It’s all about the students.

That’s the message the University of Mount Olive in Washington wanted to send this week, as part of Student Appreciation Week.

University representatives and various businesses set up shop at the UMO location off of U.S. Highway 264 three nights this week to provide students with needed information for upcoming registration, academic advising and free treats — but most importantly, to make those students feel appreciated.

“We just want to offer kind of a different feel for a typical class week,” said Josh Copenhaver, admissions representative. “We reach out to several community partners and have them come out.”

This week saw about a dozen vendors participate, from BB&T to McDonald’s, according to Copenhaver.

Copenhaver said the most popular setups have been the University of Mount Olive Bookstore, selling items of the trademark green and white, as well as tutoring services.

“It’s harder to ask for help via email or something like that with our main campus in Mount Olive. It’s always a bit of a hurdle to jump,” Copenhaver explained. “Folks, they’re in the thick of things now, just wondering what they can do.”

Tamica Lassiter, a business administration student at UMO, said it’s a good feeling to know the university staff took the time to set up Student Appreciation Week activities.

“I really appreciate the fact that they’re doing this. We’re a smaller campus. It’s not like the main campus,” Lassiter said. “I like the fact that they do these things between the classes, and they do it all week. It makes you feel that you are appreciated.”

Lassiter, who is nearing completion of her bachelor’s degree, said her experience at UMO has been a good one.

“One night a week, I mean, it was a no-brainer for me. Ultimately, I went for it. I’m glad I did,” she said. “You have more of a personable experience because those who you work with, they see you regularly. They know you by name. They know you by face, and not just a number.”