It’s hard to visualize a Wednesday afternoon without Wednesdays After Class (WAC). No music lightening the moods of weary students. No groups of friends sitting on the mall. No snacks or crafts.
In a lot of ways this bleak visualization sounds like a Monday afternoon.
“I like WAC because it’s something to look forward to in the middle of the week,” Annie Adams, student in the College of Business.
WAC has been around for years to help students get over the mid-week hump.
“The goal of WAC is to build a sense of community and enable people to have a weekly staple in their life where they can come by on campus, listen to some music, socialize, and get some free things as well,” said Nick Mascio, Vice President for Programming.
WAC accomplishes this goal by providing a weekly snack or craft either on the mall or in the student center on days that are too cold or rainy. Snacks have included walking tacos, dirt cups, make your own cookies, and others. Crafts and giveaways have included decorate your own acrylic cup, gingerbread houses, carve a jack-o-lantern, and other items. WAC also serves as a meeting place for students who might not normally see each other.
The students who don’t go for the snack or craft often hang around the mall with friends until their next class.
“I think WAC is a great way to bring students together, says Bridget Battafarano student in the College of Arts and Sciences, “It allows you to see a lot of people that you wouldn’t normally see.”
WAC has become a welcome break in Wednesday afternoons for many students, mixing things up.
“I like that WAC brings students together in the middle of the week. It’s also nice to make a free craft every once and awhile,” Stephanie Pelan, student in the College of Business.
A few minor changes are coming to WAC. The hours are being stretched from an earlier 12pm start time and an extension to a 4pm close. The activity and snack is also going to have “staggered releases” throughout the timeframe, to ensure snacks or crafts don’t run out for those who can’t make it in the earlier hours of WAC. Extended hours will also allow those students who have had class during the times in the past to stop by.