Few show for Senior Class Board forum

The Senior Class Board invited students to an open forum last night to discuss future plans for diversified social activities last night, but few people showed up. The Board's organizers outnumbered the participants by more than two-to-one, as only three students joined the seven-person committee last night in the Bowl Room of Houston Hall. Organizers of the meeting said they sent letters out to student leaders around campus in order to encourage higher attendance. Senior Class Gift Drive Chairperson Lincoln Singleton said he was disappointed with the turnout at the meeting. "The Senior Class Board is making an effort to diversify social activities," the Wharton senior said. "I wish more students would attend the open forum and give their thoughts about what social planning should be doing." The Senior Class Board is not the first organization to suffer from a lack of interest and participation in meetings and planning sessions. Earlier this semester, the Spring Fling Committee attracted only 20 students to an introductory meeting to plan the annual carnival. After several advertising attempts, the committee planned a second meeting which attracted around 50 students. A committee promoting a new Asian American Studies program at the University also met earlier this semester, expecting many students to attend with ideas of how such a program could succeed. The meeting only attracted nine students. Senior Class President Michael Rosenband blamed the lack of attendance mostly on student apathy and preparation for final exams, but he said the University's first home basketball game also drew many students away. "Senior year is a one-shot deal," the College senior said. "We're doing everything we can to ensure that things are planned and that everyone is included." Rosenband also said that attendance at social activities planned by the Senior Class Board is still at a high level, despite poor showings at meetings and forums. Due to the lack of people, the Senior Class Board changed the focus of its meeting to a brainstorming session for future events. Rosenband said that the Board wants to increase the number of non-alcohol related social activities planned. Possible future activities include a white water rafting trip and a trip to the Great Adventure theme park. The Board also discussed final plans for two upcoming events. There will be an evening of ice skating for seniors in the Class of 1928 Ice Rink tomorrow evening at 11:30 p.m. and a Senior Screamer will take place at Boccie Pizzeria next Tuesday evening at 10:00 p.m. Rosenband also said there will be a new Senior Board Hotline set up in the next month so students can call to find out about future events.