Taking advantage of the Walter Cronkite School’s state-of-the-art facilities for overnight studying is no longer an issue for Downtown students cramming for finals this week.
For the first time since its opening, the Cronkite School instated 24/7 building hours Monday for students during finals week, which includes access to all edit bays, select computer labs and the First Amendment Forum. The school is also providing assorted coffees, teas and hot chocolate along with granola bars from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The round-the-clock hours and snacks last until Friday.
“When I talk to students right around finals time, they love to be able to crunch on their own schedules,” said Christopher Callahan, dean of the Cronkite School and Vice Provost for the Downtown campus.
The decision to extend the hours came from students expressing an interest in one late-night place to study.
Callahan said the cost of the program is minimal. The major cost will be covering the six additional hours for IT personnel on staff each night, he said.
Several students stayed in the Cronkite School Monday night to study and work on final projects.
“I wish they encouraged it all year long,” said Megan Goodrich, a journalism graduate student. Goodrich said she planned on continuing her studying in the First Amendment Forum until class began the next morning.
An oblong table of snacks and a single cup coffee maker were available beginning Monday night.
“I was busy working on a videography assignment and needed a break,” said journalism sophomore Jake Stein. “This is a huge relief and after having coffee I can get back to work feeling very positive.”
The decision to continue the extended building hours for future semesters will be based on the amount of students who participate, Callahan said.
“As long as students want it and are using it, and from the reaction I am getting, I think (it will be offered again),” he said.
Access to the building will require students to sign in at the security desk located on the first level and to present their Sun Card.
Contact the reporter at marivas1@asu.edu
