Get ready for fun

Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Union Board under ASNIC is planning events for students while following safety guidelines set in place by the school.

From Sept. 9 through 11, anytime throughout the day, students can join in a virtual escape room and have 15 minutes to escape the Castle of Horrors created by Party Vision. Students can participate either individually or by a group of four over Zoom with gift cards given to those who finish their escape first. Students need to RSVP on Cardinal Life preferably by Monday but sign up is open until Wednesday.

Jestine Lackner is a member of the Student Events Board as well as ASNIC vice president, Resident Assistant, and Ambassador for NIC. 

Jestine Lackner, vice president of ASNIC and Student Events Board member, said she hopes their events will reach not only the students who come to campus but also those online only.

“We understand that not many students can come out in an in-person environment,” Lackner said, “so we are trying to reach all students to the best of our abilities and give them a platform to interact with other students on campus even though they are stuck at home.”

Lackner said that with online and social distancing changes on campus this semester, some students have had difficulty engaging socially with their classmates.

“We’re really targeting community engagement this year in terms of having students be able to meet other students because that seems to be a struggle for a lot of people I’ve met this year,” Lackner said.

Later in the month, the events board plans for a couple of outdoor movie nights at the Hayden Discount Cinema to allow for adequate social distancing. The movie is to be determined and the dates are tentatively set for Sept. 28 and 29th. 

Tatum Bryan, Student Events Board member, said the best part about being on the board is seeing students happy and benefited by what they do.

In early October, the board is planning a virtual Bob Ross-themed painting party led by an art teacher or other faculty member on campus. Supplies are limited so students need to RSVP to reserve their kit. Students who participate are encouraged to send a photo of their creation to sentinelsocialmedia@gmail.com to be featured in a virtual gallery.

“We are committed to providing safe, fun and free events to our students,” said Tatum Bryan, a member of the Student Events Board. “We will continue exploring all options available to connect to our community and reach as many students as we can.”

For more information on student events, you can go to the events page of the NIC website, follow ASNIC on Facebook or Instagram, or watch for posters on campus. For event information, contact Event Services at 208-769-3360 or eventservices@nic.edu.