As we re-enter this winter semester, having restlessly battled the tepid B.C. winter, the reality of remaining projects and looming deadlines can become overwhelming, and it may be difficult to settle back into a study-centred routine after a break. Luckily, the UFV Academic Success Centre (ASC) in conjunction with a myriad of other UFV resources such as IT Services, Counselling, and Student Life, are bringing back a popular UFV event to help students get back on track. The Long Night Against Procrastination (LNAP) is an event held at many universities and other post-secondary institutions internationally, to help students who may be struggling to get back on their feet after the break, and to showcase the resources and outlets that students have available to them on campus.
The UFV LNAP will keep select spaces on both campuses open until midnight. This includes locations such as the Abbotsford campus library and the Math-Stats Centre. The library staff will be running workshops, makerspace activities, research support, and more. The ASC will also have tutors available for drop-in appointments all night at both CEP and Abbotsford locations, as well as a “Citations First Aid Tent,” inside which students can seek help regarding APA, MLA, or Chicago citation styles.
In addition to the innumerable academic resources, LNAP strives to provide multiple outlets for students to de-stress. To help achieve this goal, UFV International Education will be co-sponsoring the “De-Stress Room,” which will feature various puzzles, materials for drawing and colouring, quiet music, herbal tea fixings, and more. Students can also debut their talents at the “Stage of Success,” which premiered at the Winter 2018 LNAP event. The Stage of Success invites participants to play an instrument, sing, dance, or provide some other form of entertainment.
The newest addition to LNAP is a virtual reality room presented by Educational Technology Services. The room will be open at the Abbotsford campus from 6 to 10 p.m.
St. John Ambulance will also be once again bringing therapy dogs to both campuses. According to Sandra J. Smith, coordinator of the ASC, “This has always been a highlight of the night for everyone, and the puppies get well-patted.”
Free food and drink all night, which is provided by the Teaching and Learning Centre. The Abbotsford campus event will also be provided with popcorn by Residence Services. When the Abbotsford campus event concludes at midnight, there will be pizza provided by the VP students division. The Chilliwack campus event will conclude with pizza at 9:30 p.m.
The most popular attractions in previous years have included the free pizza and drinks provided, the chance to interact with therapy dogs, and the free printing sponsored by ITS. While attractions like the De-Stress Room, Citation First Aid Tent, and peer tutoring support have proved consistently popular, Smith is hopeful that some of the newer activities, such as the virtual reality, will draw just as much attention.
“I would like students at LNAP to see that the ASC and other support areas collaborate extensively with each other, and that we are all able to direct students’ to the resources they need,” Smith said.
Students can register in advance for LNAP via MyCampusLife. While registration is not required in order to participate in LNAP, a few secret attractions lie in wait for the students who have pre-registered, in addition to the plethora of resources and services that are available to all UFV students who attend.
Over the course of the evening, students who have registered will be able to complete a “report card” proving participation in the number of activities available. These cards will then be entered into a draw for a grand prize; free tuition for one three-credit course. This prize is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and VP Academic.
If any clubs or associations who are not already involved wish to share their resources at the event by hosting an info table or sponsoring an activity, they can get in touch with the Academic Success Centre.
LNAP will take place on Wednesday, March 6 from 5 p.m. to midnight in G building on the Abbotsford campus, and from 3 to 10 p.m. in A building on the Chilliwack campus. To find out more, and to keep tabs on a few remaining activities that have yet to be announced, students can follow the Academic Success Centre on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ufvASC.
Image: UFV Academic Success Centre
