A year after a report on social space acknowledged a need for greater accessibility, lower costs and a revised look at alcohol policy at some venues, students report that they are still having difficulty finding space to host social events.
The Committee on Undergraduate Social Space, headed by Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Sue Wasiolek, acknowledged last spring the difficulties of reserving space on campus.
Wasiolek said she was not sure how many suggestions from the committee were put in policy, but students report that key recommendations--such as the centralization of space reservation and the elimination of rental fees--remain barriers to organizing campus social events. They report further that different types of venues, in addition to the 106 spaces already available, are needed.
"For different venues, you have to go to different offices to reserve them," said Troy Clair, president of the Black Student Alliance. "That can be confusing or time consuming."
Rick Gardner, senior coordinator at the Event Advising Center, said the center tried to organize classroom space last semester, but that its two-person staff was quickly overwhelmed by the demand.
Other groups say they find spaces they want are not available. Jin Park, president of the Asian Student Association, said her group would use Reynolds Theater more often but that the space is usually booked.
In addition, students say the cost of some facilities, such as the Devil's Den, prohibit them from hosting events. Although some venues do not charge fees, Clair said cleaning and technical fees can add up.
"For example, at Page Auditorium, the technical fees are really outrageous, so we had to move Apollo Night [last Saturday night] to the Freeman Center. We're excited, but that will change the atmosphere. We also have to bring in a stage and lights," Clair said.
Administrators agreed that student requests for improved social space on campus are valid but said they are trying to make the best use of the facilities that already exist.
"There is always a need for more spaces, for more types of those rooms to be available," Gardner said. "But before we do that, we want to make sure that all social spaces are being used to their fullest."
One space that is increasingly being used, said Gardner, is the Hideaway, which closed its doors as a bar last year. The facility can now be rented for $100 per event.
Several greek organizations have used the space recently, for events ranging from a lyp-sinc contest to sorority rush events.
But Michael Wick, president of the Interfraternity Council, said the Hideaway is bleak as a social space.
"It lacks any character," he said. "There are no TVs, no music. As it stands now, it's not that fun of a place to go."
Duke University Improv members say they use the new look to their advantage.
For their monthly performances, the group brings in a stage, lights, folding chairs and cabaret tables, said junior Seth Weitberg, a DUI member. "When people come in, we don't want them to recognize it as the Hideaway they knew before," he said. "It's very intimate, which is, for improvisational comedy, very essential."
Weitberg said the space is not without its difficulties, such as two giant posts in the middle of the room. Overall, though, he said the space is adequate and that the group hopes it will become a full-time comedy club.
Some students say alcohol distribution is also an important factor when reserving space, despite the committee's recommendation that the University create more places on campus where alcohol can be sold.
For example, Wick said the 21-year age limit at the Armadillo Grill deters fraternities from hosting parties there. "Sophomores and juniors are usually the most active in their fraternities. To exclude most of them would hinder the event," he said.
Wasiolek said groups also remain concerned about enforcement of the alcohol policy at on-campus venues.
"There seems to be a concern from some students that if they stay on campus and distribute alcohol through University bartenders that they will be held to a higher standard in terms of carding and identification than they might be at off-campus facilities," she said.
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