Spam Jam, the largest university organized party, is occurring this Saturday from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the townhouse eight, nine and ten block. This is the event’s fourth year.
The party, which is open to juniors and seniors, is organized by Residence Life and Housing along with the Residential Apartment Student Organization (RASOR) and the University Townhouse Experience (UNITE).
According to Director of Residence Life Fran Koerting, in 2000 tensions were building between permanent beach residents and student residents. In order to calm the situation and prevent large numbers of students congregating at the beach during Clam Jam, the university decided to create events and activities on campus.
FUSA also plans a major event for Saturday evening each year to keep students from attending beach parties. This year, Black 47 will appear on the quad at 8 p.m.
“Spam Jam has a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone enjoys the opportunity to get together with all the juniors and seniors and relax before finals begin,” said Koerting. “They love the event, and are always appreciative.”
According to Koerting, Spam Jam’s first year was difficult because students didn’t understand that the university policies and state laws still applied to the party and that underclassmen were not allowed to attend.
Now IRHG plans “May Day” on the quad during the same time as Spam Jam for underclassmen. The event lasts from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., and this year will feature outdoor dining, turbo tubs, a moon bounce, fortune reader, bungee jump and a laser tag environment. Koerting said Spam Jam now runs very smoothly.
Security, RHCs and townhouse and apartment managers will be on duty at Spam Jam and May Day to ensure residents and guests are abiding by university policies. All upperclassmen and outside guests attending Spam Jam are required to wear wristbands, which can be purchased Thurday, Friday or Saturday from Residence Life or townhouse and apartment managers.
All students must carry their university IDs and guests must carry two forms of identification.
Townhouses may not have more than 24 people in them and kegs may not be tapped before 8 p.m. They then may only be tapped if registered with the Residence Life and Housing Office. Students are also asked to keep music and noise from townhouses to a minimum.
Any house in violation of these policies will be fined $500 and will risk the loss of independent housing next year or being prevented from walking at graduation and enjoying Senior Week activities.
Because of the many events taking place on campus Saturday, parking and road access will be limited. Students are encouraged to park at Dolan Hall for the festivities.
“Students really enjoy the events, and there is no need to be socializing at the beach instead of participating in the events on campus,” said Koerting.
One student agreed that Spam Jam should be a “blast” this year.
“Clam Jam is just a name,” said Jeff Holland ’04. “I guarantee that fun times will be had this weekend at Spam Jam. I think it will be a mixture of dry events and events that are geared to those who want to drink. I’m looking forward to Black 47.”
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