By: Ashantey Allison and Catherine Spicer

Midterms can mean long study sessions, busy schedules and added pressure for University of Arkansas students. But inside the Multicultural Center (MC), students can find a place to take a breath, connect with others and access everyday resources.

From free scantrons for exams to snacks and coffee, the Center offers practical support for students moving between classes and other responsibilities.

“Sometimes school can get a little stressful,” Tyler Rose, an MC student ambassador, said. “Certain people, they kind of just bring back that missing source of energy that you were looking for, that you didn’t really know you needed, but you know, you found it in the MC.” 

For graduate student Brianna Driver, the Center is also a place where students from different backgrounds can feel welcome and find support.

“Anybody can come here and feel comfortable and welcomed and get resources. They have resources for all types of groups and all types of backgrounds,” Driver said.

Director Adrain Smith says support can look different for every student. Along with providing food, the Center creates opportunities for students to step away from academic pressure and spend time together.

“Whatever that need may look like,” Smith said. “It’s like, ‘Ok, students are really stressed.’ You know, again, we are just gonna go out in terms of staff and just play spades or, you know, ‘let’s do a puzzle,’” Smith said. 

Whether students stop in for a scantron, a snack or a conversation, the goal is to give them a place where they can feel supported beyond the classroom. As midterms continue, the Center serves as one reminder that campus support can come in many forms.