Finals Mania Offers Students a Welcome Break from Exams


Finals Mania1When a long line of hungry students starts forming in the M.D. Anderson Library and the smell of maple syrup wafts through the air, that can only mean one thing: It’s Finals Mania time once again.

The twice-a-year tradition, which originated back in 2008, takes place at the end of the fall and spring semesters to provide weary students a welcome break from the grind of studying for final exams. This semester, the event will be held Monday, Dec. 7, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Just as it always has, students can enjoy a plateful of pancakes and turkey sausage served by faculty and staff, which they can wash down with a cup of coffee, orange juice or hot chocolate. A variety of pancakes toppings will be available, including strawberries, whipped cream, butter and syrup. There also will be a wide variety of snacks for students to chow down on before heading back to their homes, apartments and on-campus residential facilities to continue their studies.

Finals Mania2In addition, for the first time this semester, Starbucks will provide sample-sized portions of their holiday blend coffee to enjoy.

“Our students put a lot of effort and energy into their studies, and Finals Mania is one way we can help lessen that stress and let them relax and have some fun while enjoying some really good food,” said Maria Honey, assistant director of marketing and communications for Auxiliary Services. “We invite everyone to participate, especially those students who have never experienced it before.”

Students only need to bring their Cougar Card and a hearty appetite. This year, approximately 1,600 students are expected to attend the event, which will once again kick off with members of the UH band performing several songs from the second-floor balcony near the Rockwell Pavilion.

Finals Mania is sponsored by Auxiliary Services, Dining Services, UH Libraries, Canteen Vending and Coca-Cola.

UH faculty and staff volunteer their time to make the event a success. Volunteers are needed to do everything from greeting people at the door to manning beverage stations and everything in between. To sign up to volunteer, contact Leighanne Dean, marketing coordinator for Auxiliary Services, at lndean@central.uh.edu or 713-743-0991.