This year’s Dandelion Day – the 52nd in UR’s history – will undergo some additional changes in response to the large number of alcohol-related incidents that occur every year.
Foremost among the formal changes will be the issuing of “tickets” by security officers. Each ticket will note a prearranged time to meet with Associate Dean of Students in charge of discipline Matt Burns.
“We’re trying to do [things] in a timely fashion,” Burns said. “[When I came here] there were a lot of cases left over [from D-Day].” In the past, judicial proceedings from D-day activities have rolled over into the next academic year. Often the long lag-time has created problems with accuracy and memory, thus leading to problems with the disciplinary process.”
Last year, seven students were sent to Strong Memorial Hospital’s emergency room, forty-nine case reports were filed and there were 115 “small” incidents, according to Director of UR Security Walter Mauldin. In 2001, five students were taken to the emergency department, 32 case reports were filed as well as 129 minor incidents.
Mauldin suggested that part of the reason for the higher number of students in 2000 might be due to the 80 degree temperature that day, compared to the 55 and 60 degree highs of 2001 and 2002, respectively.”I hope everyone has a good time on D-day,” Mauldin said.
The Campus Activities Board, has worked alongside administrators in planning D-Day. Administrative Co-Chair of CAB and senior Jason Smith predicts improvements over last year.
“This year we’re getting enough food to feed the entire student body,” Smith said.
While the band Jump Little Children has already been planned to play on D-Day, some students are discussing the possibility of bringing George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars to campus on D-Day. He will be putting on a show at the University of Buffalo on April 25 and a show a day after D-Day at Syracuse University.
“It sounds like a really opportunity to spread some musical diversity on campus,” President of the Music Interest Floor and junior Ian Harwood said. “I think having such a big name performer would help shift the focus away from drinking to be more community- oriented.”
Students’ Association President and senior Lonny Mallach was hesitant about the concert happening. “I think bringing George Clinton to perform on D-Day would be great, but I’m not sure it’s realistic given that D-Day is three weeks from now. We generally book bands further in advance,” he said.
Additional reporting by Chadwick Schnee.Miller can be reached at amiller@campustimes.org.
