On January 30, CAST Connections, in collaboration with University College’s Julia N. Visor Center, University Housing Services, and Milner Library, hosted the first “Night Against Procrastination” study session of the semester.
The study session, held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Watterson Towers, was the first of five semester-long study sessions, set to provide academic support to students working towards their educational goals. The group study sessions are facilitated through 50-minute pomodoro-style study intervals that are paired with themed break times.
This studying technique enhances the focus-level of students, improves efficiency, and helps alleviate procrastination.
In the past, the “Night Against Procrastination” has been held toward the end of each semester as an aid to the goals of students during the final week of exams. This year, the cross-campus collaborative event expanded its sessions, with hopes of providing academic support from the onset of the semester.
The event has also expanded beyond Milner Library, where the event was held traditionally, to also being hosted in Illinois State’s on-campus residence halls.
Tamekia Bailey, the program director for CAST Connections, highlighted the intention of meeting students where they are as the motivation behind the event’s expansion.
“From our evaluations, students asked that we increase the number of offerings. In response, Deanna Stewart, the coordinator of academic support communities for the Julia N. Visor Academic Center, had a great idea to meet students where they live,” Bailey said. “We partnered with University Housing through Elizabeth Thomason, and she found locations in each on-campus residence hall. We are calling it ‘Night Against Procrastination Takeovers.’
“We are excited about the potential of this initiative to increase participation and help students to prioritize studying all semester-long, not just during midterms and finals.”
To help students achieve their academic goals, Stewart noted the addition of a certified writing tutor who will be available to assist students with papers, resumes, or projects.
“We are excited to partner with Selena Villarreal-Sessa from University College to offer drop-in writing assistance at the Night Against Procrastination sessions this semester!” said Stewart.
Additionally, each session will have a station that focuses on a specific skill set. This month the focus will be on time-management strategies aimed at helping students optimize their schedules and independent study sessions.
Students can participate in the forthcoming “Night Against Procrastination” events. They will all be held from 6-10 p.m.:
- February 19—Hewett-Manchester Halls
- March 19—Tri-Towers
- April 16—Cardinal Court
- April 30—Milner Library
The events are free and open to all Illinois State University students. Contact Tamekia Bailey or Deanna Stewart for collaboration opportunities and to get more information about the Night Against Procrastination.
If you need an accommodation to fully participate in this program/event, please contact Visor Center, University College by calling (309) 438-7100 or emailing uvc_visor@IllinoisState.edu. Please allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.
