On-Campus Events

FIJI Halloween on Oct. 28 starting 8:30 p.m.

FIJI is hosting an event with a concert and their annual Halloween party, proceeds from tickets will go to philanthropy. Come by in your costume to the FIJI house to enjoy the night.

GIFT Halloween Movie Night on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

GIFT is hosting their annual Halloween movie night in YGCU 221/222. They will be putting on an Interactive Rocky Horror Picture Show experience. There will be snacks and a raffle with sweet and spicy prizes. Come dressed in your costume for the chance to win a costume prize! The movie will begin at 8 p.m. Interactive viewings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show have a unique culture of challenging gender norms, which is especially important in light of anti-drag legislature that has swept the US in recent times. Student Life will also be hosting a Happy Hour during the event with alcoholic beverages for A-approved students, along with nonalcoholic options. 

KA Fall Fest on November 4 at 7 p.m.

KA is hosting their 4th annual Fall Fest with bonfires, pumpkin painting, barbecue and live music! Tickets are $6 and the event is at the KA house.

Kansas City Events

Haunted Houses in West Bottoms

Kansas City is called “The Haunted House Capital of the World” for good reason! The West Bottoms has some of the best haunted houses for those of you that enjoy the adrenaline rush and an immersive experience. If you’re interested in visiting several of the haunted houses, there are discounts available for multi-house tickets.

The Edge of Hell is a nationally acclaimed haunted house, featuring five stories of haunts, heaven-to-hell-themed frights and the world’s largest living snake. If you’re brave enough to enter The Edge of Hell, tickets are $35. Open select dates Sept. 22 through Nov. 11. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. every weeknight and 6:30 p.m. every Saturday. Closing times vary. 

The Beast is one of the most frightening haunted houses in Kansas City and is also nationally ranked. This attraction has four flours of terrors awaiting those who enter, from the Louisiana Bayou swamp, Jack the Ripper’s foggy London, a medieval castle and a forest full of werewolves. Tickets are $35 and Doors open at 7:30 p.m. every weeknight and 6:30 p.m. every Saturday.

If you’re a horror movie enthusiast, you might like to take a trip to Macabre Cinema during the spooky season. This haunted house features spooky attractions from famous classic and modern horror movies through a 1930s movie theater with four floors. The haunted house also has actual movie sets from famous horror movies. Doors open at 8 p.m. every weeknight and 7 p.m. every Saturday. 

Outdoor Scary Experiences 

If you’re looking for an outdoor haunted house, Exiled in Bonner Springs, KS is the place for you. This secluded haunted forest tour leaves visitors in the middle of the forest and must navigate their way to safety while avoiding creeps, freaks and more. This experience does require you to be willing to get down and dirty in the outdoors, so beware if this is not for you! Tickets for the Trail of Horrors tour are $49, the first tour is at 7 p.m. and the last one is at 10:30 p.m.

Worlds of Fun’s annual Halloween Haunt transforms the amusement park into the ultimate Halloween attraction. There are over 400 monsters in the fog-filled park, many different scary attractions, mazes and of course the rush of the typical rides. If you enjoy shows, there are a variety of live performances to get you in the Halloween spirit. Tickets start from $39.99 and the hours are 6 p.m. to midnight. 

Less-Scary Options 

If you’re more of a history buff or interested in less-sensationalized spooky events, check out Wornall Majors House Museums. During October, they are offering paranormal investigations and tours of the Alexander Majors house, one of the most haunted locations in KC, led by professional investigators. If you’re interested in history, but not ghost stories, you can check out their tour, the “Anatomy of a Haunted House,” which will explore the origins of the Victorian-style haunted house and life in the Victorian era. Check out their tours here.

Powell Gardens is hosting an immersive, multi-media 1-mile trail walk through the woods called, Dark Forest, in October. It takes you through the mysterious and mythical woods that have unexplainable paranormal forces and supernatural beings. There are no scary actors, but there are eerie performances, fog, strobe lights and more. In addition to spooky fall displays, they also have Halloween-inspired drinks and shopping. Dark Forest is on Oct. 13-15, 20-22 and 26-29 from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

If you’re a fan of cocktails, check out the variety of pop-up Halloween-themed bars in KC. In North KC, Apparition- Spook Easy at the Vignettes Bar has spine-curdling spirits and a spooky ambiance. The Ghosts of Baseball Past is a haunted cocktail experience at the Legends Stadium featuring a spooky version of baseball history. If you’re a fan of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, check out the Rocky Horror Pop-Up Bar at the Time-Warp Club.

Whatever you decide to do, whether it’s braving a haunted house or checking out a Halloween-inspired speakeasy, have a Happy Halloween! Make sure to check out some of the events on campus to support philanthropy and student organizations, too.

Since December 2022, Student Life has hosted a monthly Happy Hour at the Perch, a coffee shop in the Yates-Gill College Union. This event is a nice opportunity for students, staff and faculty members to interact with each other in an informal setting. As non-alcoholic beverages are also served, the event is open to everyone, not just people over 21. 

The last two Happy Hour events – hosted in February and January, respectively – had a greater variety of drinks than the first one. The first Happy Hour just had different kinds of beer. I’m not a huge fan of beer, so I was a little disappointed. However, the latest Happy Hours also had red and white wine. I am not a good judge of the quality of alcohol, so I will just say that I enjoyed my allotted two glasses of white wine. 

The Happy Hours have also consistently had an assortment of snacks like chips, pretzels, popcorn and salsa. As one can get a little peckish while drinking and playing card games or mancala (both of which are available at Happy Hour), the snacks are a nice addition to the event. Plus, chips and pretzels are good replacement poker chips. 

The Happy Hour event is a fun event. The last time I attended, I had a good time playing poker with several faculty and students. It is just a shame that the event does not occur more often. 

On Nov. 3, William Jewell College’s Student Senate hosted their first Town Hall meeting of the academic year. At the meeting, the Student Senate Cabinet and six Senate Commissioners presented proposed initiatives that they plan to work on throughout the upcoming semesters. After the presentation, those  in attendance were encouraged to ask questions and discuss additional issues not addressed by the Senate Commissioners.

In 2021, Student Senate narrowed down their list of student representatives to include just a handful of Commissioners to represent six aspects of life at Jewell: Academic Affairs; Diversity and Inclusion; Student-Athletics; Residence Life; Greek Life; and Student Involvement. Accordingly, each Commissioner is responsible for addressing issues raised by students regarding those specific areas, while the Student Senate Cabinet oversees the organization’s operations.

Among the 2022-23 Senate Commissioners is a temporary student representative specifically dedicated to resolving any mold issues experienced by students.

A common theme of the presentations and the Town Hall — as well as the interviews below — is the importance of student involvement to Student Senate’s mission. Student Senate hopes to improve Jewell through changes that are meaningful and important to students. The Senate explains, however, this can only accomplished if they know what the student body feels needs to be improved. Student Senate asks the student body to attend the future Town Hall meetings and to reach out at any time to suggest changes or discuss challenges. Student Senate can be reached via email at senate@william.jewell.edu. Each Senate Commissioner can also be contacted through their individual emails (listed below). 

The Nov. 6 Town Hall meeting was an introduction to this year’s Student Senate Cabinet, the Commissioners and their goals. Below is an interview with three Senate Commissioners and a summary of the initiatives put forth for this year.

President of Student Senate and Senate Commissioner for Academic Affairs Ben Wardlow, sophomore Oxbridge institutions and policy, and philosophy major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

This is my second year of serving on Student Senate. Last year I was the Senator for Academic Affairs.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

Despite holding the position of Student Senate President for only three months, serving the students of William Jewell College has been one of my greatest honors and privileges. 

On the Hill, in addition to the roles I hold in Student Senate, I am a Cardinal Host and a Cardinal Blazer. I am majoring in both Oxbridge institutions & policy and philosophy. Off the Hill, I am a fellow in the 2022-23 National Humanities Leadership Council and am an intern at the law firm of Johnson, Vorhees and Martucci.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The Town Hall was intended to convey to all students the issues and initiatives that each Senator is resolved to work on this year. A majority of those issues and initiatives are [detailed below].

When can we expect another town hall?

Student Senate is planning to host another Town Hall in February 2023. The exact date of that Town Hall is [yet to be determined].

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This year, Student Senate has already dealt with, and will continue to deal with, issues that significantly impact the quality of the student experience. The individuals who compose this year’s Student Senate are both competent to serve – and passionate about serving – the student body. However, the extent to which Student Senate is effective in promoting the quality of the student experience is dependent on how engaged the student body chooses to be in Student Senate’s initiatives. Consequently, I challenge all Jewell students to become more engaged with the efforts of Student Senate.

Senate Commissioner for Diversity and Inclusion Erin Wenzel, first-year psychology major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

This is my first year.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

Part of having that job title means that I’m working with the Diversity and Inclusion department here at [Jewell]. The majority of what I’m doing this year is working with students and student groups to better understand the issues [that] students are facing.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The most important point I want people to take away from the town hall is this: If you see a problem here at Jewell that you feel the Student Senate should address, then please reach out and tell us. 

My job – and the job of everyone else on the Senate – is to serve the students of Jewell. Unfortunately, we are a relatively small group of people when compared to the student body, which means there are many problems students face that we are unaware of. To combat this we turn to you, the students, and ask you to use your voice and bring these issues to our attention. We can only find solutions to problems we are aware of, so if there is a problem going unanswered by the Senate, then make us aware. Come to Town Hall meetings, email [Student] Senate or even message the Commissioners directly. Use your voice so that we can use ours. Together we can create a campus environment that is safer, stronger and more inclusive for all students, both current and future. 

The Student Senate email is: senate@william.jewell.edu.

What can students expect from you this year?

There are two big problems I will be working to solve this year. First, I will be addressing the deadnaming issue in the student records and emails. I’ll be working to find a more permanent solution –  rather than students being forced to manually change their name in the records each year, only for the problem to repeat in the following year.

Second, I will be working to improve the accessibility of Jewell’s campus. This could include building a ramp or other wheelchair-accessible devices outside of the Mathes dorm building as there are [currently] no wheelchair accessible entrances to the building. This project will potentially extend further into the coming years as the planning and approval process, as well as construction, could take longer than the time remaining in this school year.

Senate Commissioner for Students’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Matthew Parker, first-year Oxbridge institutions and policy major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate?

I am a freshman, so this is my first year on Student Senate. I’ve been intending to be part of Student Senate since I decided to attend Jewell, having learned about Student Senate from the current President Ben Wardlow while on a campus visit in April of this year.

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

As a member of Student Senate, my dedication is to a pair of principles. The first is that Senators are here to express and actualize the will of the students whom they represent, and the second is that Senators must put the good of the student body and of the College before personal expediency. I hope — and indeed believe — that I speak for all of Student Senate in affirming that I will be operating by these principles for my entire time on Student Senate, this academic year and hopefully beyond.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

The Student Senate Town Halls are your best opportunity to express your perspective as a student to us as members of Student Senate, and [attending] is the best way for us as members of that Senate to do our job of representing you and your interests accurately and fairly.

What can students expect from you this year?

What students can expect from us as Student Senate is that we as a collective will work to collaborate with both students and college administration to improve the student experience at Jewell and to improve the currently strained state of student-administration relations. What students can expect from me personally is a visible and active presence in the student body, a ready ear willing to listen to your views and wishes and a dedicated representative who will serve the interests of his community.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If I would add one thing, it would be a simple plea to the Jewell community: Be involved with Student Senate; participate in the Town Halls; discuss challenges you are facing with members of the Senate. You have the power to improve your student experience, and we as Student Senate are here to serve as the tools for you to express your wishes, but your wishes are only heard and acted on if we can hear your voice.

Senate Commissioner for Student-Athletics Aubrey Avalos, junior political science and international relations major.

How long have you been a part of Student Senate? 

I have been a part of the Senate since September of this year. 

Is there anything you would like the students to know about you?

I am a super-involved student and am here to help all students. I obviously primarily focus on athletes, but I am here to help Jewell be a better place for all students. If there is anything you think would be helpful, please let me know. I love talking about new ideas.

What is the most valuable information you want students to know about the Nov. 3 Town Hall?

 At the townhall I announced my major initiatives I am working on. These include:

1. Increasing mental health resources for student-athletes. I am currently working with school administration to seek out specialized mental health resources for student-athletes. 

2. Creating a better balance between academics and athletics. To aid student-athletes – and any other organizations – with academics when traveling, we are working on getting [Wi-Fi] hotspots for students that are traveling for Jewell-related activities.

3. Our last goal is more intended for the whole student body. We are attempting to create an overall better athletics experience. What this means is making the game environment more energetic and active. We are working with the [Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)] to plan some fun activities during basketball season. We are also working with other Commissioners to pursue long-term goals like creating a better game culture at Jewell.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would like to add, on the last goal, if you have ANY input please let me know. I want to hear from as many students as possible to learn about what the student body wants to see at athletics events.

General issues and initiatives of Student Senate

Senate Cabinet

• President Ben Wardlow (wardlowb.21@william.jewell.edu)
• Vice President Tatyana Turner (turnert.21@william.jewell.edu)
• Records and Finance Officer Ian Wooldridge (wooldridgei.21@william.jewell.edu)

General Initiatives

• Senate Commissioner for Students’ Charter of Rights and Responsibilities Matthew Parker (parkerm.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Generate incentives that encourage more students to stay on campus during the weekends.
2. Ensure that the Charter of Students’ Rights and Responsibilities is respected.
3. Secure more convenient dining hall hours on weekends, specifically during conventional breakfast hours.
4. Improve the quality of lighting on campus.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

• Senate Commissioner Diversity and Inclusion Erin Wenzel (wenzele.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Make campus more wheelchair accessible.
2. Rectify the issue of deadnaming with regards to student emails and financial aid services.
3. Roll out the Intercultural Development Inventory.

Student-Athletics Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Student-Athletes Aubrey Avalos (avalosa.20@william.jewell.edu); and 
• McKinzie Thompson (thompsonm.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Provide mental health resources that are specifically designed for student-athletes.
2. Improve both student turnout and active engagement at sporting events.
3. Provide hotspots for student-athletes to use for homework while traveling to and from sporting events.

Residence Life Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Residence Life Nirbhay Vohra (vohran.22@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Trent Dixon (dixont.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that the quality of Wi-Fi is improved, potentially by way of a campus-wide network that would enable students to use electronics outdoors.
2. Improve the bathroom conditions (such as securing or repairing paper towel dispensers).
3. Ensure that every dorm on campus does not pose health risks, specifically health risks generated by mold.

Mold-Related Initiatives

• Ad-Hoc Senate Commissioner for Mold Kamerin Hull (hullk.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that all Jewell spaces used by students are safe and pleasant by eradicating any mold that poses health risks or is surface level. 

Student Involvement Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Student Involvement Owen Kerrigan (kerrigano.22@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Ethan Naber (nabere.22@william.jewell.edu)

1. Create a calendar that contains every Jewell event and can be accessed at the homepage of every student’s Brightspace.
2. Improve the promotion of all Jewell achievements (such as students or faculty presenting at conferences, receiving awards, etc.).
3. Modify the Jewell Activities and Organizations website to include new clubs, remove obsolete clubs and renovate existing clubs to include their social media and contact information. 

Greek Life Initiatives

• Senate Commissioners for Greek Life Dammy Idowu (idowua.21@william.jewell.edu); and 
• Alexander Walls (wallsa.21@william.jewell.edu)

1. Ensure that there are equal mental health and safety resources for each Greek Organization.
2. Provide printers to each wing of the Sorority Complex.
3. Create a fraternity wide philanthropy event.

Summary of Initiatives provided by Wardlow.

William Jewell College’s College Union Activities (CUA) and Student Life office intend to provide student support. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated this pursuit, as many CUA events are in-person, large gatherings.

Kristin Wooldridge, director of student engagement, described the challenges CUA has faced due to COVID-19.

“The biggest issue is gathering larger groups safely. In a normal year, popular events like CUAt the Movies have over 375 attendees that take over the B&B Northland Theatre. That is not possible right now. To have events that are safe enough and not being a superspreader due to crowd size is an ongoing conversation,” said Wooldridge.

At the beginning of the semester, CUA hosted more in-person events but are now focusing on what they can do to support students.

“During the opening of campus, CUA hosted Grocery Bingo outside on the Quad, Twilight Yoga and a concert on Greene Field. CUA has shifted to focusing on what is possible to bring joy to the student experience. Starting the first Friday in October, there has been a food truck for students from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This is a great avenue for students to enjoy free food and keep their distance safely. Plus, the food vendors are watching all the safety protocols. Food trucks are planned through November 13th,” Wooldridge said.

“One event has been canceled and we still have a credit with our trivia vendor,” Wooldridge continued. “That was canceled with the campus changed to level C during Orientation. Trivia was supposed to be hosted on Greene Field. Our Trivia DJ is now able to host virtual trivia and that might be scheduled in early November.”

Wooldridge described how student organizations have worked to host meetings and events.

“Many student organizations have been creative with meeting outside and with masks/social distance inside,” said Wooldridge. “They are working well with their advisors to make sure events are safe.”

Wooldridge explained that CUA is doing the best it can given the current circumstances and restrictions.

“When we can host more events in person, we will. I believe that people are created for community, and it has been hard not to provide more options. By partnering with [residence life], student [organizations] and Greek Life, we are finding new ways to have smaller sized events that can be safe for the community and follow [Operation Safe Campus] protocols,” said Wooldridge.

Students have primarily missed having CUAt the movies – a typically popular event. Wooldridge described how she’s tried to update CUA’s approach and accommodate the desire for movies.

“I have upgraded and replaced CUA’s inflatable screen and projector to make it easier to host movie nights. CUA also covers the $350 movie licensing that is required to host a movie inside or outside for up to 100 students. I work with our contact at SWANK to make this happen as many times as possible. Of course, Missouri weather can greatly [affect] outdoor movie nights and we have had to reschedule a couple.”

Wooldridge concluded by describing CUA’s plans for the future. 

“We hope to host the trivia night virtually and plan for spring semester since we have the food trucks leading up until Thanksgiving Break when the campus goes fully virtual,” said Wooldridge.