Eastern Connecticut State University’s Office of Housing and Residential Life is one of many offices on campus that are working together to maintain a healthy and safe campus environment during COVID-19.  The Housing Office is also committed to creating opportunities for students to enjoy campus life in through a range of engaging yet safe activities and events. Many events and activities are being held virtually due to COVID-19; students must register for any on-campus, in-person events and cannot just show up at the door.

The highlight of the fall’s programs is the Warrior Cup. The Warrior’s 2020 Cup program, which took place on Sept. 10 and 19, included a relay race, tennis tournament, food drive, talent show, backyard barn fire and voting day competition. Other activities included “Coping with COVID-19,” “Get Organized and Stay That Way,” “How to Communicate with Your Roommate,” “History of Eastern,” “Presidential Debate,” “Voter Registration,” “Financial Responsibility,” “Mindfulness and Yoga,” “Goal-Setting,” “Battle of the Bands,” “Reuse and Recycle,” “How to be Motivated,” “Mafia Night,” “Prepare for Graduate School,” “Writing the Perfect Outline,” “Self-Care,” “Go Fish,” “BJ’s in Your PJ’s,” “Stress Less and Paint More,” and “Do Your Laundry!”

“One of the hallmarks of the Eastern experience is the robust offerings of activities, programs, events and initiatives for student involvement to complement the learning that takes place in the classroom,” said LaMar Coleman, director of residential life and housing. “Although we are somewhat challenged this semester due to having to limit attendance capacities so students can maintain social distancing, we are trying to think creatively to offer students the best possible experience to keep them active and engaged throughout campus life.”

Another activity the Housing Office offered again this fall is the Six-Week Challenge for first-year students. The program supports students in adjusting to college life and discovering opportunities to engage the campus community during the first six weeks of their freshman year. National data shows that students surviving the first six weeks of school are more likely to stay and complete their degrees.  The challenge “winner” is the student in each first-year residence hall who attends/participates in the most programs on the calendar of Six-Week Challenge events.

Friday After Dark is another Housing Office program, this one designed to provide weekend Friday night and Saturday programming to encourage resident students to stay on campus on weekends. Upcoming events include:

On Oct. 9, a “Food Truck Festival” takes place in the Student Center Parking Lot, where several food trucks from local vendors will share their tasty menu items.

On Oct. 23, a Halloween Door Decorating Contest takes place in each residence hall, where residents will creatively decorate their doors with Halloween themes. Judges will reward the winners.

On Nov. 6, the Fall Harvest takes place in the Student Center and will involve several fall-themed activities, foods and entertainment.

Coleman said his office is more challenged this year to provide resident students with residential hall programs due to COVID restrictions, but noted that students can expect more creative programs to be added to the list of activities because each resident assistant (RA) has to create six programs per semester; there are 70 RAs.

“Our goal was to offer enough programming to encourage students to remain on campus and not go home,” explained Coleman. “This way, we minimize the risk of them bringing the virus back to campus. I am very proud of our students and their adherence to the various safety precautions we have on campus. They are wearing their masks, social distancing, washing their hands and maintaining other healthy habits. They all are trying to succeed in making this semester a great one for everyone.”

For more information on Office of Housing and Residential Life activities call (860) 465-5297, email housing@easternct.edu or visit http://www.easternct.edu/housing/