Fledgeling EMU
We have nothing but admiration for the newly formed English Majors’ Union, a very welcome addition to the intellectual community of the English Department. EMU president Cynthia Chen (’10) decided to take the initiative in forming a majors’ union because, as she says, the Student Government had been “working hard to jumpstart Majors’ Unions at Duke…. I thought it was something that could be highly valuable to the English community.” The goal of the English Majors’ Union is to be a liaison between the undergraduates and other English groups at Duke (faculty, graduates, etc.).
Her enthusiasm has been contagious, and although she agrees it’s challenging to get people involved in new things and “figure out something that hasn’t been done before,” a core group of members quickly formed and the first EMU events have been very successful. In spite of a rainstorm, the spring mixer drew a cheerful group, and just before spring break, the Majors’ Union organized a peer advising meeting for students interested in writing an honors thesis. “I think it was an amazing way for students to informally discuss the experiences of writing a thesis. There were students who had completed theses, students currently in the process, and students thinking about applying; there were both creative and critical thesis writers present, as well. It was an excellent way, I think, for students to ask the bolder questions that they might not be willing to pose to a professor in a more formal setting. The session really showed the potential for student advising within the English community and I hope it is only the beginning of many more opportunities to do so.”
In EMU’s first weeks, the members jumped in with both feet to help organize groups of undergraduates to meet with job search candidates. Although it’s not part of the formal hiring process, the students’ engagement and interest in possible future faculty was inspiring. Other early steps involved drafting a constitution and applying for funding from DUU. Even in these more pedestrian tasks the members showed their true colors: ambitious, sincere, articulate, creative and well organized. (But who would be surprised? They’re English Majors!)
Future plans and goals?
Chen hopes EMU will grow to be recognized as a “representative body to the department and university regarding curriculum, teaching space, which English speakers to bring to Duke, etc. It would also be great to see us as an instrumental part of the peer advising network.” Along those lines, they held a registration info session, “aimed at advising students on which courses to take, providing students with insider information from those who have taken classes before, favorite professors,” etc. They’re also planning a spring social event, hoping to invite graduate students and faculty as well. “We are also thinking about a “students’ choice” award for professors,” Chen said. “I hope that the EMU will grow into a support network for undergraduates and an influential organization for policy and events at Duke.”
They’re certainly off to a good start!