Students sing, play and read to South Pole coffee-sippers

by Jeffery Rhodes
FOR THE POST

Ohio University Residence Life gave students the chance to showcase their talents at The South Pole Thursday night on South Green.

The South Pole, formerly Nelson Down Under, is a small gathering place under Nelson Commons for students to kick back with their peers.

"There is a relaxed atmosphere down here, like a coffeehouse," said Kellea Tibbs, Resident Director for the Foster Complex. "It's an opportunity for students to come and relax and meet people and do things they wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to do."

Students can perform onstage, watch their peers, sip on coffee, hot chocolate and tea and munch on snacks.

"Students can get up on stage and sing, dance, rap or read poetry," she said.

Guests said they liked the change of pace.

"It's a good atmosphere for good people and good friends to come and rock out," Ohio University sophomore Noah Adams said.

"It's the best Thursday night I've had," OU sophomore Kim Dinan said.

The activity is one of the university's niche programs. The events provide on-campus activities for students who are looking for alternatives to the Uptown scene and aim to improve undergraduate retention rates, OU Dean of Students Terry Hogan said.

Campus organizations submit proposals to the Dean of Student Office, he said. Each proposal outlines the expenses and the goals of the activity, and money is allotted to meet each activity's needs.

Of the $75,000 designated by OU this year for niche programs, $2,000 is allotted this quarter for Residence Life staff to rent audio equipment and provide refreshments and snacks for the students, Tibbs said. This money also can be used to purchase equipment for future events.

The event will take place on Thursday nights from 9 p.m. to midnight this quarter before it is evaluated for renewal, Hogan said.

Niche programming allows students to find connections on campus, Assistant Dean of Students Patti McSteen said.

"When students connect, or find their niche, they are more likely to get involved and stay on campus," she said.