For Emily Bell, Spring Semester started before the end of Fall Semester.
On Dec. 13, during finals week, she sat in class with 22 other students.
That day, the instructor passed out the syllabus, discussed course expectations and the grading policy. The first day of class was like any other first day, but the course title, Leadership Service and the 2002 Olympics, is anything but typical.
Students enrolled in the course are in training to become student ambassadors during the Olympics, class instructor Les Cook said.
During the Games the students will be placed in strategic places on campus to answer questions visitors and media might have and provide a student view on how the Games have affected the U.
Cook, who is also director of orientation and leadership development, said he jokes with the students asking them what they are going to say when Connie Chung interviews them.
A large portion of class time has been devoted to lectures. Speakers from the U and community have lectured on subjects like Utah history, Olympic history and how to work with the media.
“I feel like they have prepared us and we know how to handle peoples’ questions,” Bell said.
“The students all have their own opinions about the Olympics and not all of them are positive,” Cook said. “We haven’t told them what to say.”
Bell believes the Olympics have caused a few problems, primarily with transportation and parking.
“It’s going to be hard to go to school for a month and then have a break, but I don’t think [the Olympics] is going to be that bad of an experience,” Bell said.
Overall, Bell believes the Games are great and will benefit the U.
“We were given so much money for the [Heritage Commons] dorms and the football stadium that came from the Olympics. The Games will help get the name of the U out across the country and bring recognition to the school,” she said.
Earlier this month, students were required to turn in opinionated papers regarding Olympic issues.
“Some students wrote ‘parking sucks,'” Cook said. “Some students are negative, some positive. It is interesting to see a mix of feelings.”
Bell said she’s excited to meet people from all over the world and tell them about the U.
Student Ambassador Alex Schirer said he feels well prepared, but he admits he is a little nervous.
“Once the Games are here, I’ll be excited. This is a big event. The Olympics are on a world level,” Schirer said.
Students will be stationed with information officials at the bookstore, the library, Huntsman Center and entrance to the Olympic Village. Each ambassador will be required to be on campus working 15 or more hours per week.
During the Games the students are required to keep a journal, and on March 13 the students will be handing in a final papers.