MSU’s neighborhood engagement centers are hosting open houses to familiarize students with the resources available to them on campus.
The open houses are set up like fairs, with food provided by Culinary Services, games and chances to win prizes.
Engagement centers host parties throughout campus
OCAT coordinator Juan Flores, right, entertains the crowd as human biology sophomore Pa Vang observes Sept. 23, 2013, at Holden Hall. The event offered free food, prizes and entertainment. Khoa Nguyen/ The State News
Participating students are given “passports,” which are a map of opportunities at the open house.
Students who make it to every “stop” are eligible for prizes such as Amazon gift cards, T-shirts and Dairy Store coupons.
Brody and East Neighborhood engagement centers open houses were held last week, and the River Trail open house will be held Wednesday.
Entertainment at open houses have included live disc jockeys, photo booths, caricature artists, a tarot card reader, massage therapists, henna tattoo artists, Zumba and beach volleyball.
Organizations set up tables and displays while representatives talked to students and gave away various free items — Student Health Services, for example, passed out first aid kits.
“We plan fun things to get them in the door, and then they can see what each neighborhood has to offer,” River Trail Engagement Center Director Jodi Hancock said.
“It gives them a chance to talk to representatives from the campus units that promote student success.”
Alexxa Palazzolo was one of the Wonders Hall resident assistants who planned the South Neighborhood Engagement Center open house on Monday.
“Around 500 students came last year, and we’re trying to top that this year,” said Palazzolo, a prenursing senior.
Office of Campus Sustainability intern Paul Mooney said he attended the South Neighborhood open house in Holden Hall to encourage students to live green.
“We’re here to raise awareness.
“That black mesh bag they give on-campus students the first week isn’t for laundry, it’s for recycling,” she said.
“We hope some of these students will leave a little more aware of their energy footprint.”
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Representatives from the Office of Financial Aid, Student Health Services, the Office of Study Abroad and the MSU Police Department were among others present.
“It’s a chance to interact with the students,” Hancock said. “It’s about building relationships, and so many of our service providers are there to meet and greet.”
Animal science freshman Kayla Charles was one student who learned something new at the event, stating she was happy to discover there is career advising and other resources in each neighborhood.
“I didn’t know that was available before,” Charles said. “It’ll be nice to get some help building a resume.”
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