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While many of Miami University's undergraduates will head south to relax during spring break, others will use the time off to learn, work and volunteer.
A sampling of student plans during the March 15-23 break include:
• Twenty-one students will explore sustainable development in Dominica in a class taught by Tom Klak, professor of geography. Students met on campus in preparation; they will earn four credit hours. Klak said students will work with visitors and local residents, each teaching the other how to live sustainably. The goal is for all "to come away inspired to make the world more habitable." Four students received scholarship support from Miami's Harry T. Wilks Leadership Institute for the trip.
• Approximately 20 students interested in government relations careers will visit Miami alumni in Washington, D.C. Julie Chlopecki, Miami '85, will host students at Xenophon Strategies, a strategic communications firm. The program is organized by Miami's offices of institutional relations and career services.
• Thirty-five students will work in Lake Charles, La., helping residents still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Rita. The United Way project is co-sponsored by Miami's office of community engagement and service and the honors and scholars program. Students will work in smaller teams with people from all over the country.
• Miami's Ambassadors for Children (AFC) chapter will send two groups overseas: 18 students with a faculty member to El Salvador and 13 students and a faculty member to Guatemala. Senior Marissa Hirsh, president, said the group had a "packing party" last weekend in preparation. "Both trips are taking hundreds of pounds of hygiene supplies, school supplies and educational materials including laptops, sports equipment and such," said Hart, as well as an $800 donation from the chapter.
• 13 Miami students heading to Chiapas, Mexico to study with human rights workers will report on their trip by using a blog. Details are here.
• Miami's dance team will stay on campus, practicing three times a day. The hard work is in preparation for the National Dance Alliance (NDA) competition in Daytona Beach, Fla. April 9-13. "The dance team is currently ranked fifth in the nation. We will be working hard to defend our title!," said team captain Rachael Gilpin.
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