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Written by Shelby Bowman '26

In recent years, the Student Center in Lower Lenfest had become an underused space. To change that, the Office of Student Development introduced ������Ƶ “Time Out ������Ƶ ” to encourage students to spend more time there. With simple, fun, and relaxing activities that changed every Monday, Time Out began providing a space for students to decompress in-between classes, and because of its success, it is back again this year. 

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Time Out is not only revitalizing the Student Center; it also offers something for students seeking solo downtime ������Ƶ —an often-overlooked need on campus. ������Ƶ “Students can go alone, or they can go with friends, ������Ƶ ” said Sarah-Jane Flook, coordinator of student engagement and international scholar services, ������Ƶ “whether they have a minute, three minutes, or three hours. ������Ƶ ” 

From jigsaw puzzles to arts and crafts, the activities each week are meant to appeal to a range of interests, so there is something for everyone. Some weeks follow a theme for that month, like a photo collage for Women ������Ƶ ’s History Month in March or a quiz for Alcohol Awareness Month, which even included a small prize. ������Ƶ “We wanted to have some sort of activity that would change on a weekly basis, ������Ƶ ” Flook explained. ������Ƶ “Something that enabled us to leave out the materials, leave out the instructions, and students could find in the same place every week. ������Ƶ ” 

Suggestions are also welcome. At the end of last semester, Flook placed a sheet in the Center, asking students what they wanted for future Time Out activities.  ������Ƶ “Someone asked for Legos, so I bought a couple of adult Lego kits, ������Ƶ ” Flook said. ������Ƶ “Those will be going out at some point over the fall semester. ������Ƶ ”