The Observer, December 2, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12
Best of Cleveland available to Case students for free
College is full of excuses. Excuses for not doing your homework, not studying for that crucial physics exam, not going out with your friends: "It's too cold"; "I have too much work"; "I'm too tired." One thing there should never be an excuse for, however, is not taking advantage of the tremendous cultural resources available to Case students thanks to the Case Free Access Program.
The Free Access Program is a joint venture of the Office of Student Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences designed to get Case undergrads away from their books and into more stimulating environments for abstract thinking. Generally extending from the end of August until the end of May, it provides students with the opportunity to enjoy some of the most fascinating cultural institutions in the country for free. Unfortunately, there seems to be perpetual confusion over what institutions offer free admission. So here's the official list, and what you can expect from each location. Tired of doing homework? Check out one of these top-notch procrastination destinations:
Cleveland Museum of Art: The main galleries are currently closed for renovation, but special exhibitions will continue to be held in the museum during this period; admission to the museum is always free, but admission to special exhibits is free with your Case student ID. The museum will begin reintroducing its permanent collections next fall.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History: It's well worth the stroll from Northside just to see the shrunken heads in the indigenous people's diorama. While the museum may be a little less grand than some, anyone with a sense of humor will enjoy the trilobite music videos in the "Cleveland Rocks" section. Present your ID at the door, and all this, and more, is free.
Cleveland Botanical Gardens: The butterfly cloud forest is arguably the best cure for Cleveland winter blues, and the roses in the outdoor gardens bloom well into November. Stop by with your ID for free admission when you miss seeing the sun.
Western Reserve Historical Society: You're sure to find out more than you ever cared to know about Cleveland here. Hey, it's free.
African American Museum: Check out the achievements of African-American scientists, athletes, artists and inventors, and learn about the African-American experience throughout U.S. history, all while leaving your wallet intact.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland: Featuring continuously changing exhibits designed to reinvent the art experience for viewers, a visit to this museum promises to provide endless fodder for conversation free of charge. You definitely don't need to be a member of the avant-garde to enjoy a day of art that defies description. Whether you pretend to be afterwards is up to you.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum: Each Case student receives one free ticket per academic year, so take advantage of the opportunity to see exhibits on every influential musician from John Lennon to Janis Joplin to Willie Nelson. Who knew Cleveland was the cradle of rock and roll? Hop on the Rapid with your RTA pass and take a friend.
Great Lakes Science Center: Take a trip back to seventh grade and run amok among hundreds of hands-on exhibits. Just don't push the other kids.
Free tickets to performances by the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Playhouse are also available through weekly drawings at the Office of Student Affairs in Adelbert Hall. Enter online at studentaffairs.case.edu every Monday, or enter in person Monday or Tuesday to be entered for tickets to Thursday evening Orchestra concerts and weekend Playhouse performances. Winners are posted Wednesdays at noon; unclaimed tickets are given out at the Office of Student Affairs on a first-come first-served basis (with student ID). Locations of institutions participating in the Free Access program, as well as their operating hours are available at studentaffairs.case.edu/freeaccess. No more excuses.
