The University of Connecticut Student Union is hosting its annual “Trick-or-Treat at the U” event from noon to 3 p.m. today.
All Union-residing organizations and cultural centers like WHUS, the Women’s Center and HuskyTHON will be handing out candy or other goodies. The candy options include M&Ms, Skittles and Almond Joys, among others.
Jeff Alton, an associate director for the Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC), said the event reminds him of Halloween memories.
“There’s a very nostalgic feeling I get when I pass out candy of how much fun it was for me to trick-or-treat when I was young,” he said. “All in all, it’s a fun event.”
Besides trick-or-treating, the event is a way to highlight the Union and what it provides for students, Student Union Event Planning Coordinator Jennifer Hedges said. Most students go to the Union for food or drinks without knowing there are other amenities. The trick-or-treat event brings the UConn community together to notice all the programs, cultural centers and resources that make up the Union, Hedges said.
“Students haven’t really seen or experienced what else can be offered for them throughout the building,” Hedges said. “This event kind of gives them an opportunity to explore in a fun way.”
Ian Shick, the assistant director for the Rainbow Center, said the event’s foot traffic is why the center is involved.
“One reason we participate is the increase in traffic of people who may not have ever been to our space,” they said.
The Union spaces will mostly be covered in Halloween items, with some exceptions. This could include jack-o’-lanterns, spiderwebs and other scary decorations. Some organizations even go the extra mile and have a complete theme for their space.
Alton said that AsACC will be in the Halloween spirit with its decorations.
“We usually put up some pumpkins around the front desk and maybe some spooky items,” he said.
Students are encouraged to wear a costume, but it’s not required. In past years, costumes have ranged from bananas, wizards and even Bob Ross.
Hedges said she admires people who create DIY budget costumes.
“I know college students’ funds are short a lot of time,” she said. “So, seeing what they can create out of their own closet has always really been impressive to me.”
Students who wish to participate will need to swipe their student ID card in the Union’s north lobby. From there, students will be handed a bag to collect their candy in.