Sex and money are certainly on the minds of most students preparing to embark on spring break in March. But the Wellness Connection is thinking about them too. That’s why the Wellness Connection, along with Orientation and First Year Programs, held ‘The Do’s and Don’ts for Spring Break ’09’ last night in the Harshman Community Room. Students sporadically entered the room throughout the series of informational presentations. Patricia Donnelly of Student Money Services opened the evening by covering the basics: saving money and vacationing safely. She suggested substitutes to many wallet-draining activities, including alternative forms of entertainment, travel and dining. ‘Saving money is only limited by your imagination,’ Donnelly said. ‘But it’s important to be safe about it.’ Students could bike or take the bus around town to save cash, she recommended. Or they could avoid pricey souvenirs in favor of small mementos, like sea shells or the ever-ubiquitous digital photograph. Donnelly also stressed staying on the right side of the law, especially where alcohol is concerned. ‘It’s the experiences that really matter, not what you spend your money on,’ she told the audience. After Donnelly’s presentation, students were treated to a round of ‘Sex-Tac-Toe,’ a game that teaches about various sexually transmitted infections. Other presentations, like ‘Sex on the Beach’ and ‘ Did You Ask?’ also addressed every college student’s favorite three-letter word. Andy Alt, assistant dean of students, claimed the evening would be advantageous to students. ‘There’s a lot of information students need to know, and our presentations cover most of it,’ he said. Emily Sankey, a graduate assistant for the program, said that the lessons on sex, money and safety also extended beyond one week in March. ‘These are all topics pertinent to spring break, but it’s all information that students should take with them anywhere they go,’ Sankey said.’ ‘ SPRING BREAK TIPS Student Money Management Services suggests the following tips to save money while on spring break: Instead of… taking a typical spring break, try… an alternative vacation, like doing volunteer work, hiking or MTV’s Alternative Spring Break. Instead of… accumulating tons of credit card debt, try… using and rationing cash. It’s harder to buy a round for the whole club if you’re paying in paper. Instead of… taking a cab, try… using the bus or bikes to save gas and green. Instead of… living on gas station snacks, try… buying food in bulk for you and your friends, and storing it in a cooler. Instead of… selling your soul for pricey souvenirs, try… collecting little keepsakes like sea shells, ticket stubs or photographs to remind you of your trip.