Spring Break
Board of Trustees debates future of Spring Weekend
Grace Harper
Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: News
Numerous groups represented different views on how to improve UConn's infamous Spring Weekend at last night's hearing held by the Board of Trustees Student Life Committee. One message that was supported by all attendees, including the administrative board, was that in no way was there a motion to eliminate Spring Weekend altogether.
Phil Barry of the Board of Trustees made very clear that he, and others at the hearing, are not advocating the shutting down of Spring Weekend. Rather, the efforts of the Board are to "minimize the bad effects."
Policy ideas, such as to work in stages were discussed, particularly concerning ways to eliminate outsiders and provide more structure in respect to guests.
"[We] just had fun with each other," said Meghan Perrone, a 7th-semester sociology major and chair for USG Safety Advisory Committee. "There weren't a lot of extra people."
Many were concerned about the outsiders and their presence at UConn's Spring Weekend. These outsiders play a role in the deterrence from student planned activities as well as safety issues off-campus.
Among the night's speakers was the Student Alumni Association, which spoke about the much-anticipated Oozeball Tournament, a program created by the association. Representatives discussed the program's need for funds, as the tournament is so popular with students and many teams had to be turned away in the past. The Oozeball Tournament is just one of the many student-run activities UConn members put a great deal of effort into planning for Spring Weekend.
USG, for instance, puts a great deal of time and effort into organizing events for UConn students during this weekend.
"We're asked outright to protect tradition," said USG President Ryan McHardy.
SUBOG is known for its annual Saturday night concert during Spring Weekend, an event for which timing is crucial - it is planned specifically to deter students from going to X-Lot and instead, enjoy a sober activity. The concert always features at least one big name performer, if not multiple and is an event UConn students look forward to all year.
Phil Barry of the Board of Trustees made very clear that he, and others at the hearing, are not advocating the shutting down of Spring Weekend. Rather, the efforts of the Board are to "minimize the bad effects."
Policy ideas, such as to work in stages were discussed, particularly concerning ways to eliminate outsiders and provide more structure in respect to guests.
"[We] just had fun with each other," said Meghan Perrone, a 7th-semester sociology major and chair for USG Safety Advisory Committee. "There weren't a lot of extra people."
Many were concerned about the outsiders and their presence at UConn's Spring Weekend. These outsiders play a role in the deterrence from student planned activities as well as safety issues off-campus.
Among the night's speakers was the Student Alumni Association, which spoke about the much-anticipated Oozeball Tournament, a program created by the association. Representatives discussed the program's need for funds, as the tournament is so popular with students and many teams had to be turned away in the past. The Oozeball Tournament is just one of the many student-run activities UConn members put a great deal of effort into planning for Spring Weekend.
USG, for instance, puts a great deal of time and effort into organizing events for UConn students during this weekend.
"We're asked outright to protect tradition," said USG President Ryan McHardy.
SUBOG is known for its annual Saturday night concert during Spring Weekend, an event for which timing is crucial - it is planned specifically to deter students from going to X-Lot and instead, enjoy a sober activity. The concert always features at least one big name performer, if not multiple and is an event UConn students look forward to all year.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Ms. Cocks have you lost your marbles?
posted 10/10/08 @ 10:51 AM EST
"According to Cathy Cocks of the Office of Community Standards, there is an expectation to be reckless among students and in order to end it THERE SHOULD BE A REDUCED NUMBER OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL. (Continued…)
jeff
posted 10/10/08 @ 12:34 PM EST
They should just do the wristband thing. If someone doesn't have a wristband, and can't immediately point to a uconn student they are with as a guest, they should be arrested or if that's too extreme, asked to leave. (Continued…)
ed
posted 10/10/08 @ 4:14 PM EST
I'm with Jeff. It could/should be pretty simple to administer and watch over, though it might mean more staff/police to make it work.
fizzy
posted 10/11/08 @ 3:26 PM EST
Spring Weekend costs UConn alot of money. I say, the heck with Spring Weekend and all its attendant problems and put the money towards helping the janitorial staff keep their jobs. (Continued…)
Ike Logan
posted 10/12/08 @ 4:13 PM EST
I don't understand why the University is so concerned with tip-toeing around the Spring Weekend issue. If the economy continues to get worse, our little displays of college decadence are only going to make us look worse than we already do. (Continued…)
Post a Comment