The “Refreshment Tent” is extinct. Open containers are banned. How will students ever survive May Weekend 2006?
Amidst an overflow of stories, editorials and rumors regarding this year’s May Weekend, it seems as though many Quinnipiac students are not informed of the policies of the upcoming weekend and have been led to believe that May Weekend itself is on its way to facing extinction.
Despite the removal of the ever-popular refreshment tent and the stricter enforcement of pre-existing policies, Officials hope that May Weekend 2006 will prove to be as popular a celebration as it has ever been.
According to Manny Carreiro, the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, alcohol will no longer be served on campus during May Weekend. In his statement released to the Quinnipiac community, Carreiro said “[t]his change will not only provide a safer environment, it will also permit the Student Programming Board to maximize the events that can be offered.”
Monica Sisca, a junior sociology major and the novelties chair for the Student Programming Board (SPB) hopes students will tap into the other fun activities going on during the weekend.
“I think people are losing sight of what is important on May Weekend and what the weekend is really about,” Sisca said. “People are forgetting that there is so much else that goes along with this weekend. Everyone is so upset about the beer tent that they have forgotten how much time, energy and money goes into this weekend.”
Ed Kovacs, the Director of the Student Center and Student Leadership Development, agreed with Sisca.
“May Weekend is also about relaxing and unwinding with your friends. It is about all the free programs and activities. It is about free food and great music. It is about laughing and having a good, safe time,” Kovacs said. “It is important that the student body knows that the programs that have been implemented and organized by students for students.”
In their efforts to “play like a champion,” as the weekend’s theme indicates, SPB has stepped up to the challenge and added more events, food and free fun for students to enjoy.
The weekend begins on Friday, April 28 when the food trucks and novelties on the Quad will open at 3 p.m. Sisca said that students can expect more on food and novelties than in previous years.
“We are getting carnival games which will have prizes and will hopefully clear up some of the lines,” Sisca said. “It gives people something to do while they’re walking around. Not everyone likes to go on the inflatables so this way they are able to do something they might enjoy.”
The main stage event, which will take place on Friday night in the gymnasium, is a comedy act by Carlos Mencia. Mencia appeared on Comedy Central with his show “Mind of Mencia.” After the performance students are invited to Alumni Hall where they can meet Real World cast members Paula, a former Quinnipiac student currently appearing on the Real World Key West, and Randy, from Real World San Diego.
Saturday’s activities will begin at noon with the Chartwells University Cookout on the Quad, along with the regular food trucks and novelties. On the stage behind Alumni Hall, students can tune in to the day band performances including Badfish, The Churchills and Soul’s Release.
Saturday evening highlights will include the mentalist and magician, Mike Super, who will deliver two separate shows and the “Think You Know the 90’s” game show in Alumni Hall.
In order to participate in the May Weekend programming activities, all students must obtain a May Weekend sticker. Sticker distribution takes place in the Game Room on the second floor of the Student Center until Thursday, April 27. Hours are from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.
The 23 complete hours of May Weekend programming were designed to give every student at Quinnipiac something to enjoy.
“Students shouldn’t want to miss a single event,” Kovacs said.
For those students who want to help out during May Weekend, sign-ups are in the Game Room during ticket distribution times. Volunteers will receive a free May Weekend 2006 t-shirt.
