Iowa State students took part in day two of Cy’s Finals Frenzy at the Memorial Union on Monday.

The three-day prep week tradition featured various activities such as yard games, craft making, exam preparation and a smash station.

Nicole Bartolozzi, university innovation fellow and special assistant to the vice president of student affairs, said the purpose of Cy’s Final Frenzy is to help students relieve stress before finals.

“We’re really trying to help them merge healthy study habits with wellness during this really stressful time,” Bartolozzi said. 

Bartolozzi said the MU sees over 1,000 students participate in the event each semester, and the numbers continue to grow. 

“We started this a year ago in the spring semester, so this is the third iteration of it,” Bartolozzi said. “Every time that we’ve done it, we’re continuing to see increased numbers from our students.”

Bartolozzi encourages students to participate in Cy’s Final Frenzy because the event is free. 

“Everything is completely free to our students from the meals to the snacks and all the different activities,” Bartolozzi said. “I think there’s something for everyone and at this time of year, doing something to de-stress or just get the support you need will be really helpful as you go into finals.”

The most popular activity students participate in is the smash station, according to Bartolozzi.

“The smash station is a really exciting one for students,” Bartolozzi said. “They really like it because it allows them a space to let out their frustrations.”

Camryn McPherson, a program specialist for student affairs, oversees multiple events for Cy’s Finals Frenzy, including the smash station.

“Students are able to take a clay pigeon and write anything, like if they’re frustrated for the exam, or if they just want to relieve stress, then they can throw the pigeon at the wall,” McPherson said.

William Behan, a sophomore in mechanical engineering, and Tiger Fong, a junior in civil engineering, participated in the smash station due to the stress of finals.

“It felt pretty good to get some of that stress out,” Fong said. “I feel a little bit better, but I still have to study.”

Behan and Fong had never participated in Cy’s Finals Frenzy before, but the smash station caught their attention.

“We were sitting over at the tables at the MU and just saw the sign and were like, ‘What’s that noise?’” Behan said. “Then, we saw people throwing stuff, and it just looked like fun.”

Michael Keul, a senior in history, said he looked forward to throwing the clay pigeons because of a final essay.

“I have a long essay in a world military history class,” Keul said. “I feel like I’m confident in myself and the content, but I know I am going to be a little worried, so I feel like throwing something would be a good way to lose stress.”

Although Keul said he participated in Cy’s Finals Frenzy last fall, he said he wanted to do more in the spring.

“I participated somewhat in the fall, but I didn’t do a whole lot in it,” Keul said. “So, I’m trying to get myself more involved this time.”

Keul said he found out about Cy’s Final Frenzy through Facebook.

“It feels like a good way to get involved with students and to just get involved on campus overall,” Keul said.

Bartolozzi said the MU will host events until Tuesday and encourages students to check the student affairs website for more information.