Skip to main content
Remember, we Press Pause on Tuesday, October 28th!

2025 Schedule of Activities

Mindful Morning

Lawrence Hall Lobby 3 (1st Floor)

Early Birds who Brave the morning will be greeted with Assorted pastries, Muffin, Danish and Bagels, Butter and Fruits Preserves, Fresh Fruits Display, and a Make-Your-Own-Yogurt Bowl. Refreshments include Coffee, Tea, Citrus infused water, Cucumber mint infused water, and Hot chocolate.

Lawrence Hall Lobby 3 (1st Floor)

Back by popular demand, come unwind and work out those stress knots with the magic hands of three massage therapists.

George Rowland White Studio #2 (Lawrence Hall 1st Floor — past the Lobby)

Yoga class with instructor Erin McAuley. Mats will be available, but you can bring your own! The session will last roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Class Description: Mild to moderate "flow" with dynamic breathing and synchronized movement. Open, relax, reinvigorate and re-energize the mind-body connection. Build a bit of heat to safely stretch out and recharge. Linking breath with movement in natural rhythms to free the mind, physically wring out the body and balance the spirit.

706 Academic Hall
*RSVP Requested

Facilitators: Dr. Vincenne Revilla and Dr. Christal Edmunds, Professors, School of Education

Description: Join School of Education Professors, Dr. Vincenne Revilla and Dr. Christal Edmunds for this relaxing and informative Pioneer Pause Session on “Sensory Stitching: A Meditative Practice” enjoyed worldwide by thousands of all ages. Participants will receive supplies and learn basic stitches to create a project of their own! Vincenne and Christal will share their sabbatical experience of sensory stitching on a hilltop farm in rural England.

Prerequisite: No prior sewing experience is needed. This session is designed for students, faculty and staff of all ages.

“Sensory Stitching: A Meditative Practice”

In the fast-paced, technological world we live in, it's easy to lose touch with our inner selves and become overwhelmed by stress. "Sensory Stitching: A Meditative Practice" is a mindfulness workshop designed specifically for university students, faculty and staff to re-engage with their senses and cultivate a practice of self-care. Forget your to-do lists and deadlines for a moment as we dive into a hands-on experience that combines the therapeutic art of sensory meditative hand stitching with foundational mindfulness practice techniques. 

Each participant will receive a kit containing fabric, a needle, and a variety of colorful threads to create a personalized, tangible project. This isn't about perfection or artistic skill—it's about the process. We will use the gentle, repetitive motion of stitching as an anchor to the present moment, inviting a calm focus and a break from day-to-day stressors. This workshop serves as a reminder that taking time for yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity for well-being. Your finished piece will be a physical anchor, a "stitched" reminder to pause, breathe, and be present in your daily life.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Practice a simple, repetitive art form of stitching focused meditation to reduce stress.
  • Identify and utilize the five senses as tools for mindfulness and grounding.
  • Create a personalized, tactile object that serves as a visual and physical reminder to practice mindfulness and self-care.
  • Incorporate simple mindfulness techniques into their daily routines to navigate academic and personal pressures.
  • Recognize the importance of self-care as a vital component of mental and emotional health. 

Lawrence Hall Lobby 1 (1st Floor)

Join your fellow pioneers at our grazing zones packed full of activities. No registration, no stress – just set your own pace as you navigate the open fields of the Lawrence Hall Lobby.  

This year we will be providing the well-loved slime making station, stylish friendship bracelet making station, and get creative at the pumpkin painting station and festive room sign painting station.

George Rowland White Studio #2 (Lawrence Hall 1st Floor — past the Lobby)

Practice self-love by calming your mind and remove energy blocks with soothing sounds. Let in the positive and release your negative energy with soothing sounds and guided meditation segments.

Lawrence Hall 3rd Floor Ballroom

Feeling a little more low key? Come to the Lawrence Hall 3rd floor Ballroom for Mellow Movies & More offering childhood favorite TV marathons, relaxing coloring, and a variety of games.

Annual Lunch 11:30 AM-2 PM

RDF Dining Hall (LH3)

Faculty, staff, and students without a meal plan must RSVP to receive a free lunch on October 28. Please bring your Point Park ID and sign-in at the Dining Hall entrance to enjoy lunch on us!

Students with a meal plan will still use their plans as usual.

Menu includes:
BBQ Meatballs
Baked Mac & Cheese
Cajun Tofu
Country Green Beans
*Plus the standard CulinArt salad bar, desserts, and extras.

Afternoon Fun

Village Park
*Rain Location: Boulevard Apartment Lobby.

What’s in your future? We've brought in outside guests to offer Henna, Balloon Art, Tarot Readings, Fortune Teller, and a Caricature Artist.

Meet on the 1st Floor of 101 Wood Street (The Green Building)
After meeting, clean-up will take place across campus, while card-writing will remain at 101 Wood.
*RSVP Requested

Campus Clean Up: Join the Center for Civic and Community Engagement as we partner with the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership to keep our campus clean and beautiful.  You can pick up supplies in the Center for Civic and Community Engagement (101 Wood street, 1st floor of the Green Building) anytime between 1-4pm and go out to our designated streets to pick up some litter. Please RSVP to participate in the clean-up crew. 

Clean-Up Zone Map: JPG | PDF
While the attached map shows all the cleanup zones, volunteers will be focusing on Zone 1, which covers Wood Street between Fort Duquesne and the University Center and Boulevard of the Allies between Market and Smithfield. We have gloves, bags, and printed maps ready!

Color for a Cause: You can also stop by the Center for a micro-volunteer activity throughout the afternoon.  Choose from multiple activities like making cards for students during finals, creating bookmarks for free libraries and decorating bags for kids in the hospital. No RSVP required if you only wish to write cards.

Professional Career Readiness Center (Lower Level of Student Center)
*RSVP Requested

Join us for an afternoon of storytelling, strategy, and rolling natural 20s with your fellow Pioneers. Let’s make Pioneer Pause a critical hit!

Whether you’re a level 20 dungeon-crawler or a level 1 rookie with zero XP, all are welcome at the table. No spell slots or character sheets needed – we’ll provide everything (dice, pre-made characters, snacks, and plenty of fun).

But beware! Party slots are limited, so don’t fail your RSVP saving throw. Secure your spot in the adventuring party by registering now.

Lawrence Hall 200 (Fishbowl)

Stop by to play Bingo and win some cool prizes!

Relaxing Evening

Student Center Gymnasium (5th Floor)

Come cheer on your fellow Pioneers as they battle Frostburg State.

 Additional Schedule Notes:

Conservatory Students: The Conservatory will not hold rehearsals on the evening of Pioneer Pause.  

Student Athletes: Per the VP of Athletics Scott Swain, athletes should connect with their respective coaches regarding their practice/game schedule.