On Wednesday, September 30, 2015, the atrium of the Miron Student Center (MSC) was vibrant with life. Campus Life Activities for Student Success (C.L.A.S.S.) hosted a day of fun with free slushies, games of chance and various other exciting activities. As people hustled to work, class and everywhere else, they stopped to enjoy the festivities.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., students were encouraged to try their luck and win anything from car chargers and fridge magnets to Kean University embroidered hand towels.

Some of the many giveaways during Falling for C.L.A.S.S.
Marlee Nicolas l The Cougar’s Byte

Lorin Tompkins, senior theater major, states, “…FALLing for C.L.A.S.S. is the absolute best way to raise awareness of the activities while creating a stress relief environment.”

The event was held as a way of raising involvement and keeping spirits high throughout the semester. The giveaways also featured reusable water bottles, keychains, notebooks and professional photography.

Photographers preparing to take keychain photos
Marlee Nicolas l The Cougar’s Byte

C.L.A.S.S. is a well-recognized group on campus. They host events that allow for interaction, share information, and incite involvement. A programming initiative of the MSC, they often use their space to their advantage and hold events that are accessible and inexpensive.

Sandra Collins, the programming assistant for the MSC, states, “coming from student affairs, students need to feel as if the campus gives a sense of being at home.” Through their events, C.L.A.S.S. reminds students that college is much more than academics.

The overall intention behind the event was to raise awareness of campus activities. Too often students find themselves uninvolved, and not by their own volition. For many students, their lack of involvement is a direct result of being uninformed. Along with numerous other student groups, C.L.A.S.S. makes it a point to keep students in the know. Additionally, most students overlook the importance of being involved.

Student showing off his new notebook courtesy of C.L.A.S.S.
Marlee Nicolas l The Cougar’s Byte

Allison Paladino, junior psychology major, is well aware of how her involvement impacts her as a student. She states, “Multitasking is an important asset in life and by engaging in on-campus activities is a constructive way to be more successful in both academics and your future careers.” Being involved has the potential to create unique opportunities that can further students’ careers, academic and otherwise. Beyond that, every so often students make close friends and form life-long relationships.

With the increasingly demanding schedules that many students face, a break from the chaos is much needed. Collins states, “the benefit of embracing campus life is allowing for [a] more enjoyable, successful and overall greater experience.”

By now, the semester has significantly picked up and students are under tremendous pressure. While this can be very stressful and overwhelming, the events outside of academia allow students to relax and enjoy themselves. College is an experience in which students are educated traditionally, but also taught the fundamental life lessons. They learn to balance responsibilities with relaxation and in turn, make the most out of life. Class will be hosting a follow up event at a later date. While that date has yet to be determined, they do know it will feature rock climbing, fried Oreos, and countless other free things.