Late Night Study Space pilot program returns this quarter

The Late Night Study Space Program pilot program has returned for the entire 2018–19 school year. The program, which saw its first run in spring quarter of last year, is handled by Associated Students of UW Tacoma in cooperation with Facilities Services, Campus Safety and Student Engagement. This program aims to provide students with after-hours access to campus facilities for private study and late-night group work.

Last academic year, students who signed up for the pilot program were given special access cards. These cards allowed students to use the Cherry Parkes and McDonald Smith buildings after hours — from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday through Thursday. This year, the time frame is being extended by an extra hour, now open until 7 a.m. Ed Merecki, dean of Student Engagement, detailed other changes that students could see implemented throughout the school year.

“Folks have already made some sug­gestions like ‘Should the Mattress Fac­tory be a part of the buildings? Could TPS be one of the buildings?’” Merecki said. “The costs are minimal right now, so we are looking into the costs into add­ing, say, the TPS building. We are also hoping that, eventually, students can use their own ID card rather than a card we issue them.”

Both ASUWT and Student Engage­ment are satisfied with the results and data collected from the first run of the program. Of the 147 students who re­quested access cards, 90 of those students participated in the pilot by using the facilities after-hours. There were no re­ports of vandalism, misuse of facilities or problems with safety.

The pilot for the program was cre­ated by ASUWT in conjunction with several campus departments in order to address a number of students’ con­cern that there were no on-campus areas to use after-hours. Christie Per­alta, ASUWT director of university affairs, commented on the importance of the program.

“The Late Night Study Program that was piloted during spring quarter last year was successful in showing that there is a need from students to have a space on campus that is open later than the regular building hours,” Peralta said. “My hope this year … is to utilize more ways to reach students outside of emails and social media. For example, during New Student Orientation, ASUWT has been notifying new students about the pro­gram during our workshop.”

While ASUWT and Student Engage­ment are taking feedback on the usage of the space, they encourage students to sign up for the program, and are also focusing on student safety and wellbeing.

“We want to make sure students have the option to access these resources,” Merecki said. “One thing we are strug­gling with is messaging students and making sure they take the necessary steps for self-care. No one should be pulling all-nighters all of the time. Make sure you eat, shower and do the things you need to do to make sure you are ready for your day.”

To submit your request form to join the program, visit:
tacoma.uw.edu/student-engagement/late-night-access