UK Advisers Give a Day of Service

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2010) - Members of the University of Kentucky Advising Network recently participated in a day of community service on April 27. Forty-five volunteers, representing the College of Agriculture, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Gatton College of Business and Economics, the College of Communications and Information Studies, the College of Education, the Central Advising Service and Transfer Center, as well as support units like the CARES Center, the Office of International Affairs, the Robinson Scholars Program and the Suder Scholars Program, all participated.

"The executive committee of the Advising Network wanted to bring our members together to spend time getting to know each other, and do something for others by giving back to the community," said Erica Caton, chair of the Advising Network and director of advising in the College of Arts and Sciences. "It was an amazing experience; we took a little time out of our normal work day and in return we gained a renewed commitment to helping others, built stronger working relationships with our colleagues, and we had a great time doing it!"

The volunteers assisted at nonprofit agencies around Lexington, including Child Development Centers of the Bluegrass, Lexington Habitat for Humanity, the Hope Center, God's Pantry, Sayre Christian Village and Jarrett's Joy Cart.

"Our group truly had a great day," said Stephanie Lynch, academic adviser in the Gatton College of Business and Economics who volunteered at the Hope Center. "It was a very enlightening experience for us. There was gratitude for our presence from the minute we walked in. Clients would thank us as we washed the windows, were friendly and respectful. It was clear that we were caring for their home. They do great work and it is clear that the work is a result of the staff, the community of clients, and the contributions they make after they leave."

The UK Advising Network sponsored the event, and it was organized by the executive committee of the network. The goal was to allow academic advisers and student support personnel to get out of their offices, engage in projects that impact the community, and get to know each other better to enhance communication and collaboration across campus. The advising network receives funding from the Office of the Provost each year to support its activities which include webinars, trainings, and recognitions throughout the year.

"One of the main reasons the advising network wanted to create a 'day of service' was to allow academic advisers to have a 'FUSION- like' experience," said Matt Deffendall, 2010-11 chair-elect of the Advising Network. "Due to advising conferences scheduled during the opening of the fall semester, advisers are unable to participate in the annual FUSION event."

FUSION (For Unity and Service in Our Neighborhoods) is a one-day service event during K week in August that allows UK students, faculty and staff to volunteer at a local nonprofit agency or neighborhood residence. In the past seven years it has grown to become one of the greatest traditions at UK.

"When we tell students service is important, and encourage them to participate in FUSION and give back to their community, we want to be able to say we did it too," said Deffendall.