Webcam in Trabant goes live

10:23 a.m., Nov. 22, 2004--A newly revamped web site of the student government, the Delaware Undergraduate Student Congress (DUSC), features a webcam that catches life as it happens, 24/7, in approximately 20 square yards of the Trabant University Center concourse.

“We’ve been interested in renovating our web site to get more visibility with students, and the webcam is a great asset to the site,” John Cordrey, DUSC president, said. “It’s a wonderful way to connect with campus and see activity in the Trabant University Center.”

Cordrey, a junior from Georgetown double-majoring in political science and economics, said that after approaching UD’s Office of Public Relations for assistance with design, the idea for the webcam bubbled to the top during a brainstorming session with public relations staff. Lane McLaughlin, an art director in public relations, designed the new site.

Marilyn Prime, director of Student Centers, said that the webcam not only enhances the new DUSC web site, but also serves as a drawing point to the site.

“The new DUSC web site is extremely informative and has a lot of information on it, and I see the webcam as a reason for students to access the web site and visit it frequently,” Prime said.

According to Cordrey, such frequent visits will likely result in more direct feedback and involvement in DUSC from students. “The more contact we have with the student body, the more we can bring about positive changes and do our jobs,” he said.

It’s too early to gauge reaction from students, but Cordrey and Prime said they both believe students will greet the addition of live video with enthusiasm.

“Students can go to the site and see what’s going on in the Trabant Center and maybe even see some of their friends,” Prime said.

“The cam is a way of staying connected with a University hub,” Cordrey said.

DUSC is the umbrella organization and community liaison for all other registered student organizations at UD. It is committed to providing UD’s student body with a forum where their opinions can be expressed and their voices heard. Elected DUSC members actively pursue issues that affect students and attempt to rectify those problems by working with administrators and other student organizations. As an umbrella organization, DUSC strives to foster a sense of community among the 180 or more student organizations registered on campus.

To learn more about DUSC and see the webcam, go to the DUSC site at [http://copland.udel.edu/stu-org/dusc/].

Article by Becca Hutchinson

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