During dead week and finals week, students spends most of their time studying at a local coffee shop in downtown Pullman. But when the Daily Grind closes at 11:30 p.m., the students pack up their books and head over to the Compton Union Building on the Washington State University campus.
The CUB is the center of activity on campus. Students are always flowing in and out of its doors to grab a snack from the food court or print off a last minute paper before class.
The CUB is extending its hours during dead week and finals week. During the other 13 weeks of the semester, the CUB is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. However, during the final two weeks of the semester, the CUB opens its doors for 24-hour operation starting the Wednesday of dead week through Friday of finals week.
According to Ashley Fagerlie, Assistant Director of Marketing Services, this strategy was implemented in the fall of 2008 when the new building opened.
“We are open 24/7 during these weeks to better accommodate students as they are studying for their finals,” said Fagerlie.
One of the accommodations the CUB offers besides the 24-hour open doors, are complimentary cookies and coffee between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Many students are very ecstatic about the 24/7 policy. Cat Holm, an intercultural communication and human development major absolutely loves the new hours.
“It makes it easier to study, especially when the library closes but I want to able to continue to study instead of going home,” said Holm. “And if I need a break, I can go watch the TV in The Lair and take some time to relax a bit.”
Courtney Clark, a criminal justice major, agrees with Holm. She is sitting at a table in the CUB flipping through her study guide for her final on Monday.
“I really appreciate getting away from a busy house and having some quiet time to concentrate,” said Clark. “The 24/7 policy gives students a place to study when other places are closed.”
She wrapped her hands around a cup of coffee, took a sip, and laughed. “Did I mention the free coffee?” said Clark.
While many students take advantage of the CUB’s late hours and free refreshments, many student employees dread the extended hours. Andrea Burke, a facility operations manager, is used to the late shifts normally scheduled.
“Most of my shifts are from 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. which is fine, but I have class at 9 a.m. so sometimes I will skip it because I am so tired from work.”
Burke is scheduled to work the Friday before finals week from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. She has a study group for one of her finals at 7 p.m. but will have to skip it because she could not find anyone to cover her shift.
“Many people are not willing to come in so late on Friday, especially when Ludacris is performing at Beasley Coliseum tonight,” said Burke with a shrug.
The CUB student employees are responsible for managing and exchanging their shift times. If a student has a shift during a final, they are accountable to find someone to cover that shift.
“As a student, I appreciate that the CUB is open and available to students,” said Burke. “But as an employee, it is a bit more stressful because we are the ones who have to make those free cookies and coffee.”
Kayla Griffin, a broadcast major, is satisfied with the 24/7 policy starting on the Wednesday of dead week rather than Monday.
“I think Wednesday of dead week and on is when most of the finals week studying gets done,” said Griffin. “I don’t think many students start studying on Monday or Tuesday.”
Nicole Van Dyk, a civil engineering major, does not agree with Griffin’s statement.
“I think the 24/7 policy should start the Monday of dead week because many students have lab finals, presentations, and projects that are due during dead week,” said Dyk. “The CUB’s later hours make it easier to get group projects done because you can work with group members’ schedules.”
The CUB has been serving student’s needs since 1946.
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