This past week on Wednesday, September 18th, the English department hosted a Fall English Fest. The event allowed for all students of the English major or minors to get together to mingle and discuss upcoming events and opportunities.
The department provided pizza, cheese trays, desserts, and drinks for the students and faculty to enjoy. While everyone munched on snacks, conversations were held regarding any and everything. Students were able to discuss recruitment for their clubs, such as C40, or open positions in various literary publications on campus. The event also provided a more comfortable and non-academic setting for students and faculty to chat. Students were able to share thoughts on their current classes or things they’re involved in with their professors that they probably would not have the opportunity to do otherwise.
Along with the casual mingling, faculty members were able to make announcements to the entire group. Dr. Seaman, chair of the English department, welcomed students to the event and opened the floor for faculty to share information with the crowd. Professor Carens offered news about his future travel abroad class to London where students will have the opportunity to study British Gothic literature. Professors Lott and Peeples provided details on the Spoleto program and the upcoming trip to Italy in May. Professor Varallo promoted the Creative Writing program. Professor Byker discussed the honors English fraternity for students, Sigma Tau Delta, and gave details on how to join. He also provided information on Literati, a student organization closely working with the English department that often hosts open mic nights for students to share their work. Professor Craig shared insight on the Writing, Rhetoric, and Publication concentration/minor as well as student internships that fulfill the capstone requirement for the concentration and can be taken for credit in any concentration. Students were also welcomed to share details of any upcoming events that others may be interested in such as a banned books event and the upcoming film competition.
Overall the event provided a great deal of information for students and provided a space for both faculty and students to meet new people. Plus, there was some awesome English department swag! Students and professors left with t-shirts, tote bags, sunglasses, stickers, pins, and pens celebrating the English major.