Alysson Satterlund is the new director of Student Activities this fall.

As director of Student Activities, Satterlund said her first goal is to limit the impact the budget may have on students. In doing so, Satterlund said she and the Student Activities staff have worked together to coordinate which furlough days they will take during the semester in order to offer the same level of support for students daily.

“(We are) also trying to secure grant money so we have some flexibility to augment some of the cuts we have to take,” Satterlund said.

Last year, the Student Activities department was without a director. Tom Carroll, assistant Student Activities director, said that beginning this academic year, a fully staffed department will help it move forward. Carroll said that a full staff will allow the department time to create new ideas and act upon them.

Carroll said Satterlund will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with students while also advising student organizations.

Satterlund, who encourages students to get involved in something that interests them in order to enjoy campus life, said there are more than 200 clubs.

“You name it, we have it,” Satterlund said.

Those who have had a chance to speak with Satterlund think she is a nice person.

“She is an approachable and very friendly woman,” said Jasmine Greer, senior environmental studies major and president of the Environmental Studies Organization.

Nicole Scanlan, English and psychology major and co-coordinator of the PRIDE Center, said Satterlund’s enthusiasm is shown in the way she greets students.

“She is always willing to help students when they come to her,” Scanlan said.

Satterlund is not only directing the Student Activities department, but she is also the temporary director of the PRIDE Center. The PRIDE Center supports the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer, Questioning and Ally community.

“One of the great things she has done so far is she has put a lot of effort behind working with the PRIDE Center,” Scanlan said.

Currently, Satterlund is helping the PRIDE center launch support groups, which they have not had before this year.

Vanessa Garibaldi can be reached at [email protected]