Although Spring break is more than a month and a half away, some University of Memphis students already have their week-long break planned, and it does not include partying.
Currently, 15 U of M student volunteers will be participating in the Alternative Spring Break Program during the week of March 10-16, spending their holiday in local areas donating their time to charitable causes.
Angie Dunlap, assistant coordinator for the Student Activities Council, said one of the main motivations behind the program is that it gives students the opportunity to get away from the normal activities of Spring break, such as partying or going home.
"I believe the purpose of the Alternative Spring Break is to create an opportunity for students to do something different during the break," Dunlap said. "We'll be going to Perryville, Ark., and we'll be working on two different projects."
"One project will be the Dismas House, which works as a transitional living program for ex-convicts," Dunlap said. "The other program is the Heifer Ranch and it teaches the people there how to raise their animals, and teaches them to plant."
Amy Hopper, a graduate assistant with the Student Activities Council, said this is only the second year for The University of Memphis to participate in this program, but it is common at other campuses across the country.
"It's been done before, in 1997," Hopper said. "About 15 students participated then, but these programs actually have been done in many other universities around the country. Overall, the program has been very successful."
Only University of Memphis students may participate in the program. For more information, call the Student Activities Council at 678-2035.
