Late hours at the LAC provide a space for studying

The library couldn’t accommodate all of the students who wished to stay on campus after hours, so the Learning Assistance Center started Nerd Nights Dec. 9, which provides a “comfortable environment” for students to study with refreshments, according to Teresa Garcia, the Assistant Director of the Learning Assistance Center.

This is the first year that the University offered Nerd Nights.

Nerd Nights, which continues until Dec. 13, offered students a distraction-free environment where students can study from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., after the regular LAC hours.

“As it’s getting closer to finals, students aren’t able to find places to study and collaborate with their study groups,” Garcia said. “The LAC provides a safe place for students to come and enjoy the company of other as they study together.”

The LAC collaborated with the Student Government Association and the University Program Board to provide students with free refreshments, popcorn, blue books and scantrons.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to pass my classes. That’s why I came here,” said Pedro Guajardo, who is a nursing major at UTPA. “Any problems I have, (the tutors) help me understand and review my work. I’ve been studying for over 20 hours.”

Nerd Nights however does not offer tutoring services; the services are offered during regular LAC hours.

The Learning Assistance staff hope to provide Nerd Nights next semester when finals roll around.

“I’ve been coming to Nerd Nights since Sunday because I prefer to study in a group and I know I can find that here.” said Hector Valadez, a civil engineering major. “I’m not that smart, so I wish Nerd Nights was there when I was starting college. It really helps you get ready for your finals and it’s a good place to study.”