U. buys sound gear for student use

Those speakers blaring dance music at the next fraternity party you go to may belong to the University. Officials agreed to purchase a number of keyboards and sound systems for student group use, according to Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum. Performing Arts Council groups -- as well as fraternities, sororities and other student organizations -- will have access to the new equipment. "The equipment will increase the mobility of the groups and permit the use of additional non-traditional but good space for PAC rehearsals and performances," McCoullum said. The purchase -- part of the "Tangible Change" joint effort between the Office of the VPUL and student groups -- will provide the equipment to student groups free-of-charge. McCoullum noted that this "modest investment" will allow student groups to avoid paying "exorbitant" fees from vendors for equipment rentals for PAC rehearsals, parties and performances. PAC groups -- including dance and theater groups -- and Greek chapters requested the purchase, she added. Although decisions have not been finalized about where the equipment will be placed, McCoullum explained that possibilities include Houston Hall, the Greenfield InterCultural Center and a "PAC location decided by PAC members." "I definitely hope that our campus fraternities and sororities, and any other student organizations will take advantage of the equipment," McCoullum said. The equipment will help to reduce the IFC's administrative costs at parties, according to IFC President and College junior Matt Baker. University officials have requested that the IFC eliminate cover charges at parties, in accordance with state and local laws. The IFC, in turn, asked the University for assistance in covering administrative costs for parties. "It's nice to see the University putting in some sort of effort to help alleviate the problem," Baker said. "I definitely see some potential for us to use the equipment." But Baker explained that IFC chapters generally pay only $200 for sound equipment at each party they host and added that the new equipment "would make a small impact as far as administrative costs go." College senior and PAC member Dan Gutin also praised the decision to purchase the equipment, which he said would fill a need for all performing arts groups. "Not only do the a cappella groups need the sound equipment, but dance groups, the Glee Club and all campus performing arts groups will benefit from it," he said.