As finals week approaches in a flurry of tests, papers, projects and cold weather, students are in dire need of a break from all the stress.

At Park University, that means celebrating the bi-annual Cram Jam event.

For more than 12 years, the Resident Hall Committee, Park Student Advisory Board and the Resident Life directors along with the Resident Assistants have assisted in hosting the celebration.

“It’s a way to provide relief for kids studying hard for finals,” said JP Berry, vice president of the RHC and a freshman double majoring in athletic training and fitness and wellness.

In the past, there have been both winter and spring cram jams, with themes ranging from carnival and winter wonderland to luau and the Hunger Games centered festivities.

This year’s event will be themed “Old Vegas” and will be held from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8. at the Thompson Commons.

There will be a Vegas-style buffet in upper Thompson with finger foods, slushies and “mocktails” in addition to activities and events such as slot machines, a raffle, a cake walk, poker tables, magician, photo booth and a wing eating contest.

“What cram jam is about is bringing the whole school together,” said Cooper Bayiha, the resident director of both Chestnut and Dearing Hall.

“Cram Jam is like the Super Bowl of social events on campus. It’s a night to have fun with friends and have a chance to win cool prizes.”

The RHC hopes to have several gifts cards for areas such as Zona Rosa and gas cards to give away as prizes.

They also hope to give away a pair of Beats headphones for the end of the night raffle prize.

Cram Jam is open to all students at Park, whether residential or commuter.

An estimated 150 students attend the event but the RHC hope to see even more than that this year.

“Originally, Cram Jam started as a time to study but it’s more for getting together, finding school spirit and letting off some steam,” said Ayla Parham, RHC president and a junior double majoring in secondary education and biology. “A lot of stress builds up during finals and we want to give students a place on campus to have fun.”

Karie Schaefer has participated in the bi-annual event since her first year at Park as a student and now as the director of resident life and Park University alumni.

“It started as residential students only but it’s grown to include anybody and everybody on campus,” she said.