Finals Mania is Back to Provide a Welcome Break to Students


Finals ManiaA long line of smiling students and the smell of maple syrup wafting through the air means only one thing: Finals Mania has returned once again to the University of Houston campus!

The twice-a-year event, which happens at the end of the fall and spring semesters, will take place on Tuesday, May 5, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Rockwell Pavilion at the M.D. Anderson Library. The popular tradition, which got its start back in 2008, provides a welcome break for students who have been studying hard for final exams.

Approximately 1,700 students are expected to show up to be served pancakes with a variety of toppings, turkey sausage, coffee, orange juice and a variety of snacks. Many students start lining up 30 minutes to an hour beforehand just so they can be among the first to make it through the line. All they need to bring with them is their student ID and a hearty appetite.

Students can choose plain, blueberry or chocolate chip pancakes. A wide variety of toppings are available, including strawberries, whipped cream, butter and syrup.

“Finals Mania is a great opportunity for all of our hard-working students to come and rest and relax and have a good time with their friends,” said Maria Honey, assistant director of marketing and communications for Auxiliary Services. “We especially want to extend an invitation to those students who have never participated before. You don’t know what you are missing!”

Finals Mania is sponsored by Auxiliary Services, Dining Services, UH Libraries, Faithful Paws, Canteen Vending and Coca-Cola.

Like it always has, it will kick off with members of the UH band performing several songs from the second-floor balcony and the food line will open. After moving through the line, students can find a place to sit and socialize with friends before returning to their studies.

UH faculty and staff help out at the event, performing a wide range of duties to make the evening run smoothly. Volunteers are needed to do everything from greeting people as they come through the door to manning beverage stations and everything in between. To sign up to volunteer, contact Eric Holamon, marketing and communications manager for Auxiliary Services, at 713-743-7134 or Esholamon@uh.edu.