Gladiator competition and all night parties sponsored by the University may be in store for SIUC students who prefer alcohol-free alternatives to, or are too young for the bar scene.

With the bar entry age going up to 20, many SIUC students will be without any form of recreation within walking distance of campus during their weekends, and student leaders and University staff are trying to come up with creative alternatives for students.

A weekend programming committee, created on SIUC President John Guyon’s request, is meeting Friday in Activity Room D of the Student Center to discuss and propose programs and activities for students for either Friday or Saturday nights of the fall semester.

Advertisement

Kathy Guilfoyle, assistant director of intramural recreational sports and committee member, said providing entertainment to SIUC students is needed to attract new students.

Students like to participate against each other, she said. A gladiator program where students would pick the gladiators and then challenge them is something people could get excited about.

SIUC students would really enjoy good music, comedy and movies and they need something they would want to come and see.

Brian Clardy, a doctoral student in history and member of the committee, said his old university had all-night parties where various forms of entertainment were provided.

Karaoke or comedians could be provided in the Student Center, Arena or maybe the Student Recreation Center, Clardy said.

Paulette Curkin, coordinator of the University housing program and committee member, said the committee is a great idea and getting all the major people concerned with students involved is a step in the right direction.

It’s nice to see the University take a proactive stance before the semester even starts, Curkin said.

Advertisement*

Scott Pfeiffer, Undergraduate Student Government Chief of Staff and committee member, said USG and the administration just came together at the same time to do something about the need for entertainment for students.

We (USG and administration) got the opportunity to do something and help out, he said. We’re making an effort to keep students occupied.

Pfeiffer said Friday’s meeting is just an opportunity for committee members to throw out ideas on how to provide entertainment for students.

The committee meeting is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Also on the agenda is ways for funding for the new programming and deciding which office or offices will assume responsibility for the programs.