DASA Adapts to ‘New Normal’ with New Virtual Programming
While the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of almost every in-person campus event this spring, the Division of Academic and Student Affairs has quickly adapted to the situation and is now offering a plethora of virtual events and activities to engage the NC State community as well as the public.
Below are some of the many new programs offered by different departments within the Division of Academic and Student Affairs:
Arts Flourish, Online Classes in the Arts, Virtual Museum Tours, and More
This strange new age of social distancing isn’t stopping Arts NC State from hosting its Flourish Festival—an arts and mental wellness initiative started last year in partnership with the Counseling Center to encourage healthy conversations and reflection about how the arts impact our well-being.
This year it will take place online and will include art-making opportunities for NC State students.
“It was disheartening to see so many arts events canceled due to COVID-19, but we knew that there could still be opportunities for our students and community to engage with the arts while physical distancing,” says Amy Sawyers-Williams, coordinator of arts outreach and engagement with Arts NC State.
That means moving the popular Student Art Sale online.
“While we’ve never done this before, we believe our patrons will understand and support these student artists, many of whom will be selling art on the web for the first time,” she says.
The Student Art Sale starts at noon April 17, and student artist submissions are due April 3. Students are also invited to submit their original work in music, dance, and theater for a Creative Artist Award by April 3.
The Flourish website also features a growing collection of online arts experiences and research on the arts and mental health.
“Our entire staff came together to create a comprehensive list of online arts experiences like plays, concerts, dance classes, and virtual museum tours that our community could access, and we are adding to it every day,” Sawyers-Williams says. “While it’s not the same as being in a live audience, we hope that it will provide folks with some sense of calm and creativity while we ride this out together.”
In addition to the Flourish Festival, Arts NC State is offering several online courses to keep you moving at home. The dance program is offering free online master classes for all students, faculty, and staff. Meanwhile, the Crafts Center will host Craft Relief, a dynamic series of online classes and resources to inspire the maker in you. The Gregg Museum will also give patrons virtual visit options and is offering free membership for students who join the Friends of the Gregg program.
Counseling Center Hosting Virtual Drop-In Spaces
Prevention Services and the Counseling Center are offering virtual drop-in spaces for the remainder of the spring semester. Themes include virtual park visits, tea times, and meditation.
Find out more about the upcoming sessions at go.ncsu.edu/dropin.
Stay Fit with WellRec at Home
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, NC State Wellness and Recreation is helping students and employees stay in top physical shape. Each weekday, WellRec staff are leading new and exciting workouts that can be completed in the comfort of your own home. Workout videos and additional content are also being shared to the department’s social media platforms. Events this week include yoga, meditation, and a trivia night.
Find out more and follow along with the workouts at https://wellrec.dasa.ncsu.edu/wellrec-at-home/.
Hang Out in the Campus Community Centers Virtual Lounge
The Campus Community Centers is hosting a Virtual Lounge from noon to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays and from 9-9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Join the Women’s Center, MSA, GLBT and AACC staff for some chill time reading children’s books, taking virtual museum tours, learning planning tips, sharing memes, and more.Find out more and check out the complete schedule at go.ncsu.edu/thevirtuallounge.
