How we see it...
From Fall 2007
"The problem with this place is that everyone is quick to point out flaws and no one is willing to help make it better."
- Kevin Bertholf, Alumni
SWAT was formed on the principles that WE, the students of SUNY-IT are responsible for making this college more livable for US. Many students who live on campus are more content with sitting in their dorm, playing video games, then getting out to socialize and see what the rest of the campus has to offer. We're getting too far along in life to expect someone to hold our hand and guide us into places unknown to us.
The school hasn't exactly been helping with this dilemma. The clubs on campus [with the exception of a small handful] are as impotent at attracting new students as they are at serving them. Sure, every club will throw up a few posters in Donovan Hall so they can say they are "advertising"... but if you're not in their clique, then why bother to go? A club based around engineering isn't going to attract those in the business majors; a club based around computer science isn't going to appeal to those in the nursing majors. We're not here to put them down, it's great that there are groups to unite like minded individuals. But going to college is also about meeting new people, not just those in your field of study.
So rather then sit in our rooms and complain like the scores of other students across the residence halls, we're going to do something about it. We have a large enough member base already that we can throw some weight around on campus. We don't care what major you're in, what year you're going to graduate, what residence hall you live in... we're here for everyone irregardless. We'll gladly work with the defunct clubs, introducing students to their presence on campus, while using their resources for the student body at large.
We want to do what YOU want to do!
If you have an idea, let us know! Seriously! If it seems like it's feasible, safe, and has benefit to students in some way/shape/form, we'll genuinely consider it and even put it to vote at our meetings. Wanna build something to get real hands-on experience, but you can't take the class for it? We'll do it ourselves! Wanna go somewhere [reasonable]? If we have enough people who are interested, why not get school transportation!
Everyone paid the student activity fee right?
The comprehensive student fee include assessments for student activities such as: Athletics, Yearbook, Library, Health Services, Breakage, Student I.D's, etc.
Lets get our money's worth!
What we do around here ...
A simplified version
Whatever we want!
After all the money we pay into this school for tuition, most students simply sit around, not realising the school has an abundent pool of resources availible. Use of facilities, vehicles, services, funding, etc. We don't require members to be of a certain academic major, maintain above a cetain GPA, or even require sobriety at meetings.
To get an understanding of how our idea/descion making process works, here's an example:
Club officer: So anyone got any ideas of what to do this semester?
Member 1: Can we shoot each other?
**long silence**
Club officer: Well, there's the Airsoft Club you can do that in...
Member 2: What about Laser Tag?
Club officer: Yeah, we can do that. Find out where and the club will pay for an outing.
Granted most meetings aren't that productive but when there's a good idea, the club goes through great lengths to get as many students out of the dorms (and hopefully off-campus).
Events:
The bread and butter of the club
Past Events -
Urban Exploring - Rochester's Subway
A 1.5 mile long, unlit subway tunnel under Rochester. It is public property, and non-enclosed (so no crimes are being committed by going in). It is structurally sound thanks to new construction that has reinforced the ceiling to support I-490 above it. There are some nice views at the bridge over the Genesee River. Interesting artifacts and architecture below the surface of a city in New York State.
SUNY IT Survival
Winter is the best 8 months out of the year in Utica, so the club wanted to do an outdoor activity. With tons of input from members of the club, we decided to make it a survival issue, with students camping out in the woods in the middle of winter. The last student standing was to win $150 gift card to Wal-Mart (the school prohibits us giving away cash). The weather wasn't as fierce as we hoped, in the end there were 6 students left and the money had to be split. We plan on doing this again in February, after revising the old event thoroughly.
Arcade Box project (ongoing)
Our first club project; combining Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical, and Telecommunication students together into a project we can all enjoy. Using basic materials and donated electronics, we made a functioning arcade box, with over 500 playable games. It now resides in the Campus Center Game Room. Unfortunately, due to abuse, it is no longer functional. We plan on dedicating more time and resources this semester to repairing it, and making it more durable.
Future Events -
Police FireArms Training Simulator (FATS) - Information
A club member has a contact in the Kingston Police who may be willing to demonstrate the virtual training prospective police officers have to go through with regards to sidearms. It is to be a hands-on demonstration where students are put into scenario's (traffic stop, takedowns, raids, etc) and forced to make decisions on when/how to use standard issue firearms. The club will requisition vans to transport any students wishing to come. Pre-registration may be required.
Spelunking
During summer 2008, a few club members discovered a public cave system that requires no technical gear to enter/explore, but is unregulated (unlike Howe's Cavern). Basic gear is needed, such as flashlights, a hard hat/helmet, and some knee pads. School vans will be requisitioned, and pre-registration may be required to ensure we have enough seats. All students will probably be required to sign waivers of liability and insurance forms.
Getting a hold of us
In case you need to...
There are 2 ways to get a hold of the club:
1 - Come to our meetings, Tuesday at 10pm in the Campus Center (upstairs) .
2 - Send an E-Mail to sunyitswat(at)gmai(dot).com and we'll reply as soon as we can .