The Campus Activities Board will host its Charm the Semester event from 9 to 11 a.m. today in the Music, Science and Learning Center lobby on the Brownsville campus and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Union Commons area on the Edinburg campus.
Attendees can participate in a hot cocoa bar and two different ways of making backpack charms, according to staff.
“The main goal and purpose of the event is to kind of get students back in the motion of going back to school,” said Erin Ferrell, Student Activities program coordinator and CAB adviser.
Ferrell added students can experience a relaxed environment while making connections that create a sense of belonging.
“It’s a back-to-school event … making backpack charms and getting that warm cozy feeling of coming back to campus and getting it literally on that first day of school, getting back into the motion of the regular routine of things,” she said.
Jadda Lopez Morales, CAB pride and signature events chair and a mass communication junior, said while students may meet each other in class, it is also nice to meet people outside of classes and bond over a shared interest, building friendships and communities.
“It’s kind of a little icebreaker for some people … [that] might still struggle to make new friends or connections,” Lopez Morales said. “… I feel like giving this to students kind of helps ease that awkwardness.”
Since CAB had been inactive for about a year or two, the organization is testing out various new activities to recognize what students are interested in, she said.
Deyanira Ramos, CAB student experience and special event chair and a management junior, said the event was inspired by the weather and something “cute,” easy-to-move-around that students can enjoy.
“We talked about a few different ideas, but they all … centered around hot cocoa and doing … a little DIY thing,” Ramos said.
Lopez Morales added if the event succeeds, the organization will work on implementing more similar events.
“We want you to enjoy your college experience,” she said. “… We get it. It’s academics; you’re here for that degree. But … you can also … have some downtime.”
Ferrell encouraged students to reach out to CAB if they are interested in pitching ideas or want to help at future events. For more information on upcoming events, students can look for flyers around campus or visit V Link.
“These little events can help boost morale, and I feel like it can give students a message: … There can still be fun while you’re in school,” Ramos said.
