ASCMC Weekly Beat: February 22, 2015
Last Sunday, the Executive Board proposed design changes to the student event plaza, discussed protocol for the upcoming ASCMC elections, and reflected on the events that occurred at Wedding Party on Saturday night.
Located at the old tennis courts, the student event plaza will feature a fully-equipped L-shaped bar with access to electricity and running water, as well as patio heaters and a fire pit. Speakers will be installed in each corner, and part of the room will be covered by a sun shade. The walls will be decorated with student artwork and a mural, and the floors will be covered with durable outdoor rugs. Though a budget has not yet been confirmed, the renovation project is supported by the Dean of Students office and the Board of Trustees. The goal is to create a gathering place between the senior apartments and the main campus with “a sense of permanence” and “distinct ambiance,” as described by Junior Class President Ben Turner ’16, who credits his mother for this suggestion.
The board then discussed the elections process. President Pro-Tempore Michael Irvine ’16 announced that candidates for elected positions would receive petition forms after the board meeting. Petition forms would be due Thursday, and campaigning will begin after the petition form deadline. Voting and election results will both conclude on Tuesday March 3rd.
Next, Presidential Advisor Moe Abdul-Rahim ’15 reported that Wedding Party event feedback was generally positive, but listed several updates needed for next year’s event including signs and lanes to direct movement outside the venue as well as a different ticketing system.
He then proceeded to explain the events that lead to police intervention. Campus Security and Private Security began barring entrance to the party on the grounds of fire safety hazards without alerting the event organizers. Several executive board members agreed that the event was not over the fire hazard capacity limit. Abdul-Rahim stated that 3–4 students held back the rowdy crowd waiting for entrance and were “trampled, hit, and cursed at” as Campus Security and Private Security stood at a distance. The party was eventually shut down when the Claremont Police Department (CPD) received a noise complaint.
“I have never been more disappointed to be a Claremont student,” said Abdul-Rahim.
Social Activities Chair Jessie Thomas ’16 suggested the need for earpieces for communication between security and event organizers, and proposed that no tickets be sold above the fire hazard capacity limit so that Campus Security “can’t make claims” about overcrowding at future events. Abdul-Rahim announced that refunds for those who could not enter the event are logistically impossible, and proposed holding a free event in the future using funds from Wedding Party ticket revenue.
