It is no secret that the administration has made an effort to downplay the significance of K-ville in marketing Duke to prospective students. However, the jubilant success of the lead up to Duke's most recent victory over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reinforced the importance of the tent city to those of us already enrolled here. Everyone involved with the operation of K-ville this season should be applauded. K-ville serves as a reminder of the potential of on-campus social events to succeed and bring students from all walks of the Duke community together.
K-ville can be counted on season after season to provide a consistent source of support for the basketball team, and to give students an excuse to congregate and socialize. K-ville's role was accentuated this year due to the steady decline of the on-campus social scene. The days leading up to the UNC game were characterized by all of the elements that Duke's party scene has come to lack--participation by a diverse cross-section of students, fun and accessible activities, relatively low enforcement of alcohol regulations and the support of the administration. It is amazing how easily a non-destructive, non-offensive, well-attended party can develop with these elements in place.
Particularly of note were the placement of basketball hoops in the area in front of Cameron Indoor Stadium, the opening of the Card Gym parking lot to students and the fact that students were allowed to consume alcohol within reasonable bounds without much interference.
Undoubtedly, the presence of the ESPN travelling studio was responsible for creating part of the spirit of enthusiasm, but more than anything else, K-ville served as a much needed outlet for students to have a good time without having to trudge off-campus.
The administration, line monitors, student groups and other involved parties should strive to emulate the success of this year's K-ville in the future. With the status of the selective living groups in jeopardy and cohesive plan for quad-based social programming not yet in place, the on-campus social scene remains very much in limbo. Activities like K-ville help to bridge the gap, and they are essential for student life.
K-ville is a unique part of the Duke experience, and this season's efforts should stand as the model for how the tent city should conduct itself for many years to come.
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