Campus Wellbeing is calling upon student organizations, athletic teams and club sports groups to step up and volunteer at the newly created outdoor ice rink located behind the Northern Center. With shifts running daily from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. throughout February, students have a chance to get involved while embracing the winter season.
The grand opening of the rink is set for Saturday, Feb. 1 from 5-8 p.m., and it promises to be a festive occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a hot chocolate bar, a food truck and exciting giveaways. The event will mark the official start of the rink’s operations and highlight the community spirit that drives it.
Volunteers will assist with various tasks including light rink preparation, managing the sign-out process for free student skate rentals, overseeing the evening hot chocolate bar (Monday through Saturday) and ensuring skaters follow rink guidelines.
WellBeing Promotions Coordinator Jessica Corkin emphasized the flexibility and warmth offered to volunteers in an email, saying, “volunteers can rotate between their roles so there is always someone getting warmed up in the Northern Center. One contact person will sign up on behalf of their group of four to six volunteers. If there are six or more volunteers in the group, they are welcome to split their three hours into a couple increments to keep everyone cozier and more comfortable.”
The rink will be open to students and the NMU community, offering a unique winter activity to foster connection and recreation. Weekend and evening volunteer shifts are still open for sign-ups, providing an excellent opportunity for student groups to bond while making a difference.
For those interested, a designated contact person can sign up on behalf of their group through a link provided on the Hub website under the event.