Spring Fling filled Averett’s campus with activity during the week of March 9 through March 13 as students moved in and out of events organized by the Student Government Association (SGA). Some stopped by between classes while others stayed longer, turning parts of campus into gathering spots throughout the week. What looked like a lineup of fun events also brought up a larger question about life at Averett and what it takes for students to join in. The response to certain events made one thing hard to miss. Some activities pull students in right away, while others still leave parts of campus untouched.
Senior aviation business major and SGA board member Mwansa Mweo framed Spring Fling as a week planned with students’ different interests in mind. The goal was to make the events inclusive and enjoyable, which led SGA to put together activities that did not all appeal to the same crowd. Roller skating, bingo, and bucket hat decorating gave students different ways to join in. The aim was to give students at least one event that fit their preferences or their availability.
Attendance does not depend solely on free items. Planning also focuses on how students move through their day, including class schedules, what they choose to spend time on, and what is gaining attention on campus. Giveaways can bring initial interest, but they do not hold attention on their own. What keeps students there is whether the event itself is enjoyable.
“The real draw to students showing up is when the event itself feels fun,” Mweo said.
One event that brought the largest turnout was Color Wars and Food Truck Day. Students gathered throughout the evening and spent time outside without needing to commit to a long event. The setting gave them space to come and go while still being part of what was happening. Free food played a role, but the atmosphere gave students a reason to stay and engage rather than just pass through.
“Students were excited because we rarely get to have a food truck come on campus free of charge,” Mweo said.
Not every group of students engages with Spring Fling in the same way. Students who are already active on campus, including athletes, student leaders, and members of organizations, tend to take part more consistently. Freshmen also seem more open to attending as they get used to campus life. Students who are less involved, commute to campus, or feel distant from campus culture can be harder to bring in. This gap says just as much about campus life as the events that bring large crowds.
Spring Fling brought students together, but the larger takeaway had less to do with the schedule itself. It revealed what can happen when events meet students where they are, but it also left open the question of how to reach those who still stay on the edge of campus life. Spring Fling may have ended, but the challenge of getting more students to feel included in that space does not stop there.
