Pilots Prevent
February 8, 2022
For the second year in a row, the start of Spring semester didn’t exactly look like it usually does. This year, classes were remote for the first two weeks to minimize the transmission of COVID as students returned to campus after winter break. But now case numbers are falling dramatically, and fun events are in full swing, bringing a sense of normalcy to campus.
“Last Friday (February 4) we held the spring activities fair with 70 clubs, organizations, and campus departments on hand to recruit new members,” says Jeromy Koffler, director of Student Activities.
Hundreds of students showed up to explore some of the many community-building opportunities that are available on campus. “We spread out all the tables and everyone was masked during the entire event,” says Koffler.
Another way students are building community is through special retreats. Recently, Residence Life and Campus Ministry joined forces for a Hall Retreat. In mid-March, students can opt to go on a Silent Retreat with Campus Ministry, and seniors can participate in the Senior Retreat at the end of March. More information about these retreats can be found here.
Right here on campus every Friday and Saturday night, students can join the fun at Pilots After Dark at the Pilot House from 9-11 p.m. “It’s going strong and the crowd is getting bigger each week,” says Koffler. “A lot of the activities we've been hosting are collaborations between Student Activities and the clubs on campus. It gives the club a chance to showcase what they're doing.”
And Espresso UP pops up every Wednesday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Lounge. “That’s a great place to hang out and chat,” says Koffler. “It’s like a campus wide study break. Get a free coffee, latte, or Italian soda. They have tea and other things too. It’s all student run, and there’s usually a rush as people grab a coffee on their way to a 7 p.m. class.”
This week on February 10, KDUP student-run radio station is hosting an open mic night in The Anchor on the first floor of Haggerty Hall. It’s sponsored by Student Activities and rumor has it there will be free ice cream. And the weekend of February 18 will see an influx of festivities as First-Year and Sophomore Family Weekend kicks off.
Looking ahead to March, we’ll have a visit from author Yaa Gyasi as part of this year’s ReadUP programming, in partnership with the Schoenfeldt Distinguished Writers Series. Also in March Students can apply for a leadership job or role through Lead @ UP. It’s a great way for students to take an active role in creating even more community-building opportunities. More information can be found at up.edu/leadership. Or how about applying to run for student government? Applications are due February 25. Check Engage for details.
With so much going on, plus Mens and Womens Basketball games in the Chiles Center and Baseball season coming up, there’s just always something fun to do. “I think we’ve been locked down for so long and anxious, it takes events like these to get students out of their dorm rooms and building community,” says Koffler. “Seeing the turnout we’ve been having is hopeful and a positive step in the right direction.”
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