Issue #13– April 21, 2009
Resident Spotlight: Reflect and Recharge with Tim
How do you define a leader? If you cannot put it into words, I have the perfect example. Tim Wallenhorst epitomizes the definition and example of the leadership role. As Vice-President of the Off-Campus and Apartment Student Association, also known as OCASA, Tim diligently works to see the organization maximize to its fullest potential. A conversation with Tim is definitely an eye-brow lifter because he shows so much concern and dedication to the advocacy of the RIT student population.
Interviewer: Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What’s your major?
Tim: I come from a very country beginning in Forestville, NY. I came to RIT because it seemed to be a good balance of innovation and technological focus. As an honors Finance and Economics major I felt I could make an impact both personally and in a leadership role.
Interviewer: Tell me a little bit about OCASA.
Tim: Representing about 10,000 students who live off-campus and in RIT apartments, OCASA is your home away from home. We aim to create a base for those living off-campus and in the apartments. We offer services when it comes to parking and transportation as well as events to bring people together. For example, we had a successful “Pizza Bomb” where we served pizza and played games with over 450 people. OCASA always serves coffee and has coffee breaks for students which are pretty popular and in the Spring we hope to have some barbeques. Hopefully we can have a few in some of the apartment complexes off-campus.
Interviewer: How long have you been vice-president of OCASA?
Tim: I was elected last year in April 2008. Before that I was part of the Residence Hall Association and since I became an off-campus student, I felt I had a better understanding of the needs of off-campus students. Unfortunately, I’ll be graduating in May so I must retire.
Interviewer: What did you do to campaign for your position?
Tim: It was really about getting out there and talking to people. I put up flyers to advertise what I was campaigning for and I was required to get about 50 student signatures.
Interviewer: Why do you think advocacy for off-campus residents is so important?
Tim: I have been looking at the OCASA constitution and what’s interesting is the history and legacy of OCASA. Students more and more have concerns that aren’t being addressed. OCASA is here to answer those specific questions like parking and transportation. People need help in getting an apartment and we’re here for those reasons. We want to help and do more to show our support.
Interviewer: What services do you offer for off-campus residents?
Tim: We are present to answer any questions students may have. Specifically, the Student Issues Director handles questions from parking clarifications to locker issues. Our office has computers for students to use and they can print as well as fax. We always serve coffee and throughout the quarters programming is extremely important because we have the opportunity to bring students together.
Interviewer: What are some of your duties as vice-president?
Tim: I plan the OCASA meetings. It is my job to ensure that the staff is working efficiently and effectively. It is my job to see that people are fully aware of their responsibilities. Recently I have been updating the constitution and just preparing for upcoming events.
Interviewer: As president, what questions do you hear most from residents?
Tim: I get a lot of office questions. I don’t hear too much from students because those questions are turned over to the Student Issues Director. But as a whole, OCASA receives a lot of questions about parking and transportation.
Interviewer: How do you think off-campus students can stay connected to campus?
Tim: I encourage students to come to the events. Our Pizza Bomb was successful, we’ll have barbeques, and our volleyball tournament is coming up and we plan on collaborating with the College Activities Board for a band exposition this spring as well. Our office is open longer hours, 9am-10pm Monday through Thursday and 9am to 5pm on Fridays. Our goal is to really build a community.
Interviewer: How does your leadership position help your major?
Tim: This is a good overlap for finance because finance goes into management. Management requires leadership and that’s the role I want to be in.
Interviewer: How do you balance your studies and being vice-president?
Tim: I just find the time to get it done. I know my limits and I find that the more I have to do, the more effective I am at getting it done. I work with the Honors program as well so it’s a lot but I apply my best to all of my commitments. I plan and make schedules for myself and it works out.
Interviewer: What do you do on your free time?
Tim: I watch movies. Crummy action movies and a thriller from time to time are always good. During the week I work hard so I can have most of the weekend to relax. Renewal is a tactic I learned in a leadership class and it means to make time to reflect and recharge and that’s what I do before I begin my week all over again.
Interviewer: Where do you see yourself after graduation?
Tim: I see myself in corporate finance in a leadership role. Take charge and moving forward is more of my personality so I know I will be an effective leader. I plan on getting my MBA and I’m in the process of applying to a few schools. But, applying for jobs is also on my list so I’m keeping my options open.
Interviewer: Do you have any goals for OCASA before the academic year is over?
Tim: Spring is a time of collaboration and OCASA is doing that with a few other student organizations like CAB and RHA. We will expand on our events and services. I plan on meeting with the board to see that everyone is on top of their priorities. We hope to be well-prepared for our events and really focus on advertising and maximizing the attendance. Work is validated by attendance.
Check out these programs OCASA will be hosting during Spring quarter 2009!
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| 4/25/09 | Volleyball Tournament | 10-5 PM | Fieldhouse |
| 5/14/09 | Coffee Break | 9-3 PM | OCASA office |
For more information, contact the OCASA office:
Email: ocasa@rit.edu
Phone: (585) 475-6680
For more articles from this issue, click here