The Student Activities Council discussed plans at its Feb. 3 meeting for Govers & Friends, a pre-Valentine’s Day social set for Feb. 12, aimed at celebrating friendship, connection, and community on campus.

The event will feature interactive activities such as card-making, love-note stations, giveaways, and chances for students to meet new people in a relaxed setting. Organizers emphasized that the event is not focused solely on romantic relationships.

“It doesn’t have to be romantic at all,” an SAC officer explained. “It can be platonic. Those connections are just as important.”

Several campus partners, including the New Student Program (NSP) and the First-Gen Center, are collaborating on the event. NSP student mentor Austin James Martin said the goal is to help students feel supported and engaged.

“We host different events to help students get involved and feel connected,” Martin said. “A lot of our work is about helping students navigate their first year and realize they’re not alone here.”

The First-Gen Center will host a station where students can write notes about what they appreciate about being first-generation students or how campus resources have helped them succeed. The notes also may be shared on social media to highlight student voices.

Volunteers will assist with setup, card-making, and distributing stuffed animals that students can win during the event. SAC members stressed that student involvement is key to making the event successful.

“These events only work when students show up and help shape them,” one SAC leader said. “That’s why we really encourage people to get involved.”

Govers & Friends will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., offering students a laid-back space to connect, unwind, and celebrate friendship ahead of Valentine’s Day.