Coming soon: Penn parties at the Sheraton?

A new committee hopes to bring "tangible changes" to student life on campus. White holiday lights and mistletoe may line Locust Walk next month, as part of a strategic effort to inject a little more spirit into the student body. Change machines in on-campus laundry rooms, a University bowling facility and dorm-based fitness centers are among the proposals developed by students who formed a "tangible change" committee. The committee includes representatives from the Undergraduate Assembly, the InterFraternity Council, Connaissance and other student groups. Changes like the seasonal decorations on Locust Walk will begin as soon as the second week in December, according to Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum, vice provost for university life. "This is the first time since I've been at Penn that we have developed a collaborative partnership with students where they determine the most exciting things they want to happen on campus," McCoullum said. "It is our goal to get these proposals out immediately." UA Student Life Committee Chairperson Samara Barend, a College sophomore, has been working with the VPUL office to brainstorm ideas. "All too often, student groups try to deal with larger, long-term issues and goals, while they lose sight of what the students need and want right now," she said."We're looking to make feasible changes on campus." Although an actual budget for the "tangible changes" hasn't been determined yet, Barend said the VPUL office may pay for some of the projects. "We have not explicitly stated where the money will come from, but administrative changes may very well be covered by the departments that are implementing the changes," she added. For example, Barend explained, Housing and Residence Life could pay for any projects centering around the dormitories. VPUL Executive Assistant Terri Conn called the number of student groups working together to make the "wish list" of changes impressive. "Students have been concerned with the negative feelings about security concerns this semester," she said. "This will be [a] most impressive? number of student initiatives to add something positive to the campus." Other proposals made by the "tangible change" committee include keeping Chats, Houston Hall, McClelland Hall and Gimbel and Hutch gymnasiums open until 2 a.m. every day during academic sessions. The committee has also proposed extending hours at the gyms and Van Pelt Library on the weekends. Students hope to use the University City Sheraton at 36th and Chestnut streets -- which Penn recently acquired -- for weekly student parties to showcase live bands and performers. Barend said the committee is planning a "small event that would bring a little winter cheer to campus" before reading days.