The sophomore class will be locked in the Waves Café for the first-ever “Sophomore Lock-In,” courtesy of the Student Programming Board and the Student Government Association (SGA). Festivities will begin at 10 p.m. with games, goodies, giveaways and last until 6 a.m. the next morning. Even President Andrew K. Benton will be stopping in for a round of karaoke.
The Sophomore Lock-In is designed to be a time for the sophomores to hang out with each other and get away for their own sophomore excursion, to the Waves Cafe.
“We’re working really hard as a team to bring as much as we can to the sophomores that stayed in Malibu,” Keb Doak, a member of the Sophomore Planning Committee said. “We want them to be able to brag to their friends abroad about their experience here.”
On Friday, the Sophomore Planning Committee will also be announcing another great event that they have planned exclusively for sophomores in February.
“This event, to be revealed, is one of the biggest events of Pepperdine and we are really excited to announce it,” King said.
These events hold a special meaning for the sophomore class. Every year, more than half of the sophomore class chooses to study abroad. While abroad, each group grows extremely close as they explore a foreign country and its culture. However, the sophomores who choose to stay in Malibu have the opportunity to interact and form friendships with others on campus.
“We work so hard to be a support team for the sophomores,” Sophomore Class President Jonathan King said.
Added Doak, “It’s really turned out for the best.”
Even though the sophomores will likely be having a blast playing laser tag, receiving free sweatshirts, and winning tickets throughout the night, receiving free gifts is not the sole purpose of these events, said the Sophomore Planning Committee.
“The main purpose is to really bring sophomores together to have a good year and to get to know new people,” King said.
King says it is still important that sophomores bond and represent their class to the fullest. In April, after the return of many sophomores studying abroad, a night out is planned to reunite the class. This Sophomore Club Night will be a time for sophomores to get out and enjoy some free food, transportation and music.
“Sophomore year is when people can get lost feeling like they have lost their friends abroad,” King said. “I believe based on my personal experience that it is a time to develop stronger connections.”
While planning, all involved agreed to make these events cost-free so that none would miss out on the experience.
This pilot program focusing on the sophomore experience has received positive feedback and responses from students, and will continue to evolve here at Pepperdine.
A sophomore town hall will take place in the Sandbar on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m.
King, Doak, and Melissa Carr, the members of this year’s Sophomore Planning Committee, said they are excited for the new semester and are anxious to receive feedback.
