Over 225 students crowded James Dunn Hall on March 31 for St. Thomas University’s first Long Night Against Procrastination.
The event which ran from 5 p.m. until midnight gave students a chance to meet with representatives from student services like the writing centre and peer tutors, but also presented opportunities to take a break and de-stress as exam season nears.
Heather MacDonald, a learning strategist at STU, said she and her colleagues began storming up plans for the event after hearing of similar events at other universities. She stressed how important it is for students to take breaks in the midst of end-of-semester chaos.
“When you cram, your brain just goes a little crazy trying to remember all that information, and you don’t do well,” she said.
The event kicked off with welcoming remarks and then appointments with tutors opened up for those who were seeking help. Throughout the night, students were given bursts of energy with periods of yoga dance, swing dance, and Zumba.
A de-stress station with crafts and painting was set up in the Wabanaki room and several classrooms were booked as quiet areas for those who needed it.
One of the most popular sessions was one with furry companions. River Valley Obedience brought Rosie the bernese mountain dog, Sketcher the golden retriever and others to help students relax.
The night ended with a treat for a job-well-done courtesy of Smoke’s Poutinerie.
First-year student Lucas Gutierrez-Robert said the night’s interval-style approach to getting work done seemed to be helpful.
“I feel, honestly, even though it’s so hyped up and there’s all these activities and everyone seems to be possibly distracted, I still feel really refreshed and I’m able to focus on my work real well.”
MacDonald said the goal for the night was simply to assist students in tackling their final weeks of the school year in a more productive, fun and successful way.
“So, we give [the students] enough time, we encourage you, we give you the support that was we can, hopefully we can create those great strong pathways and help you be as successful as you can be for the end of the year.”
