By KATELYN BALL, Staff Reporter
Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Student Support Services department will be hosting a Thanksgiving Etiquette class on Monday November 14th, 2016 in the Ranger Room at the Student Center. “This event, Thanksgiving Etiquette Dinner/Banquet fulfills our career and academic professionalism objectives. We will equip students with the knowledge of professional and appropriate mannerisms within and outside of dining situations. We feel as though our marginalized population might not have had the opportunity to observe and establish professional dining etiquette” Said Britney Houston, the Project Advisor for Student Support Services in an interview.
This event is an invite only event for student support services participants. “This event is exclusive to Student Support Services participants. Due to our strict budget, we do not have the opportunity to open it up to all student or even community members Hopefully, in the future we can open the event to those willing to participate” said Houston. There is no cost for this event of you are invited.
Students will be taught proper etiquette for how to be present at a thanksgiving event. “Students will learn ha variety of things. General items such as business casual attire, to minute details such as holding utensils and placement of napkins” said Houston.
When asked why it is important to have etiquette on thanksgiving Houston said, “It’s not so much having etiquette on Thanksgiving, that is a family-friendly environment. I’m sure they don’t mind if you eat your salad with your dessert fork. It is an opportunity for students to prepare for formal dining occasions.”
There will be a meal provided at this event by Chartwells. “Yes. Chartwells will provide the meal we’ll have everything from turkey to mac and cheese, to pumpkin pie” said Houston.
Student support services is a federally granted program. Our program (SSS) provides service to first generation, limited income, and/or students who have disabilities. We provide services such as academic assistance, financial literacy and career and academic professionalism seminars.
“The mission of the Northwestern SSS grant is simply to aid first generation, low income & students with disabilities to be successful in college, to graduate & consider graduate school.” The prpose of SSS is “When provided with the support, resources, & information necessary for success, will have a greater change of graduating. We aim to employ a holistic program that facilitates & customizes services that address the academic & non-academic needs of participants as each level of their college experience” According to the Northwestern website.
“One’s comfort and skill in successfully navigating through etiquette and business protocol is important to elevating their personal and professional image and to making a favorable impression on an employer” said Houston.
If you would like to know more about this event or learn how you can become a part of Student Support Services please contact your local representatives, Dr. Dennis Angle, Student Support Services Director, in Fine Arts 108, Northwestern Alva campus at (580) 327-8130 or at drangle@nwosu.edu. Or Britney M. Houston, Project Advisor, Fine Arts 106, Northwestern Alva campus at (580) 327-8144 or at bmhouston@nwosu.edu.