It’s a familiar scene: an assignment deadline is looming but distractions keep putting work on hold.

To fight the urge to set assignments aside, Brock is hosting its third annual Night Against Procrastination.

Learning Skills Specialist Kristen Atack, right, provided writing consultation at last year’s Night Against Procrastination.

The Nov. 16 event, put on by A-Z Learning Services in partnership with various University departments, aims to get students motivated by providing resources and a productive atmosphere for them to get a head start on their school work.

“In the academic year, there is a perfect storm when assignments come due at the end of the term,” said Allyson Miller, Brock’s Manager of Learning Services. “Everybody experiences this, from first year to grad studies, and this event encourages students to get a start on the those assignments to avoid that storm while also having some fun and being collaborative.”

After signing in and registering for a free draw, students are given access to a variety of services offered throughout Market Hall and its surrounding rooms to assist them as they complete their upcoming assignments.

Subject-specific tutors, instructors and academic advisors will be on hand from 6 p.m. to midnight to offer advice on writing, research, citation and more in a variety of settings. In addition to academic assistance and workshops, 20-minute relaxation sessions, including yoga, colouring and balloon animals, will be available for those looking to take a quick break from their assignments.

Learning Skills Specialist Maggie Whitfield, left, led a balloon animal relaxation session at last year’s Night Against Procrastination.

As no study session is complete without food, students will also be treated to free soup throughout the evening.

A-Z Learning Services student peer Aimee Hu has attended the event in previous years and has seen first-hand the impact it can have.

“I think it’s a great resource for students,” she said. “The setting makes it easy to stay focused for hours.”

Miller is confident that the popular night will draw close to 300 students this year, up from 220 in 2016.

However, a big crowd is not the event’s primary goal.

“We hope that everyone who attends will get started on something that they would not have started otherwise,” she said, “while also feeling energy and excitement about learning and discovering new things.”

For Miller, accomplishing this goal means not only helping students with their immediate work, but also preparing them for their long-term success.

“I think the best thing students can do is learn to find fun in their work,” she said. “It’s important to enjoy the things that further your goals, and I hope this event works towards building that skill for all involved.”

Brock’s Night Against Procrastination takes place Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. to midnight in Market Hall.

All are welcome.