A UNIQUE retreat in the works

The Union Network for Innovative Quality University Entertainment is retreating to the coast to work on team building and leadership skills.

The retreat to Dillon Beach will take place Jan 24 to 26. Its purpose, according to Dean Sorenson, program advisor for the University Union, is to give students involved with the program a chance to come together for an extended period of time, rather than the short weekly meetings.

“We come together to take a look at future events and to make some long-term planning,” Sorensen said.

At the retreat, the students will attend a variety of workshops focused on leadership skills and team building seminars.

UNIQUE is a student-focused program that puts together 40 to 50 events per semester. The program has sponsored numerous concerts, comedy shows, and education lectures at no or low cost to CSUS students.

“Part of our mission is the educational development of students outside of the classroom,” Richard Schiffers, associate director of the university union, said.

Sorensen believes that most of the 17 students involved with UNIQUE will be attending the retreat, although they have until the end of next week to respond.

Dillon’s Beach was chosen as the location of the retreat because the cost is relatively low and UNIQUE has held retreats there in the past, Schiffers said.

“The retreat should cost under $500,” Schiffers said.

The retreat is funded by the Union budget, to which students contribute $71 a semester as part of tuition fees.