"Snack and Spill" Events Offer Students a Voice in Shaping Campus Life

A new student-centered event series, Snack and Spill, is launching this fall to invite U of A students into honest, peer-led conversations about their campus experience over free snacks and meaningful dialogue. 

Upcoming Snack and Spill Events  

Wednesday, Oct. 29 

• 9-10:30 a.m. | Arkansas Union, room 305 |  HOGSYNC RSVP  

• 3-4:40 p.m. | Arkansas Union, room 310 | HOGSYNC RSVP 

Hosted by University Housing and supported by the Student Affairs Executive Leadership Board (SAELB), Snack and Spill creates casual, dialogue-based sessions where students can reflect on what's working, what's not and what could make life on campus better. Each event starts with a conversation facilitated by trained student hosts. 

"This isn't a focus group or a traditional survey. It's a chance for students to feel heard and seen in a way that's personal and low-pressure," said Christopher Spencer, assistant director for marketing and strategic communications for University Housing and the lead designer of the initiative.  

"We're using design thinking tools like empathy mapping, large language model transcript analysis and journey mapping to turn student stories into real, actionable insights." 

Spencer is a master's degree candidate in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, where he focuses on immersive storytelling. He is also a member of the Technology-Empowered Storytelling Lab (TESL), housed in the School of Art, which explores how emerging technologies can shape narrative and engagement. He holds a UX Certificate with a specialty in interaction design from the Nielsen Norman Group, a global leader in user experience research and training. 

Snack and Spill is part of an effort to use qualitative research and storytelling to strengthen student belonging, well-being and access across the Division of Student Affairs. Findings from the sessions will be analyzed and shared internally with division leadership. 

Space is limited. Students who RSVP and participate will receive free treats and thank-you gifts. 

Additional pop-up locations are planned throughout the academic year. Students from all backgrounds and years are encouraged to participate. 

For more information, contact Spencer at cspencer@uark.edu. 

About University Housing: University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 7,200 students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support student success and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas.  

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.