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INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP MIDDLE EARTH |
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Welcome to Middle Earth! By choosing to live in Middle Earth, you are increasing your opportunities for getting the most out of your UCI experience! Living on campus supports academic success by giving you convenient access to classes and campus resources and by providing a living environment that is focused on learning and personal growth. Research indicates that students who live on campus are more likely to complete their education. Participating in extra-curricular activities in college is also shown to support graduation rates. Getting involved is also FUN, and a great way to make friends. Here in Middle Earth, you can put your extra-curricular time to good use by taking part in some of the many activities and special programs offered to our residents. No matter what your particular interests are, you are bound to find something that will quench your thirst for new experiences and support your personal growth outside the classroom. Getting involved gives you the chance to help shape the community that you live in! The ways and means are there—all it takes is your readiness to try something new. So check out your opportunities below! |
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Programs and Activities
Middle Earth student and professional staff organize more than 600 programs throughout the course of the academic year. Events typically begin on move-in day in September and continue until move-out day in June. The staff work with residents to present programs that facilitate your transition and success at the University. Past programs have included: |
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• Talent Shows, Karaoke and Open Mic Nights • Casino Night • Ice cream socials, movie nights, pizza parties, holiday parties, dances, ice skating, bowling • Quarterly Blood Drives • Basketball, Volleyball, and Dodgeball Tournaments |
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• Beach barbecues and bonfires Educational Workshops (examples:) • Study Skills • Health and Nutrition Skills • Resume Development • End of the Year Hall Banquets • Annual Formal Dance |
Academic Classes
Several classes are offered in the Middle Earth community. These classes focus on six topics or cluster themes and supplement UCI's general curriculum. Classes are open to all Middle Earth residents, but residents of the sponsoring halls have priority for enrollment. Each class is taught by staff from the UCI Counseling Center with assistance from the Resident Advisors of the halls. The classes do award elective credit upon completion. Come to the Middle Earth Housing Office at the beginning of the quarter to get information about the times and locations of the classes. Classes are held in Gandalf's Classroom located next to the Arkenstone study lounge. Hall Classes Include:
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Involvement and Employment Opportunities
Middle Earth residents help keep our community running smoothly in a wide variety of jobs -- some paid, some voluntary. By serving in your community, you can help ensure that the needs of our diverse population are understood and adequately met.
Involvement Opportunities
Community Council (MECC) - the governing body that represents the student community. Meetings are held the Wednesday of each even week in the quarter (week 2,4,6, etc.). Involvement opportunities in MECC include:
- Community Council Committees
- Newsletter Committee - Creates the Hobbit's Tale (the community newsletter) which is published three times a quarter.
- Events Committee- Plans program events for the Middle Earth Community.
- Advocacy Committee - Meets to talk about maintenance and service issues in Middle Earth.
- Hall Delegates - representatives are elected in each hall and represent their hall at Community Council meetings.
Government of Undergraduate Student Housing (GUSH)
GUSH is the governing student body for all campus residential communities (Arroyo Vista, Campus Village, Mesa Court, and Middle Earth). Each community elects representatives to represent their communities at their General Meetings, which happen every odd-week Monday. More information can be found at the GUSH website.
Employment Opportunities
Student staff are key contributors to the day-to-day operations of the complex. The 70+ student employees in Middle Earth learn more about the "business of student housing", gain valuable work experience, and earn salaries or stipends. Most positions are filled during spring quarter for the following academic year. Continuing students are given preference for most positions, but some positions are available for freshmen in September. Hours are flexible and are arranged around each student's academic schedule. The wages and time requirements vary. Contact the Middle Earth Housing Office for more information.
Employment opportunities include:
- Resident Advisors (RAs) - These students have successfully completed extensive selection and training programs. Their primary role is to work with you as a peer advisor to make your stay in on-campus housing a positive living/learning experience. Applications are available in November for the following year. There is one RA per residence hall. Remuneration is room and board.
- Community Programmers - The "CPs" are responsible for developing and implementing events and programs for the entire Middle Earth community. They provide educational, multicultural, and social programs and work with the RAs, Community Council and the Brandywine Student Center (BSC) Manager to co-sponsor large scale events. CPs work closely with the Programs Advisor in developing programs for the Middle Earth community. Training will be in the spring and summer. Hours are approximately 10-12 per week.
- Programs Advisor - Generally a seasoned programmer or student leader, the Programs Advisor is the student supervisor of the Community Programmers. This position offers a fun, yet challenging, opportunity for the student looking for a leadership role. Responsibilities include programmer hiring and training, program development and implementation, budget maintenance and liaison with other student staffs. Training will be in the spring and late summer. There are two Program Advisor positions available. Hours are approximately 18 per week.
- Community Council President - Generally an experienced student leader or Council person. The President is the student advisor to the Middle Earth Community Council Executive Board. Responsibilities include working with hall officers, community service programming and regular "Coffee House" programs. The President also meets with the BSC Manager and the CP staff weekly to discuss current trends within the Middle Earth community. This is a great way for students to gain leadership skills. Training takes place during spring and late summer. Hours are approximately 12 per week.
- Community Council Executive Board - The Community Council Executive Board is committed to promoting community living through advocacy, programming and services. This team works directly with Community Council members and closely with the CPs. These leadership roles have proven to be both challenging and rewarding. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Newsletter Editor, and Events Chair positions are available on the Executive Board. Training takes place during spring and late summer. These positions are required to live in the community and must pay for their own room and board. Hours are approximately10-12 per week.
- Brandywine Student Center Manager - Generally an experienced Middle Earth Attendant, the Brandywine Student Center manager oversees the Brandywine Student Center and Helm's Deep. The Brandywine Student Manager works an average of 18 hours per week.
- Student Housing Office Manager - Generally an experienced Middle Earth Attendant. the Student Housing Office Manager oversees student operations in the Middle Earth Housing Office, which includes the mail and package distribution. The Student Housing Office Manager works an average of 18 hours per week.
- Middle Earth Attendants - Middle Earth Attendants work all of Middle Earth's public facilities in the Housing Office and the Brandywine Student Center. This position requires the ability to work well with others as well as independently. Attendants assist the BSC Manager with programs and events sponsored in the Brandywine Student Center. Training takes place during the summer. Pay is $8.24 per hour with an average of 8-12 hours per week.
- Brandywine Commons/Pippin Commons - Various food service positions available throughout the year, contact the manager for details.
Applications for all positions are available in the Middle Earth Housing Office in mid-February. If you have any questions regarding any of the listed positions, please go to that office for assistance.
updated: 5/19/10
