IU Southeast students are preparing for midterms as the fall season starts. The beloved crisp air many people enjoyed hadn’t yet been brought in the day of the event, yet IUS planned fall festivities on campus for students to enjoy.

New Student Programs, an IUS department dedicated to getting students engaged on campus, gave students a break from the books with their first pumpkin painting event at Hillside Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Organized by New Student Programs and Leadership Coordinator Cayla Maurer, everything from simple paints to googly eyes and glitter were offered as decorations.

“It’s so cute! I’m excited to be here! I love that you guys are offering stuff on campus,” said Layne Titzer, a senior studying economics.

Pumpkin Painting is just one event the New Student Programs is offering to help bring back campus life since COVID-19. Maurer made sure all students were comfortable by spacing out many tables.

Each table included free-to-use paint, pumpkins and tools to let creativity shine.  

“It’s a busy time of year for students so I wanted to give them a break and focus on something fun. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get into the spooky spirit!” said Maurer. 

After Maurer spoke to students about a fun event to host on campus, New Student Programs came up with pumpkin painting. 

Maurer also wanted to give students the opportunity to meet new people. 

“I hope students walk away with a smile on their face and the name of someone new from around campus,” Maurer said.  

After waiting 30 minutes for students to show up, the pumpkin painting event turned into a huge success as students heard the loud music after getting out of classes, and wanted to join in the fun. 

“I have a big break between classes. I love painting pumpkins,” said Rayna Kelley, a freshman studying pre-nursing.

Nursing junior Casie Smith also enjoyed a break from studying to paint. 

“I don’t get to have a lot of fun,” Smith said, “I needed to do something.”

Maurer wants to offer more to students in the coming weeks. A few ideas she has include free coffee or hot cider outside for students to grab between classes, as well as snacks such as breakfast bars.

Although students are getting used to in-person classes again, many are grateful for the return to IUS. 

“I’m so glad to be back on campus,” said Titzer.