Demonstrations on Campus

Demonstrations on Campus

Students walking through the Linn-Benton courtyard may have noticed people sitting at booths, handing out informational pamphlets, cookies, and even passages from The Bible.  They may have wondered why these people are on campus and what, if any, restrictions are placed upon them.

In fact, most anyone is welcome to hold a demonstration on campus to promote their cause, as long as it is non-discriminatory .

Bruce Clemetsen, vice president of student services at LBCC, said that "there are probably three to five organizations that ask to have a presence on campus during a term.  I wouldn't really say they demonstrate; they're just here to offer a perspective."

"One of the hallmarks of education is to have a place for the open exchange of ideas," said Clemetsen."

Brandon Vance, a student at LBCC, works with the Student Leadership Council and is involved in approving demonstrations that are to be held on the campus.  According to  Vance, any organization with a cause to promote is welcome do so, as long as they are approved by the school's administration.  Clemetsen said "we don't have any registration requirements.  We believe that this is community space."

When it comes to posting material on school bulletins, "you can post whatever you want, as long as you aren't discriminating against other students, and you follow the disclaimer," said Vance.

Vance has not seen any sales advertisements at LBCC, however, and says that "Linn-Benton in particular tries to shy away from advertisements and those who are trying to sell something."

Some demonstrations held on campus have been known to be controversial, and in some cases, to cause offense.  The people holding these demonstrations, however, are entitled to freedom of speech, and are within their rights as US citizens demonstrating on public property.  "If you want a counterargument, you have to be the one to make it," said Vance.

Clemetsen said that "over the years, there have been groups that we've had to ask to refrain from what they were doing," although it's not a common occurrence.

"Anybody that is here does not necessarily represent the views of the college, but they add to the value of the exchange of ideas," said Clemetsen.

Anyone who would like to share their point of view or to raise awareness of an issue is invited to do so.  To get involved, contact the Student Leadership Council.

At a Glance:
Linn-Benton Policies:  http://po.linnbenton.edu/BPsandARs/
Student Leadership Council: 541- 917-4475
Bruce Clemetsen: 541-917-4811

Work-Study Jobs Help LBCC Students Earn Money

Work-Study programs are allowing students to earn money to pay for their tuition without leaving their campus.

Many students who use financial aid to pay for college education are eligible for involvement in the federally funded Work-Study programs available at select schools. This need based program places students in a variety of different jobs in which they can earn paychecks that are applied directly to their tuition and fees.

According to the United States Department of Education, "Students can receive [Federal Work-Study] funds at approximately 3,400 participating postsecondary institutions."

Linn-Benton Community College is one such institution, and it offers a variety of Work-Study job positions, all of which are posted on its website.

Marci Johnston has been working at LBCC for eleven years, and for the past two, has been involved in coordinating student placement into Work-Study jobs around campus. When asked about the benefits of the program, she said that “it is flexible around your schedule, whereas a lot of employers aren't as flexible."

According to Johnston, there are 157 positions available at LBCC every academic year. Some are available during the summer, but not as many as during the rest of the year. Some students “try and gain new job skills, and others go for something light hearted and fun, like food service," Johnston said.

Some students enter into these programs and discover career interests they hadn't previously explored. Michelle Slay works in the Career Center at LBCC and began working there as a Work-Study participant. “In my case," said Slay, “Work-Study turned into employment later on down the road."

When asked if the Work-Study program is beneficial to the school, Slay said “Yes. There are some things that we, as staff, would not be able to get done without our 'Work-Studies'...what they give to us is so valuable." Sometimes, she said, volunteers fill positions around the office. In many cases, however, “the office would probably just go without that help,"if it weren't for students participating in the program.

Slay said that there is likely some Work-Study position that everyone would enjoy doing.

At a glance:
What: Johnston and Slay discuss the benefits of Work-Study programs
Where: LBCC Career Center
Contact: Marci Johnston and Michelle Slay
More Information: US Department of Education (http://www2.ed.gov/programs/fws/index.html)
LBCC Career and Employment Services: 541-917-4780