McGrath Library hosted March Midterm Madness, an event that offered students assistance and an opportunity to relax amid the stress of midterms early this month.

Many students came and enjoyed themselves. Some ate, some relaxed by talking with friends and playing with Lego blocks, and others learned more about the campus and upcoming events.

 “Today’s event is basically to give students the opportunity to connect with different departments and learn about what they do, as well as to promote some of the school’s upcoming obligations or events, such as registering for housing, registering for classes, registering for financial aid, making sure they understand the college infrastructure, and also to give students a nice welcome back from spring break with food, a therapy dog, and things like that,” said Alex Edward the economic success coordinator at Hilbert who helped prepare the event.

Cookies, cocoa, popcorn, and candy were available for free for students. The library provided a fun and relaxing environment for students to spend time with their friends and classmates. “Students should expect this every year, and I believe there was a similar event last year where students could enjoy the same activities as today”, said Edward.

The event covered a wide range of information to keep students up to date, but one event or program that students should look into, as promoted by the campus safety representative, was a self-defense class for both men and women.

This will be a scenario-based, dynamic training program. The course will address “interpersonal human aggression and the physiological and psychological effects of imminent danger,” according to the materials promoting this program for the month of April.

 Students should also be aware that the campus safety team is promoting an additional program in which students can receive 1st Aid, CPR, AED, and bleeding control training. If you are interested in any of these two programs, contact Bailie at jbailie@hilbert.edu if you require any additional information.

Edward said students had fun and were pleased with the event and some even went to see the therapy dog. The overall experience was positive.

“I thought the event was fantastic,” Mathew Domagala, a senior at Hilbert College majoring in forensic science, said. “They had a variety of stations set up where you could talk to people from various departments, get information, and ask questions about anything,”.

Hilbert hosted an outdoor neon roller skating event as part of Bert Fest.

Representatives from the campus involvement office were out in force last month promoting the college’s orientation leader program and other events.

Alex Gill, the director of student involvement, and Jordan Salomone, an undergraduate senior at Hilbert and SGA Vice President of Programming and Campus Activities Board President, were in West Herr Atrium last month to tell students about upcoming events and to promote the position of orientation leader.

“The event we are holding today outlines some of what is going on on campus,” said Salomone. The group was promoting a concert at 78 West Café, a magic show at Swan Auditorium and were also promoting the position of orientation leader in order to get students active on campus.

Gill had additional activities advertised at this event, such as “In the Hawks Nest,” where students may join CAB and Art Club on March 15th at the lower level campus center for painting, a popcorn bar, and sparkling juice. Lip Sync Battle is another unique event that will happen in Bogel 101 on March 23rd from 8 to 10 p.m, where students will compete in lip-syncing for a Golden Mic.

According to the qualification, benefits, and responsibility sections of the Orientation Leader Application. If students are interested  in becoming an orientation leader, they will receive a $500 stipend, room and board from move-in to the end of orientation, incredible leadership and professional development opportunities, and black, blue, t-shirt, and quarter-zip polo shirts. However, you’ll need to be able to connect with people in a positive way, show enthusiasm, be available for all training dates and all new student needs, be a full-time student at Hilbert College for at least one semester, and have a 2.0 GPA or higher.

The Application states that, as an orientation leader you will be responsible for aiding incoming students and their families in their transition to Hilbert College by making them feel welcome and at home. Act as an expert on all elements of Hilbert College and New Student Orientation. Attend and fully engage in any orientation leader training sessions that are necessary. 

In addition, Gill and Salomone are offering information to students who are looking for or are interested in graduate studies, like at D’Youville. You can contact Alex Gill at agill@hilbert.edu or Jordan Salomone at jsalomone@hilbert.edu for more information or if you need guidance.