by Abigail Wetteroff
As we near the end of another busy semester, it's important to take breaks, relax, perhaps even engage in the odd social interaction. Between class, work, and studying, look no further than the UMSL Campus to find opportunities to decompress and connect with other students.
For those looking to give back this month, the Student Social Work Association will be hosting a collection drive for Helping Hand-Me-Downs through November 22nd. Donations of clean or new 0-4 years sized clothing, K-12 books, parenting books, baby blankets, bibs, and self-care items for babies and mothers will be accepted in the SSB Social Work Suite to benefit families in need within the St. Louis area.
While you’re at it, why not add a new activity to your weekly routine? Get outdoors, learn gardening techniques, and help the planet by participating in Community Garden Workdays with UMSL Sustainability from 8-10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, located in the Community Garden behind the south campus parking garage. For the athletically inclined, try your hand at a pickup soccer game with the Tritons Football Club on Fridays from 5-8pm at the Rec Center.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming events--you won’t want to miss out! UMSL Global is hosting its first-ever Globalpalooza, an opportunity to engage with diverse cultures through food, entertainment, and music. Stop by the Millennium Student Center Century Room from 11:30am -1:30pm to participate. Advocate and author Ben Greene will be giving a “Trans 101” talk in the SGA Chamber of the MSC at 2pm on November 13th. The Accounting Club will be hosting a Volunteer Tax Assistance Workshop in Anheuser-Busch Hall Room 1 where students can learn how to use tax preparation software as well as discuss volunteering opportunities. The Campus Safe Walk to promote sexual assault prevention and campus safety will take place from 6:30pm-8:30pm on November 15th starting at the Provincial House Museum Room. To celebrate the end of the Community Garden season, a Harvest Party Potluck will be held on November 16th from 3-5pm in the UMSL Community Garden, and a Fall Bonfire will follow from 6-8pm. Join the University Program Board for Friendsgiving with food and giveaways on November 16th in The Nosh from 5:30-8pm. Donations of food, personal care items, and cleaning supplies for the Triton Pantry are encouraged. A Dodgeball Palooza will take place at the Rec Center on November 28th from 5:30-7:30pm. Lastly, you can drop off washed, used clothing to exchange for new items or simply browse at the last Fall Clothing Swap of the semester in the Quarters Lounge at the Millenium Student Center.
Are you a transfer student looking to make friends and mingle? Transfer Student Tuesdays offer fun opportunities to socialize, with Karaoke and dinner at the EDCollabitat on November 14th at 7pm, Paint and Sip with painting and mocktails on November 28th from 11:30am-1:30pm in the Office of Student Involvement Penthouse, and a Snowflake Soiree with gingerbread house building and hot chocolate also in the Penthouse from 11:30am-1:30pm on December 12th.
There will be ample opportunities to decompress on campus as we approach finals week. Student Outreach and Support’s “Stress Less Zone” hosts games and provides snacks from 11:30am-1pm every 1st and 3rd Tuesday in Millenium Student Center Room 225, and every 2nd and 4th Tuesday in Lucas Hall Room 107. Honors Students can attend a De-Stress Event in the Museum Room at the Provincial House on December 6th from 4-5:30pm to learn tips for getting through finals while painting kindness rocks. If you prefer to combat your stress physically, blow off some steam at the University Program Board’s Breakaway Bliss Event on December 7th from 2-4pm by shattering some plates in a “smash room” on the Quad.
For a study break, stop by the Thomas Jefferson Library to get creative and make an autumn-themed bookmark from 2-4pm on November 13th, 14th, and 15th. Craft supplies including seasonal stamps, stencils, and washi tape will be available while supplies last, and free coffee will be provided. On December 5th, visit Library Room 315 for relaxing tea, cookies, and crafts to honor one million downloads from the Institutional Repository Library (UMSL IRL) website from 3-5:30pm.
Finally, experience the finer things in life by catching a show at the Touhill Performing Art Center. On November 14th at 7:30pm, the UMSL Piano Studio Recital will showcase the talents of piano students as well as special guests. Miguel Espinoza Fusion, a renowned world music collective, will perform at 7:30pm on November 16th, and the UMSL Wind Ensemble will hold its second concert of the season, “Wake/Remember,” at 7:30pm on December 6th. Check the Touhill website for registration and ticketing details.
To sign up for all of these events and more, RSVP on the TritonConnect website or app.