Matadors ‘Come On Down!’ – and Learn About Campus Resources – at Matafest

  • Student stands in front of Spin the Wheel game with student from Associated Students.

    Matadors embrace their inner game-show contestant, with the "Price is Right"-style Spin the Wheel game. Prizes were undergrad essentials such as highlighter markers, masks and hand sanitizer. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Student tosses small red rings into yellow bottles.

    Students challenge themselves with the ring toss game, to try and win prizes such as a portable charger, keychain or a mini notebook. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Four students pose at the photo booth with various props.

    Matadors enjoy the photo booth by posing with friends and using fun props, at Matafest 2022. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Member of Board of Directors informs a student about their program. A table full of flyers and other freebies stand in between them.

    At Matafest 2022, CSUN students browse resources and services provided by the University Student Union. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Student receives a plate with a sandwich on it from the Matafest staff member.

    Corner Bakery sandwiches, cookies and chips were provided as a free lunch to those who played at least four games to complete their stamp card at Matafest. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Students standing at tables speaking with program members. Other students play games and pick out prizes.

    Students gather at the Matafest resource tables to learn more, while others play games to win prizes. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

As new and returning CSUN students enjoyed the return of campus life, Matadors gathered for the University Student Union’s annual Matafest event on Sept. 1. In the Northridge Center, students played TV game show-themed games such as ring toss and disk drop, collected free swag and noshed on free lunch. The annual fall event serves as an introduction to (or refresher on) all the resources and services available at the USU.

It’s crucial for CSUN students to learn about the wealth of programs and services the USU provides, said Xiomara Carranza, acting programs coordinator, who supervised Matafest.

“They are free services and oftentimes get overlooked. The USU really strives to make Matadors feel like they belong and to provide as much ease throughout their educational journey,” she said.

Carranza also took time out to enjoy some of the games herself.

“I really enjoyed ‘The Price is Right’ theme. It was so much fun spinning the wheel and playing Plinko,” she said.

USU staff hosted a number of tables offering information on programs and resource centers, where they introduced themselves and encouraged students to stop by and participate — at USU centers including the PRIDE Center, Oasis Wellness Center and Black Student Success Initiatives. Swag and free goodies including stickers, stress balls and school supply kits were given out, as well.

Students were given a stamp card at the beginning of the event to enter a raffle, after visiting at least four of the “Price is Right”-style games. The “showcase” prize for completed stamp cards: free lunch!

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