Digital Den: Finding Your Place at Global Campus
Finding your place at an online campus can look a little different, but there are plenty of ways to connect, get involved, and make your voice heard.
In this episode of Digital Den, Andria talks with Mia Darnell about involvement opportunities across Global Campus, Logan Shepard about student voice and leadership through ASWSUG, and Cris Hylton about finding community through student clubs.
Along the way, we explore Involve, involvement points and recognition, and the many ways Global Cougs can turn connection into community.
Resources:
For questions about the Digital Den, please email global.podcast@wsu.edu.
Episode Transcript
Andria Donnenwerth: Hello and welcome to Digital Den, where the Global Cougar community comes together to connect, learn, and belong. I’m your host, Andria Donnenwerth, Director of Development at WSU Global Campus. Whether you are tuning in from across the state or across the globe, you are right where you need to be.
In our first episode, we welcomed you to the Global Cougar community and challenged you to take that first step toward connection during Week of Welcome. But Week of Welcome is just the beginning.
Throughout the year, there are opportunities to meet other Cougs, join student organizations, develop leadership skills, participate in student government, attend events, and find the people and experiences that make Global Campus feel a little less virtual and a lot more like your community.
Today, we’re exploring some of those pathways and asking a simple question: How do you find your place at Global Campus? We’ll start by looking at the many ways students can get involved throughout the year, then explore how ASWSUG gives students a voice and opportunities to lead, and finally hear firsthand what getting involved in a student club can actually look like. Let’s get started.
Andria Donnenwerth: Our first guest may already be familiar to Digital Den listeners, and she’s a pretty great example of what finding your place at Global Campus can look like.
Mia Darnell is a proud Global Campus alumna who earned degrees in accounting and English. As a student, Mia didn’t just attend Global Campus. She found ways to make it her community, including serving in ASWSUG as Director of Communications and Compliance and later as Vice President.
Today, she continues that work as our full-time Global Connections Program Coordinator, helping students find their own paths to connection and working closely with our Global Campus Student Ambassadors. And if that doesn’t tell you enough about her Cougar spirit, Mia is also a Crimson Spirit Award recipient, which feels pretty fitting for someone with a Cougar heart of gold. Mia, welcome back to Digital Den!
Mia Darnell: Thank you, Andria. I’m happy to be back.
Andria Donnenwerth: Today you’re going to talk with us about ways to get involved. When we say “get involved” at Global Campus, what can that actually look like?
Mia Darnell: One of the most unique aspects of Global Campus is our wide range of student demographics, so involvement can look different for everybody. Students can join clubs and groups to find people with similar interests and passions, and participation is not always limited to attending live meetings or events. We try to offer asynchronous options because we understand that students come from different backgrounds and circumstances.
We also have non-credit skill-building programs, including opportunities to earn digital badges, for students interested in personal and professional development. There are opportunities to participate in person or virtually, including the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, or SURCA, and hybrid opportunities such as student government town halls. Whatever your comfort level, time, or bandwidth, we hope there is something for every Global Campus student.
Andria Donnenwerth: So whether that’s finding your people through a group, building skills you can add to your résumé, or participating virtually or in person, there are different ways to find what fits. I think people may also be surprised to learn that many of these opportunities are free to students, and Global Connections can sometimes help students participate in opportunities that require travel. Can you talk about cost and the support available?
Mia Darnell: Global Campus students can participate in in-person opportunities across WSU, and Global Connections offers travel grants to help with access. General travel can be reimbursed up to $250, while SURCA travel can be reimbursed up to $500. We want to make sure Global Campus students have access to these opportunities.
Andria Donnenwerth: If students want to see what’s available, whether virtually or in person, where should they start? And how do involvement points and graduation cords fit into that experience?
Mia Darnell: Two great places to start are the Global Connections website and Involve, the Global Campus student involvement platform. The Global Connections website includes student leadership opportunities, skill-building programs, academic competitions, awards, esports, health and wellness, mentoring, and other opportunities. Involve is where students can find organizations, groups, events, and other ways to participate.
Students can also earn involvement points by attending events and meetings or completing other activities. Those points can be redeemed at different levels for Global Campus swag. Graduation cords are connected to participation in clubs and skill-building programs. When students complete the requirements for a program or organization, they may earn a cord that they can wear at commencement.
Andria Donnenwerth: What about someone who doesn’t really see themselves as an “involved student,” or who has limited time? Is there still a place for them?
Mia Darnell: Absolutely. Global Campus programming is designed with different levels of time and bandwidth in mind. Students can start with one event, one meeting, or one skill-building program. We encourage everyone to come as they are. If your comfort level is simply being there without turning on your camera or speaking, or engaging only through chat, that is welcome too. Sometimes taking one small step can build confidence, create a new connection, or lead to something more.
Andria Donnenwerth: We’ve focused a lot on students, but Global Campus involvement doesn’t end at graduation, and students aren’t the only members of this community. How can alumni, faculty, and staff find their place and stay involved too?
Mia Darnell: There are opportunities for alumni, faculty, and staff to stay involved. They can serve as club mentors, and alumni can participate in the Crimson Compass mentorship program and be paired with a student to mentor. Clubs and groups are also interested in connecting with alumni, faculty, and staff as guest speakers who can share industry knowledge, experiences, and guidance.
There are also opportunities simply to connect and have fun together, including Rivalry Series trivia events where students and alumni compete.
Andria Donnenwerth: And I have to give you a chance to make your pitch for those Rivalry Series trivia nights, because I understand the students are very competitive and you’ve been doing your best to represent the alumni!
Mia Darnell: Fellow alumni, please help me out! The students are very competitive. These events give alumni a fun space to interact with students, and you never know, you might even find yourself competing against a student you mentor.
Andria Donnenwerth: I love that, because finding your place at Global Campus really can look different depending on who you are and where you are in your Cougar journey. Mia, thank you for coming back to Digital Den and helping us see just how many ways there are to connect.
Mia Darnell: Thank you so much, Andria. I really enjoyed being here, especially talking about the alumni rivalry. I’m still ready to beat those students, so help me out!
Andria Donnenwerth: Whether you’re looking for a club, an event, a leadership opportunity, a way to give back, or simply a place to start, there are plenty of ways to find your connection. And fortunately, there’s one place where students can explore many of those opportunities all in one spot.
Den Discovery
Andria Donnenwerth: That brings us to today’s Den Discovery: Involve.
Involve is the online platform where Global Campus students can discover many of the opportunities Mia just described. Students can use Involve to explore upcoming events, discover clubs and organizations, find opportunities, and keep track of their participation.
And remember those involvement points Mia mentioned? Involve helps students track their engagement as they work toward involvement milestones, recognition, and swag. If you’ve been wondering where to start, Involve is a great first stop. We’ll include a direct link to Involve in today’s episode resources.
Of course, involvement isn’t only about attending events or joining clubs. Students can also take an active role in shaping their university experience, and one of the most direct ways to do that is through student government.
Andria Donnenwerth: The Associated Students of Washington State University Global Campus, better known as ASWSUG, serves as the student government for Global Campus. ASWSUG gives students opportunities to represent their peers, advocate for the student experience, develop leadership skills, and help shape the Global Campus community.
Joining me today is ASWSUG President Logan Shepard. Logan brings a particularly interesting perspective to student leadership as a returning student. Outside of his studies, he also has years of volunteer leadership experience, and at WSU he’s using that experience to advocate for his fellow Global Campus students. Logan, welcome to Digital Den!
Logan Shepard: Thank you for having me, Andria.
Andria Donnenwerth: Before we talk about ASWSUG, let’s start with you as a student. Tell us a little bit about your own Global Campus journey. What are you studying, where are you in your program, and what brought you to WSU Global Campus?
Logan Shepard: It has been exactly one year since the day I applied to Washington State University Global Campus. Before that, I spent more than two decades in aviation, especially restoring, fixing, and flying World War I and World War II aircraft. I’ve also worked in entertainment as a professional wrestler and touring musician. When my industry changed, I saw an opportunity to hit reset and pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology as a step toward my goal of attending law school and becoming an attorney.
Andria Donnenwerth: That is quite a journey. For someone who has never heard of ASWSUG, what is it and what role does it play at Global Campus?
Logan Shepard: ASWSUG is the student government for Global Campus. We listen to students and work with professors, administrators, advisors, and others as a liaison. Our goal is to make programs better, address areas that need attention, create a sense of belonging, and strengthen what Global Campus already offers.
Andria Donnenwerth: What are some of the ways ASWSUG listens to students and advocates for their needs?
Logan Shepard: Students can reach out to us directly through the ASWSUG website. We review submissions and respond, and we can set up meetings with students when needed. We’re also working on a needs assessment so students can provide feedback that can be shared with administration. Students can participate in town halls, including hybrid opportunities, and they can attend our executive meetings online.
Andria Donnenwerth: Beyond advocacy, what kinds of programs, resources, or opportunities can students expect from ASWSUG?
Logan Shepard: One is the grocery voucher program for Global Campus students. The previous administration worked hard to increase the amount students may be eligible to receive. We also help connect students with resources such as TimelyCare, and we’re looking at ways to make sure graduate students know they are represented and can participate in Global Campus leadership.
Andria Donnenwerth: What made you want to step into student government and ultimately serve as ASWSUG president?
Logan Shepard: Leadership and mentorship have been part of my life for a long time. Through the Commemorative Air Force, I served in leadership with the local Rainier Squadron, including as president. I’ve also run mentorship programs through my own business and seen how encouragement and leadership can change lives. When I saw the opportunity to serve at Global Campus, it felt like a natural way to bring that experience into the university community.
Andria Donnenwerth: If students want their voices heard and want to participate, but they aren’t interested in holding an appointed position, what opportunities are available?
Logan Shepard: I call them silent leaders. You don’t have to hold a title or even speak during a meeting to make a difference. Students can attend executive meetings, use the chat, send us an email, or ask us to bring forward a question or concern for them. Clubs are another great option. The best way to start is simply to show up. There are ways to speak without using your mouth.
Andria Donnenwerth: I love that idea of the silent leader. One final question: if someone listening has an idea, concern, or something they’d like ASWSUG to know, what is the best way to contact you and the board?
Logan Shepard: Go to the ASWSUG website and use the contact form. Those submissions are reviewed by members of our team, and we really do look at and discuss the feedback we receive.
Andria Donnenwerth: Logan, thank you for joining us and helping our listeners understand that student government isn’t just about holding a title. It’s another way students can have a voice, connect with one another, and help shape the Global Campus experience.
Logan Shepard: Thank you for having me.
Den Difference
Andria Donnenwerth: ASWSUG also helps connect students with resources that support them beyond the classroom, and that brings us to today’s Den Difference.
Every episode, we take a moment to recognize one of the people, programs, or funds that helps strengthen our community. We call this Den Difference.
Today’s Den Difference highlights the Global Campus Food Fund through the ASWSUG Grocery Voucher Program. Eligible Global Campus students can access support for groceries when they need a little extra help.
The Global Campus Food Fund helps make that support possible through the generosity of donors who believe students should be able to focus on their education without having to choose between school and meeting basic needs. It’s a powerful example of what Cougs helping Cougs can look like.
We’ll include links to ASWSUG and WSU Global Campus Giving in today’s episode resources.
Support is one part of community. Another is finding people who share your interests. Sometimes finding your place begins with something as simple as finding your people.
Coug Spotlight: Cris Hylton
Andria Donnenwerth: It’s time for today’s Coug Spotlight, where we highlight a member of our Global Cougar community who’s turning connection into action.
Joining us is Cris Hylton, ASWSUG Director of Outreach and the student leader of Cougs Get Lit-erary, the Global Campus book club run in partnership through ASWSUG.
Cris is studying social sciences with concentrations in pre-law political science, history, and gender and sexuality studies, and has found several ways to build community and get involved at Global Campus. Cris, welcome to Digital Den!
Cris Hylton: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here.
Andria Donnenwerth: Before we get into those roles, tell us a little about yourself and your Global Campus journey. What brought you to WSU Global Campus?
Cris Hylton: I’m a returning student coming back to school after about 12 years away. I was working in state government, adjacent to K-12 education administration, and I reached a point where I felt I needed more education to increase the positive impact I could have on my community. I wanted to go back to school without leaving the community where I was already involved, so Global Campus was a great fit.
Andria Donnenwerth: Let’s talk about Cougs Get Lit-erary. What is the club, and what can someone expect when they participate?
Cris Hylton: Cougs Get Lit-erary is the Global Campus book club run in partnership through ASWSUG. Each month we read a different book that brings in diverse perspectives and lived experiences. We also host special events, sometimes with outside speakers, interactive activities, or authors, and then gather for a book discussion where we connect the stories we’ve read with our own experiences.
Andria Donnenwerth: What made you want to bring your passion for community into your Global Campus experience?
Cris Hylton: My first year at WSU Global was really lonely. In an asynchronous online environment, you don’t automatically have the in-between spaces that exist on a physical campus, those moments before class or in a student union where relationships can form naturally. When I first attended a Global Campus club meeting, I saw people saying goodbye to members who were graduating, and I realized those relationships were genuine and real. I wanted to help create that kind of community for other Global Campus students.
Andria Donnenwerth: For someone listening who sees a club they’re interested in but thinks, “I don’t know anyone there,” what would you tell them about showing up for that first meeting?
Cris Hylton: Just do it. New things and new people can be scary because they’re new, but they’re only new the first time. These are open, welcoming environments. And even if you can’t attend a live meeting, many clubs have asynchronous ways to participate, such as Teams chats. Join in whatever way works for you and get your foot in the door.
Andria Donnenwerth: And if someone thinks Cougs Get Lit-erary sounds like their kind of place, how can they learn more or get involved?
Cris Hylton: Students can find Cougs Get Lit-erary through the Global Campus Involve page and complete the club interest form. Students don’t necessarily have to purchase the books. They may be available through the WSU Libraries or a local library, and the club also has a limited perk that can provide digital copies to some participants.
Andria Donnenwerth: Cris, thank you for joining us and giving us a peek inside Cougs Get Lit-erary.
Cris Hylton: Thank you for having me.
Andria Donnenwerth: Your experience is a great example of something we’ve been talking about throughout this episode: getting involved doesn’t have to start with a huge commitment. Sometimes it starts with finding something you’re interested in, showing up, and discovering that there are other Cougs who are interested in it too.
Den Challenge
Andria Donnenwerth: Before we wrap up, it’s time for this episode’s Den Challenge.
Today, Mia showed us that finding your place at Global Campus can look different for everyone, whether you’re a student looking for your first connection, an alum looking for a way back in, or a faculty or staff member looking for another way to support and engage with the Global Cougar community.
We discovered how Involve can help students find opportunities and track their engagement. Logan showed us how ASWSUG gives students a voice and opportunities to lead. And Cris gave us a glimpse of what finding community through a student club can actually look like.
So here’s your challenge: Find one new way to connect with the Global Cougar community.
If you’re a student, log into Involve. Browse the student organizations. Attend an event. Learn more about ASWSUG. Check out a club or explore an opportunity you haven’t tried before. You don’t have to sign up for everything or become a student leader tomorrow. Just find one thing that makes you curious and take the next step.
And if you’re an alum, faculty or staff member, donor, volunteer, or friend of Global Campus, your challenge counts too. Maybe it’s attending an event, mentoring a student, volunteering, sharing your experience, supporting a program, or simply finding a new way to reconnect.
Wherever you are in your Cougar journey, there’s a place for you in this community. Your challenge is to find one way to step into it.
As always, you’ll find links to today’s resources and opportunities, along with a full episode transcript, in the episode description.
Thank you to Mia Darnell, Logan Shepard, and Cris Hylton for joining us today.
And if today’s conversation has you curious about the student clubs available through Global Campus, keep an eye out for Digital Den: 10 Spot.
In these short bonus episodes, we’ll give one Global Campus club about 10 minutes in the Den so you can meet a club leader, hear what the group is all about, and learn how to get connected. So between our regular monthly episodes, watch for 10 Spot. You might just discover your next connection.
If you enjoyed today’s conversation, follow Digital Den and share this episode with another member of the Global Cougar community.
Next time, we’ll continue exploring another part of what connects us as Global Cougs.
Until then, stay connected, keep learning, and as always… Go Cougs!