Next year the student government will begin the “ROC tckts” program which will provide students with subsidized tickets for events in the city of Rochester. The goal of the program is help improve the connection between students and the city, which has been helped by the URos system and student government-organized trips to events and games.
The student government has allocated $10,000 to buy tickets to Rochester Broadway Theater, Redwings and Amerks games and other events. If the program is a success, the selection of events may expand to include other kinds of events, such as concerts or art gallery exhibits.
“The goal of the program is help students get involved in social and cultural events in the city,” Dean of Students Jody Asbury said.
Asbury said that the success of similar programs this year has been encouraging. During the formal announcement last Friday, Assistant Director of Student Activities Melissia Schmidt echoed her sentiments, noting that when tickets have been offered for shows and games, they have sold out consistently.
“We have seen a demand for access to tickets and access to venues,” she said.
Students’ Association Treasurer Susan Barnish said that students will be able to shape the program with their input. For instance, if they find an interesting show around the city, they can suggest that it be included in the program.
“This is going to be something that students can really take ownership of,” Barnish said.
Barnish is confident that this program will help foster a better relationship between the college and the community.
“This will get students really involved in the city of Rochester,” he said. “It will build community ties.”
Wrobel is a member of the class of 2010.
