y., said she had never heard of CAB before, but believes it is doing a good job with sponsoring activities this year.

Adrian Dantzler, a 21-year-old senior communications major from Mitchville, Md., agreed. "I think this is a good way to get students involved in what is going on around campus," he said.

Rosado said, "this year, compared to last, we have a lot more fun activities going on, like the Lee Brice concert."

Dantzler said as a senior, he wishes he would have been more involved in the student activities around campus. "We as students can do something about the activities we have here (at school)."

Annis said while the committee focuses on events they would like to see for students, they also like to come up with ideas they think students should avoid.

Nikki Leclair, a 21-year-old senior biology major from Biddeford, Maine said she doesn't know a lot about CAB, but said she can see an effort being made (for students) by the students to steer them away from drinking.

"I have noticed more students staying on campus and being involved with the activities that are provided for students," Rosado said.

One activity CAB has been offering students during the winter is the shuttle bus to Sugarbush ski resort, where students can get a free ride to the mountain to ski or snowboard, according to Annis.

The activity began last winter as a way for students to get away from campus for a few hours during the weekend, Annis explained.

She said the spots are limited to six students, plus the driver, but "it's a great opportunity for students to get out and ski or snowboard."

According to Annis, the shuttle bus runs every Saturday and leaves campus at 6:15 a.m., and is driven by Rev. William Wick, who "graciously volunteered to drive the bus to and from Sugarbush each weekend."

Students meet at the White Chapel on Saturday mornings and proceed to take a Norwich bus to the ski resort, located in Warren.

According to Annis, the bus goes directly to Sugarbush and makes no other stops in between.

"CAB chose Sugarbush because it's a mountain with a range of slopes, making it available for students of all abilities to ski/snowboard freely," Annis said.

Not only does the mountain accommodate all levels of ability but "many students participate in the discounted season passes that Sugarbush offers for students" she said.

Alexandra Johns, a 22-year-old recent graduate from Suffolk University in Boston who hails from Barre, Vt., said such recreational offerings weren't available to her when she was down country.

"I wish we had opportunities like this when I was in school, but since I was in the city, we didn't have activities like that."

According to the website, the committee meetings are held weekly, and are open to attendance and participation from all students.

For more information on CAB activities or to submit any ideas, contact the committee by email at cab@norwich.edu.