The University of Michigan-Flint hosted a full day of annual organized events on April 14 aimed at supporting students during finals preparation. The day began with activities in the Frances Willson Thompson Library and continued into the evening at the Harding Mott University Center.
Paws for Relief took place in the Frances Willson Thompson Library from noon to 2 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Students were able to interact with three Mid-Michigan Therapy Dogs.
“Interacting with the therapy (dog) was actually a very soothing experience for me, I don’t have any pets of my own and meeting them brought me so much joy,” Trinity Lee, a freshman majoring in psychology, said.
At 7 p.m, Late Night Breakfast began on the third floor of the Harding Mott University Center and continued until 9 p.m., drawing more than 190 attendees. The program included a photo booth, Kahoot games, caricatures by illustrator David Wodarek, a Plant & Paint event and a late-night breakfast service. The Late Night Breakfast event and related programming have been held annually for 16 years.
Genevieve Brennan, Plant & Paint coordinator, had her own area at the Harding Mott University Center where students could stop by, paint a clay pot and plant a seed in it. She said simple events like Plant & Paint can help students destress during finals week.
“This is a stress relief event for finals week, and students can paint a pot and plant a seed; something so simple, quick and easy can help students tremendously during these times,” Brennan said.
Late Night Breakfast was made possible through collaboration between Counseling and Psychological Services, Division of Student Affairs, Hall Council, Housing and Residential Life, Office of the Dean of Students, Planet Blue Ambassadors, Recreation Center and Student Government.
Planet Blue Ambassadors also implemented a zero-waste initiative by placing designated recycling and compost bins to manage waste generated during the event. Following the Late Night Breakfast, the Late Night in the Library began at 9 p.m.
The event, which was organized by Student Government, included bingo, raffle prizes, scavenger hunts, snacks and study sessions. Raffle prizes included an iPad, AirPods, a Fujifilm camera and gift baskets. Student Government members managed registration, distributed raffle tickets and facilitated activities.
An emergency alert was emailed to all UM-Flint students, faculty and staff at 12:10 a.m. warning them to take shelter due to severe thunderstorms. Event organizers changed plans and shifted events earlier in response to the change in weather.
“Late Night in the Library was originally scheduled from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.,” Kamarea Johnson, Student Government director of academic affairs and junior majoring in public health, said. “Due to the tornado watch and worsening weather conditions, the raffle was moved up to 11 p.m., and the event concluded at midnight.”
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