The annual Staff Employee Council (SEC) Open House, which is open to all staff and faculty at the University, is scheduled for Thursday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Joe Crowley Student Union Ballroom A.

The theme for this year's event is in association with the Theater and Dance Department's spring play, "Hotel Baltimore," which is set in the 1970s and touches on themes of family and diverse backgrounds and ethnicities.

"The Open House brings in vendors that the campus uses on a regular basis," said Kristen Kabrin, chair of the SEC. "There are other opportunities as well, such as financial institutions, banks and other services. We have raffles with prizes from the vendors, and it's generally an opportunity for the classified staff to know what's out there."

As Kabrin noted, the event is an opportunity for local vendors, University departments and community organizations to visit campus and introduce themselves and their services to University employees. The event provides vendors an opportunity to show support and appreciation to the people on campus who purchase or utilize the goods and services they provide.

Many of the vendors who participate in the Open House donate raffle prizes, provide samples, or hand out information at the event. Door prizes will be drawn throughout the event. Last year, more than 70 vendors, departments and committees participated in the event.

All staff and faculty are invited to attend. Admission is free.

Note: According to the Vice President of Administration and Finance's office, while administrative leave has only been granted for attendance at the Classified Retiree and Recognition Receptions in June, the University is asking supervisors to be flexible that day and work with those employees who wish to spend time at the Open House event.