For college students, the weeks can get stressful and it’s important for students to take a break, even in the middle of the week.
WCU’s Philosophy and Religion (PAR) department hosts Sweet Wednesday each week from noon to 2 p.m. in their main office located in Stilwell 226 for students to enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and snacks.
For years the department has hosted Sweet Wednesdays. David Henderson, department head of PAR, says the idea was to try to find ways to reinforce and build on a sense of community among the majors.
Although Philosophy students are frequently in the office, students of any class and/or major are welcome.
“It becomes a point of connection where they get to know us a little bit outside of class and I think that helps us feel more like you know people they can come to,” says Henderson.
Students find themselves spending more time in the main office, as it has become more of a place of engagement. Henderson says their department office has become much more of a student lounge than most other department offices.
“There are often three or four people in here playing chess, doing homework, and what not… it makes it feel more like a place to be than a class or office,” says Henderson.
Henderson shares how Sweet Wednesday has given him the chance to get to know who students are better as instructing a class doesn’t allow him to hear where their conversations go during that time. The weekly gathering allows a time for curious questions or even mentorship.
At the end of each semester, the department hosts a special version of Sweet Wednesday called “Will It Waffle?” where faculty bring waffle irons, and students are free to bring items to see if they will ‘waffle.’
“Come in Stillwell during finals week on Wednesday and that pretty much goes all day,” says Henderson.
