WMU News

Finals Finish helps students stay strong down the homestretch

April 13, 1999

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University students preparing for finals week will get a jump out of the starting gate with the 1999 Finals Finish from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Monday, April 19, and Tuesday, April 20, in the Student Recreation Center.

The program, which carries a horse race theme this year, allows students to use the center as a late-night study and recreation area for the first two days of winter final exams. Sponsored by the Presidential Spirit Committee along with several WMU departments and employee organizations, it helps keep students from fading during the homestretch of the last finals week in the academic year.

"This can be a hectic, stressful time for students," says Amy Seth, acting director of University Recreation Programs and Facilities. "We want to help them review, relax and revive so they can finish the year in the winner's circle."

The Student Recreation Center will be offering students study rooms, a computer lab, tutors and open recreation facilities as well as snacks, massages, promotional items and prizes. Members of WMU's faculty, staff and administration volunteer to cover shifts during the facility's extended operating hours.

"The focus of the program is on the academic side," Seth says, "but we're also catering to students who need to blow off some steam."

She adds that the event, now in its third year, fosters spirit and pride on campus and has gradually expanded into an end-of-the-year Bronco Bash.

"Bronco Bash is our way of welcoming students back to campus at the start of each academic year," Seth says of the annual street fair held the day before fall classes. "Finals Finish, which enhances the educational process by providing a nurturing study environment, is our way of sending them off on a good note."

Last year, more than 3,000 students participated in Finals Finish while 74 faculty, staff and administrators volunteered their time and 35 businesses donated their products and/or services.

To arrange coverage or an interview, call Seth at (616) 387-3759 or Jeanne Baron in the Office of Marketing, Public Relations and Communications at (616) 387-8433. More information about Finals Finish may be obtained by accessing the program's Web page at <www.Studentworld.wmich.edu/finalsfinish/default.html>.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu


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