Forming Connections Over Spring Break

Over Spring Break, Duke’s Academic Guides coordinated three Durham-based events for undergraduate students. The social events provided an opportunity for students remaining on campus during the break to find community and explore Durham. Each West campus quad has a dedicated Academic Guide who coordinates events throughout the year that integrate academic coaching and holistic student support into the undergraduate residential experience at Duke.

“Most undergraduates leave campus over Spring Break,” noted Keohane and Swift Academic Guide, Mercy Guriyire. “It can feel pretty lonely to be one of the only folks in your dorm for that week. So, we wanted to organize some social events that got students across campus together and gave them something to look forward to doing.”

The Academic Guides’ Spring Break events ranged from hands-on activities, shared meals, and visits to local museums. Participants were encouraged to sign up for events ahead of time, and all associated costs of the program were covered by Duke. Activities included:

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  Mini Succulents, Planter Painting, and Empanadas – Students snacked on empanadas while decorating a pot and planting a succulent. Students were encouraged to take the personalized planter back to decorate their living space.
   
• Museum of Durham History Tour & Lunch at Goorsha - The Academic Guides led students on a 15-minute walk from East Campus to the Museum of Durham History. Touring the museum, students learned about the history of Durham and Duke, including an exhibit celebrating 100 years of Duke University. Lunch at Goorsha provided the opportunity for new connections to be made over Ethiopian cuisine, initiating conversations over their shared new experience.
   
• Nasher Museum of Art & Lunch at Nasher Café - The students were able to not only look at the art but also experience it for themselves. After touring the museum, Nasher staff led participants in a drawing exercise while relaxing to music. Afterwards, the students enjoyed lunch at the Nasher Museum Café, chatting with one another the entire time.

Beyond these Spring Break activities, the Academic Guides host many events in the Quads like Fruit Stand, Study Halls, Resource Fairs, and Duke Real Talk Sessions. To learn more and to get involved, visit: https://academicguides.duke.edu/.