A night of Games and Engagement

The Student Center Ballroom at Eastern Michigan University buzzed with excitement as cards shuffled and roulette wheels spun during the Kings Casino event. Students and staff participated in the annual event, hosted by Campus Life and the Kings of Color student institution. The event provided a space for casual casino games where participants could win real prizes using fake money.

Juniper Bamrick, Campus Life Activities coordinator, emphasized the event’s purpose: This year, we added faculty and staff, so they get to interact with them in a different way. The kings Casino aimed to give back to the Eastern michigan University community through engagement with people students don’t normally get to meet.

University staff members, including Title IX Coordinator Sarah Olejniczak and Chief Diversity Officer Dwight Hamilton, volunteered at the event, dealing cards and assisting with games.Their participation fostered a unique habitat where students and faculty could interact outside of the conventional classroom setting.

Learning and winning

Each student received 500 mock dollars upon entry,which they used to obtain casino chips.These chips were then used to play a variety of games, including Blackjack, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, wheel spins, and Roulette. Neriah Johnson, the Court of Queens President of Kings of Color, noted that many students had never experienced casino games in person. A lot of people do find them engaging, just because they were never put in that environment, Johnson said. But they have always wanted to know how to play them, so this is a great way to teach them these games as well.

The use of mock money allowed students to learn the games without the risk of losing real money. Juniper Bamrick said the mock money added a benefit. The student could learn to play without any real currency involved.

For those who ran out of chips, there was an opportunity to earn more by playing video games like Super Smash Brothers Ultimate and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Winners of these video game competitions received an additional 100 mock dollars, adding another layer of fun and competition to the event.

Prizes and Collaboration

At the end of the night, participants cashed in their chips for prizes. The prizes included Kings of Color-sponsored hanging dice, water bottles, drawstring bags, and a raffle for a grand prize selection of board games. The variety of prizes ensured that everyone had a chance to win something, regardless of their casino game skills.

Neriah Johnson highlighted the positive collaboration between Kings of color and Campus Life. They are all about giving back to the student societies, so we feel like Campus Life resonates with the needs of the students, Johnson said. just to be able to get out and do something and de-stress after a long day of classes,stuff like that.

Student Perspectives

Students who attended the event shared positive feedback. Kyle Thibeault said, It’s a really good way to enjoy an amazing experience like Vegas, and learn what gambling is like in a fun way. It’s a great way to relieve stress, too.

Brendan Winters shared a personal connection to the games. I would play games online with him, and being able to come here and play these games for fun was really enjoyable, and I hope they expand on it even more, Winters said, reminiscing about watching the World Poker Tournament with his dad.

Expert Insights on Student Engagement

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, welcome.you’re an expert in higher education student engagement and experiential learning. Eastern Michigan University recently held a “Kings Casino” event using mock currency. What are your thoughts on this approach to student engagement, and how effective do you think it was in achieving its goals?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me.The Kings Casino event at Eastern Michigan University brilliantly showcases the potential of experiential learning to foster student engagement and community building.Using mock casino games, they created a safe and inclusive environment – a crucial aspect for successful student engagement initiatives. Experiential learning, as research consistently shows, facilitates deeper understanding and skill growth compared to traditional lectures. In this case, students learned about casino games and strategizing in a low-stakes environment, which significantly reduces the risk associated with real-money gambling, something often considered a major concern, particularly in a university setting. The event also fostered interaction between students, faculty, and staff, overcoming possible barriers to create a sense of camaraderie across different groups within the campus community.

Broader Educational Benefits

Interviewer: Beyond the immediate fun and games,what are the broader educational benefits of such an event? How could this model be adapted for other institutions and student populations?

Dr. Sharma: The event’s success can be attributed to several key educational benefits. First, it promoted social interaction and networking outside of the traditional classroom setting. This kind of informal interaction allows students to build strong social bonds and form relationships that can positively influence academic performance and overall happiness at university. Second, the event offered a unique opportunity for skill development. Students engaged in strategic thinking, risk assessment, and financial decision-making, even though with mock money, all skills relevant to real-world situations. The event subtly addressed issues of financial obligation, risk management, and decision-making processes in a low-pressure, fun setting.

For other institutions and student groups,the key is to adapt the concept to the specific interests and needs of the student body. For instance:

• STEM Focus: A mock stock market trading competition
• Arts Focus: A collaborative art project with “currency” based on creative contributions
• Business Focus: A simulated negotiation challenge with points awarded instead of money.

The core elements—a low-stakes competitive environment, opportunity for skill development, collaborative interactions, and a focus on fun—can be adapted across diverse disciplinary contexts and student needs.

The Importance of Faculty and Staff Involvement

Interviewer: The event organizers emphasized the interaction between students and faculty/staff. How meaningful is that element in fostering a positive university culture?

Dr. Sharma: the integration of faculty and staff in this seemingly informal event is crucial. It humanizes those figures, making them more accessible to students and fostering a stronger sense of mentorship and community. This breaks down hierarchical barriers frequently seen in traditional university settings. By participating actively, faculty and staff demonstrate a genuine investment in the students outside of the frequently enough-formal academic space. This kind of student-faculty interaction can significantly contribute to student retention and success. It promotes a sense of belonging and supports the overall university’s climate of care and inclusivity.

Key Takeaways for Universities

Interviewer: What are the key takeaways for universities planning similar engagement initiatives? What can they learn from the Kings casino event’s success?

Dr. Sharma: Universities looking to replicate or adapt this model should consider the following:

• Careful planning: Thorough planning, including logistics, budget management, and volunteer recruitment, is essential.
• Inclusive design: Ensure the initiative is accessible and appealing to a broad range of students.
• Clear goals and objectives: Having clearly defined goals helps with evaluations and improvements for future events.
• Relevant incentives: The rewards, prizes, or incentives used should be tailored to the students’ interests.
• Post-event evaluation: Collect feedback from participants to inform future iterations and maximize its long-term impact.

By focusing on building strong community interactions, providing opportunities for skill development, and creating a fun atmosphere, universities can leverage engaging activities to create a more cohesive and positive learning environment.