On March 21, the English department at Francis Marion University will be buzzing with activity. Music will be playing, games will be set up, and trays of doughnuts, pastries, and fruit will be laid out with containers of juice and pots of coffee. From nine to eleven in the morning, English professors will be in the faculty lounge, ready to welcome English majors, minors, and potential English majors. That's right---it is time for the biannual "Pastries-with-Professors."

"Pastries-with-Professors" is an event that allows students to converse with professors in a no pressure atmosphere. During "Pastries-with-Professors," English majors and those considering a major in English can enjoy refreshments, ask questions about upcoming courses, and get to know the professors in the English department a little more.

When asked about the importance of an event such as this, Dr. Jon Tuttle with the FMU English department responded, “The Pastries-With-Professors event is absolutely crucial because it’s one of the few places my wife can’t see me two-fist chocolate-glazed donuts and then make that sad sighing sound.”

He then added “It’s a great opportunity to carb-up and hear more about the kinds of courses that are coming up. Professors like to talk about courses they’re planning. Professors like to talk to students who are actually interested. Professors just like to talk, and donuts tend to fill them with happiness.”

Dr. Tuttle is not the only professor excited about the upcoming meet-and-greet. Professor Marsha Taylor is equally excited about the "Pastries-with-Professors" event.

When asked why she enjoys taking part in "Pastries-with-Professors," Professor Taylor said, “I really enjoy 'Pastries-with-Professors' because it gives me a chance to get to know students in an informal setting, and it gives students a chance to get to know us and learn about our program. And too, I really like donuts!”

Professors are not the only ones excited about "Pastries-with-Professors." As an English education major, I enjoy attending "Pastries-with-Professors" each time it rolls around. It gives me a chance to talk to my professors outside of the classroom. I also get advance notice on exciting new English courses that will be available and the opportunity to ask any questions I have about upcoming courses.

Besides the obvious educational benefits to meeting with professors, "Pastries-with-Professors" is also great for getting to know the people behind the degrees. While I might be a little biased, I believe some of the best professors at Francis Marion University reside in the English department.

If you are an English major or are interested in becoming one, please come mingle at the "Pastries-with-Professors" event hosted by FMU's English department on March 21, from 9-11am.