Finals Countdown provides end-of-semester help to students

Faculty+members+will+provide+writing+instruction+to+students+at+the+upcoming+Final+Countdown.

Tarah Johnson

Faculty members will provide writing instruction to students at the upcoming Final Countdown.

Leah Ulatowski, Editor-in-Chief

Lakeland College’s finals preparation event is back this semester but with a brand new name.

The event formerly known as “Cram Jam” first took place last semester on Reading Day, the Friday before finals week. It will now be called “Finals Countdown.”

According to Trisha Konovalov, assistant director of the Hayssen Academic Resource Center, there was discussion in various constituent groups on campus regarding the event name. The committee members discussed whether the original name was fitting.

“’Finals Countdown’ was selected as the new name after we polled a number of students and faculty,” Konovalov said. “The committee feels that this name change will more appropriately reflect the positive, academic nature of the event. Though the name has changed, the nature of the event has not changed.”

Aside from the name change, the only significant difference from last semester is that the event will not run until midnight. Since it is a regular school night, the event will take place from 6-10 p.m. It is being held in the John Esch Library on Tuesday, April 21.

The event will include resources such as staff and faculty presenting interactive sessions on different elements of wellness, faculty members providing writing assistance, librarians assisting with research and citations and tutors helping with a variety of subjects.

In terms of fun study breaks, there will be music, games, free chair massages, snacks and beverages, a “studying with Musko” souvenir photo opportunity and a variety of prizes and giveaways from generous businesses in the community.

“The goal is to have many support services available to students in one spot on that night in the week before finals in order for students to successfully complete their semester work,” Konovalov said. “The evening is also designed to engage students in good study practices with short breaks—emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong physical and mental health and highlighting the significance of healthy eating for optimum performance. We encourage everyone to attend this fun and productive event on Tuesday, April 21 from 6-10 p.m. in the John Esch Library.”