About Unit One
Student Groups in Allen Hall
2007-2008
Allen Hall Student Groups
Active Allen
Active Allen is the student group for people who like to be active! Sound a bit too general? So is this group! We do anything and everything active such as sports, hiking, camping, capture the flagging, frisbee golfing, and any other thing you might think of when you hear the word "Active." If you'd consider yourself an active person, or you would like to be more of one, this is the group for you! Contact RA Jon for more details at jschles2@uiuc.edu!
Allenhalldeutschklub
Interresierst du dich fuer die deutsche Sprache? Whether you speak German or not, you are welcomed to Allen Hall's own Deutschklub to socialize over coffee and other goodies at the Busey Latenight Cafe. We often watch foreign films (in German of course) and bake famous creations to share at Coffeehouse performances. German Scrabble is also a NEW addition this year! Join us Tuesdays at 8 PM. Contact RA Anna Patterson apatter5@uiuc.edu for more information.
Allen Book Club
Do you ever get the feeling that when you finish a book you're not quite done with it? Allen Book Club is here to fix that for you! Every month we vote on a book, read it during that month, and then come together to discuss everything that happened. It’s a comfortable place and space to talk and get to know other book lovers. Come for one book reading or all! Any questions, contact RA Robin at rlamado2@uiuc.edu.
Allen Volunteer Corps
Help out in our local
Chambana community with other Allenites. Or
maybe even Chicago during thanksgiving/winter/summer break or maybe
even New Orleans. DO
something. Organize food drives, work outside,
utilize collective brain and people power! Contacts: RAs Lisa,
pickert2@uiuc.edu, and Jon,
jschles2@uiuc.edu.
L'Alliance Française
Parlez-vous français? Est-que vous voulez apprendre? If you understood these questions or wish you could, come check us out. We are the French social club in Allen. We meet on Thursday nights at 9 pm to walk over to Busey Coffeehouse for snacks and fun frenching conversation. Along with meeting nice people who can help you with your homework, you can help us plan awesome cultural events like African cuisine night, or the French cheese tasting festival. After all, where would we all be without French fries or French kissing? For more info contact RA Randy at rchampa2@uiuc.edu
Audio and Video Club
The Allen Audio & Video (AV) Club is a networking opportunity for anyone who is interested in the art and/or technology aspects of filmmaking. Do you have a project that needs a producer, writer, or editor? Then this group is for you. The AV Club will also be planning the Allen Film Festival that happens every semester. For more information contact PA Randy Champagne rchampa2@uiuc.edu or RA Patrick Hale phale@uiuc.edu.
Coffeehouse
Allen Hall’s own open mic night/talent show! Occurs about once a month and signups are posted in advance, so start working on your musical act, monologues, dance routine, or just about anything that you can do in five minutes that will not hurt anybody. See you there!
Ceramics Exploration
Ever wanted to learn how to make a sculpture or throw a pot? Join the ceramics exploration group! Learn how to use the ceramics facilities at Allen and some techniques for making your own creations. The group is intended for anyone interested regardless of skill, experience, or academic discipline. Look at the door of the ceramics lab for more information or contact PA Mike at mheimbu2@uiuc.edu.
Eusa Nia
Eusa Nia means “Black Purpose” in Swahili. It is the Black Student Union (BSU) of Allen Hall. Its purpose is to provide social and educational programming for students of color and to promote African American culture in the hall. All residents of Allen Hall are welcome to attend the meetings and programs. We are open to everyone, so please come check us out. Get involved!! E-mail eusania@gmail.com.
Food of Love
Do you ever stay in Friday nights to watch Iron Chef? Love grocery store trips? Want to learn recipes from other cultures? Then come join us! This group is dedicated to the art of food- selecting, preparing, cooking, enjoying, cultural blending, and an overall understanding of the food we eat. We will try new recipes and plan visits to the local farmer's markets. Need more info? Contact Ria at rrobert4@uiuc.edu.
INK
Can you read? Do you write? Then come on down and join INK – Allen Hall’s very own literary and writing group. Last year we compiled an anthology of poetry, prose, and art from residents in the dorm. Other activities could include going to local prose/poetry readings, posting book recommendations in the weekly Allen Hall newsletter, Allen Notes, doing writing games or reading each other’s writing or doing a poetry slam. If you are interested in being a part of INK, listen up for our first meeting date or contact Janice at jyi2@uiuc.edu!
Planeteers
Earth! Wind! Fire! Heart! Whether you are just interested in doing your part or even reducing your ecological impact on our beautiful planet, come to Planeteers! Past projects include delivering energy efficient light bulbs to fellow Allenites, producing a YouTube video about printing on recycled paper in University computer labs, and hosting the annual clothes-swap. For more information, contact Lisa Pickert at pickert2@uiuc.edu.
Q
Q is Allen Hall's discussion and support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer students and their allies. This student-led group is designed for students to discuss about controversial issues that affect the LGBTQA community, do activism and fundraising around the residence halls on campus, and to simply socialize and meet other queer and queer-friendly folks through loads of fun activities from games to movies to field trips. Q is a group that is open to everyone, and all are very welcome! Contact Pat at phale@uiuc.edu for more information.
Scrabble Squad
A club dedicated to the enrichment of vocabulary, strategy and numeracy. Cultivating a consuming competitive compulsion, Scrabble Squad brings together the Allen community one letter at a time. We also make a mean guacamole dip. For more information contact Robin at rlamado2@uiuc.edu or Mike at mheimbu2@uiuc.edu.
Sounds Through Hands
Allen Hall’s very own sign language club. Come meet new people, practice your ASL and pick up some new words. The club meets regularly for fun ASL practice and games. All levels are encouraged to attend!
Small Town America
Have you ever had the
desire to see a movie at a 1950s drive-in movie
theatre? Do you jump at the chance to play with baby goats on an
organic farm? Do you ever dream about winning the National Cheese
Eating Championship? If you said yes to any of these questions, you
need to check out Small Town America, Allen Hall's club devoted to the
appreciation of the unique people, history, and culture of communities
that surround campus. Contact to RA Jon at
jschles2@uiuc.edu to
sign-up for an off-campus adventure!
Spanish Social Club
This group provides an informal setting for residents to practice speaking Spanish. Residents can expect to plays games, watch movies, grab coffee and other treats, and just sit around and talk - all in Spanish of course. Also, the group will talk about study abroad opportunities and other ways to get involved in the latino/a community around campus. Come join us at 9 pm on Wednesdays! Contact PA Randy at rchampa2@uiuc.edu for more info.
Speakeasy
Speakeasy is an ongoing open forum dedicated to talking about spiritual and social issues without fear of conversion or coercion. This group is open to all ideas and thoughts and welcomes all Allen residents. Past discussions have included abortion, religion in government, gay marriage, among other issues. Questions or ideas? Please contact Nora at nprior2@uiuc.edu or Celine at cbbrowni@uiuc.edu.
Stitch N' Bitch
Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint club for the neurotic and easy going alike. Beginners are welcome and encouraged. Contact Celine at cbbrowni@uiuc.edu for any questions and donations (yarn and otherwise).
Theater Experience
Allen Hall has seen a variety of student initiated theater groups during its history. At times, Allen theater groups have produced short plays written by Allen students, at other times full-length works by famous playwrights. The material is flexible and the structure is entirely up to you, so come join us and be the next big thing. Any or no experience is welcome! Contact Anni at amorris4@uiuc.edu for more information.
U.N.F.A.S.
(Unidos Nuestra Fuerza Abansara Siempre) or (United Our Strength will
Always Prevail)
The purpose of UNFAS is to foster community in the hall, promote Latino culture, and address Latino concerns within housing. UNFAS is open to everyone and provides support to all its members, regardless of background. It also provides encouragement for academic success and participation in other hall and campus activities. Further, the organization promotes an understanding of Latino culture through social, cultural and educational events. For more info contact Nora at nprior2@uiuc.edu.
Women of Allen
Women of Allen is a series of programs designed to empower, inform, and celebrate the women of Allen Hall. Past programs included dialogues on sexual health, belly dance workshops, and slumber parties in the main lounge. Contact Celine at cbbrowni@uiuc.edu with ideas or for more info.
Don’t see what you like here? Start your own student group!
If you have an idea about a new group, talk to people about it and see if there are other people who also want to get involved. Then talk to one of the Program Advisors about your idea. The PAs are here to help you. They can help you figure out your purpose and structure, learn how to reserve rooms in Allen Hall, strategize about publicity, and get access to funding!
What makes a group an Allen Hall Student Group?
Allen Hall Student Groups:
- Are primarily geared toward Allen Hall residents (though they can have non-Allen members).
- Advertise their events in Allen Hall and are open and inviting to Allen Hall residents.
- Are led by Allen Hall residents.
- Keep in contact with at least one Unit One staff member.
- Are run autonomously from any campus groups.
What are the benefits of being an Allen Hall student group?
Allen Hall Student Groups:
- Can reserve space in Allen Hall for meetings and events (provided that it is available).
- Have access to the advice and support of Unit One staff members such as Program Advisors.
- Can ask for money from Unit One to fund hall events.
Can non-Allen Hall groups still use Allen Hall space?
Non-Allen Hall groups can use Allen Hall space for one-time educational events that are open to all Allen Hall residents if these groups have Unit One staff support, if they advertise their event in the hall, and if space is available. They cannot use Allen Hall space for regular group meetings or for events that are primarily geared towards their members rather than Allen Hall residents.