‘Long Night Against Procrastination’ Hopes to Light a Fire Under Student Productivity

Billed as “a night to get it done,” the Learning Center together with Feinberg Library will host “Long Night Against Procrastination” Sunday, Oct. 17 from 7 to 11 p.m., Feinberg second floor.

The event originated in 2010 at the European University Viadrina in Frankfurt, Germany in response to student requests for all-night tutoring. The idea spread and now LNAP is an annual or semi-annual event held at colleges and universities around the world. The “night to get it done” can refer to anything students are working on, Levitte said — essays, speeches, research projects, homework, anything.

“Last year’s LNAP for spring finals was a big hit, so this semester, we’re adding a midterm event,” said Joshua Beatty, library director.

Regan Levitte, Learning Center assistant director and writing specialist, said the evening “emphasizes completing writing assignments and research papers by combining library and writing tutoring resources.”

‘Felt Supported’

“This year, we’re looping in some of our content tutors as a resource. Last year, we nearly filled the deep quiet room with students working on projects — the accountability (of being there to work) was the most frequent praise we got about the event, but it was overall, really, really exciting and folks felt supported.”

“I think that students really appreciated the chance to be — I guess — pampered a little bit while they worked. They liked having the support of writing tutors and library staff — alongside the fun, food, and games. It’s nice when students can learn that, though college is hard work, you should be able to enjoy yourself at the same time,” Beatty said.

He said that the “against procrastination” portion is important for the library.

Research, Writing ‘Takes Time’

“One thing we try to teach in LIB190 and elsewhere is that research and writing takes time. To do it well, you can’t wait until the last minute,” Beatty said. “So the “Long Night Against Procrastination” reinforces that approach.”

Midterms LNAP will include snacks, schedule breaks, research help from librarians and tutors and prizes of Plattsburgh swag.

Students can register by scanning the QR code found on posters around campus and meet on the second floor of Feinberg Library near the Deep Quiet Room. The Learning Center on the first floor will also be open.

For more information, contact the Learning Center at [email protected].

— By Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs with Photos Provided