Whether it’s discussing scientific research with professors Guy and Kim Caldwell or playing ping pong with Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Nelson, Honors College’s weekly coffee hour gives students the opportunity to interact with professors and peers outside of their usual academic setting.

The Honors College Assembly began the weekly coffee hour this past fall. Each week, around 50 honors students and faculty meet in the Ridgecrest South lobby over free doughnuts and coffee.

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No two coffee hours are alike. Each one offers an opportunity to partake in open discussion on a variety of topics in an informal atmosphere.

“Even though students have their own space in Ridgecrest, this is an opportunity for students to come out, get to know each other and be a part of that single Honors community,” Neil Adams, recruiting specialist for the Honors College, said.

The coffee hour has gained momentum since its inception in August. The event is meant to provide a level of consistent and meaningful dialogue within the Honors College.

Honors College puts on a number of events over the course of the year, including tailgates, service projects, research talks and dances.

(See also “Honors College aims for community, conversation“)

“It is possible that some students think that there is too much to do in the Honors College, but if they come to events like this they will see that Honors is not this big monolith,” Kindle Williams, Honors College ambassador, said. “It’s not hard to get to know people here, and once you do, you’re going to want to come to everything.”

Coffee Hour is at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Ridgecrest South lobby.

“We are trying to show students that we’re here, the Honors College loves you, so come stop by and talk with us,” Victoria Sheesly, a recent UA graduate, said.

(See also “Honors College should require courses fostering community, civic engagement“)