Although final exams may be a time of dread for students, it also means yet another Exam Cram, a weeklong event on campus to offer academic support and events to help with those long days (and nights) of studying. Exam Cram, which began in spring 2008, will begin Tuesday, April 26 and run through Wednesday, May 4.

“Exam Cram provides intellectual and holistic support to our students wherever they happen to be on campus,” said Francine Paolini, Co-Director of Grace Hauenstein Library. “It is a fairly new campus event, but it did not take long for the students to adopt it as a tradition they appreciate and enjoy. I am honored to be a part of it.”

Events during the week will be scattered throughout campus, including the library, Moose, and even some of the residence halls. Events include holistic massages, an oxygen bar, yoga and wellness tips, along with nightly refreshments.

“I definitely appreciate the free massages that are usually offered during Exam Cram, because lots of studying means an achy neck,” said Alina Dhaseleer, junior. “I think having snacks and different things going on in the library brings a lot more students to the library. Seeing tons of other students around me working hard helps motivate me to focus!”

This year there will be a new addition, as Student Senate is sponsoring five overnights in the Grace Hauenstein Library. From Saturday, April 30 through Wednesday, May 4, the library will be open 24 hours for students.

“I truly look forward to having the library open 24 hours during exam week,” said Eddie Seymour, junior.

“I think exam cram is a creative way to make the stressful end of the year exams into a somewhat fun event,” said Dustin Heiler, junior. “It encourages people to go to the library and Moose with food incentives, and also makes the ‘study’ theme of AQ an official practice.”

Exam Week is sponsored by Student Development, Student Support Services, Student Senate, Residence Life, Grace Hauenstein Library, Academic Achievement and Health and Wellness Services.