The Craft Room has attained a SUNY-wide honor, winning one of 10 Outstanding Student Affairs Program Awards for 2022 that were formally recognized at the College Student Personnel Association’s annual conference in Binghamton on Monday, Oct. 17.
The honor signifies that the Craft Room, a part of Residence Life, has been formally recognized by the SUNY Chief Student Affairs Officers and the Office of University Life.
“I was so proud to receive this award because the Craft Room is my favorite part about my job; it allows me to be creative and try new things,” said Alicia Wroblewski, program aide in Residence Life.
Providing a creative outlet that aides in helping to preserve the mental health of resident students is the Craft Room’s overall mission. It also offers an additional niche on the campus where students can feel comfortable and find an outlet for some of their creativity.
“The Craft Room, located in Disney Hall, is a crafter's dream! We have supplies for almost every type of craft there is,” Wroblewski said. The room is designed with four circular tables, cabinets in the back, a card catalog to hold supplies and a sewing machine.
“We offer a new craft each week that students can pop by Tuesday to Thursday between 6 and 8 p.m. to complete the craft, or get the supplies to take back to their room if they prefer to craft at their own pace.”
Career Vision Boards, an event held in collaboration with the Career Development Office, is the most popular draw.
Craft Room activities have proven to be very beneficial to students, especially during times when they are slowly starting to break out of social isolation that was a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic. The Craft Room returned to an in-person format in the fall semester.
A large number of students signed up virtually for a craft, which was delivered to the student’s residence hall, in the Spring 2022 semester.
Additional take home kits may be offered in the Spring 2023 semester.
