With two weeks of days scheduled for nothing but studying and taking exams, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed. Campus Activities staff members are doing their part to remedy this problem by offering opportunities for students to shut their textbooks and take part in some fun and relaxing events.
Stressbusters is a collaboration between Campus Activities and various student organizations on campus to provide free, non-stressful events for students during exam weeks, according to Associate Director of Campus Activities Rick Gardner.
Campus Rec will host Exam Jam in Carmichael Gym Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. The event includes free food from Domino’s, Jimmy John’s, and Jasmine Mediterranean Bistro, chair massages, Xbox and Cornhole competitions, and a disc jockey. There will be free giveaways and students can play badminton or climb the Rock Wall. Representatives from Student Government will help students sign up for Campout and reserve equipment.
Laura Karpf, assistant director of Campus Recreation, said Exam Jam will give students a chance to take a break from studying and interact with friends.
“Getting physical exercise or just focusing on something other than studying is important for students to get rid of stress before exams,” Karpf said. “When students go back to studying they will be more focused because they took a break.”
Gardner said Campus Activities will serve free pizza on the Brickyard Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. as long as supplies last. The Carolina Hurricanes will also have a booth and will give out prizes. On Centennial Campus, free pizza will be available on the breezeway between Engineering Building I and Engineering Building II from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., as long as supplies last.
The Jingle Bell Jog, also sponsored by Campus Rec, will be on Friday with registration starting at 11 a.m. at Carmichael Gym. According to Karpf, the jog is a fun run and walk for two miles that faculty, students and staff are all invited to participate in. Students can sign up online or register at the event.
“We give away prizes for the best Christmas costumes,” Karpf said. “Some people race just for fun while others compete competitively. It’s a good way for students to see faculty and staff outside of a teaching setting and form a sense of camaraderie with their teammates.”
Campus Cinema will show two free movies as a part of Stressbusters. Students can go back to 1985 with “The Goonies,” which plays Thursday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., or relive Michael Jordan’s adventure with the Looney Tunes by watching “Space Jam” on Monday at 7 and 9 p.m.
Will Lamb, chair of the Union Activities Board Films Committee, said the Films Committee meets every three weeks to take nominations for and vote on movies.
“We are on a nostalgia kick this year,” Lamb said. “Everyone loves movies from their childhood, so we think students will appreciate the chance to come watch a movie and take their minds off studying.”
The staff at Fountain Dining Hall will continue the tradition of Night Owl Meals from 9 to 11 p.m. on Dec. 8, 9 and 10, featuring specialty food bars as well as special guests every night.
Steven Penny of Southeastern Entertainment will bring a karaoke show to Fountain Tuesday night, featuring music from the 1940s to the present.
Wednesday students can try chocolate-covered crickets, mealworm hushpuppies, and wax-moth krispies as a part of ‘Insect Café’ with entomology professor John Ambrose. Local guitarist Kenny Shore will also perform.
Night Owl Meals wraps up Thursday with breakfast food and bingo with Tom Stafford, vice chancellor of student affairs.
Jennifer Gilmore, director of University Dining, said Kenny Shore and “Bingo with Dr. Stafford” were popular events last year.
“Having been a student myself, I know how hard it can get to sit and stare at textbooks,” Gilmore said. “Students will do themselves a favor by blowing off steam and taking care of themselves. The Night Owl events are a great way for them to take a break.”
