To the Editor,
In response to your article last week and the editorial, the members Inter-Residential Housing Association (IRHA) would like to clarify some of the questions or issues that were addressed concerning Spam Jam and May Day.
The decision to combine the two events and move them to a central location was made by the members of administration. The Office of Residence Life, Student Activities and Dean of Students made this decision for many reasons. IRHA believes these reasons will be explained by the administration if contacted.
When this decision to combine May Day and Spam Jam was explained to the members of IRHA, as an organization, we decided to try and keep the tradition alive and modify it so that students could continue to have a large event where they could enjoy themselves as a residence hall community. Those who are 21 would be able to drink.
There were many different reasons why the two events could not be run as they were in the past. These reasons ranged from staffing and financial issues to changing school policies.
One change that took place this year was that kegs are not allowed on campus, which means Spam Jam would have been modified already even if it had retained its location.
Another change is that if the event were to be held at the townhouses, the school’s alcohol license would not be able to be used in that area and it would be an alcohol-free event. The University’s alcohol license is able to be transferred to Lessing Field, where IRHA has chosen to put on the combined event
Since there have been no problems at Spam Jam in the past, IRHA felt it was important to allow those who are of age to drink responsibly and we decided to move the location and still provide alcohol per a beer garden.
Another reason why our organization accepted this challenge of modifying a tradition, as well as to create one bigger and better event, was because it met our goal of creating a community. If there is a way for the entire school to be able to spend this day together and celebrate with free food, great music, giveaways and games then why not?
We believe that this change came as a shock to the students and that is why there is such concern about it. The members of IRHA recognize the student’s concerns of trying to keep a tradition alive and encourage our classmates to ask questions to those who will be able to provide better answers than we can as a student organization.
Despite the changes to the event, IRHA looks forward to this event and to having people from all classes enjoy the afternoon on Sat., April 28. With this being said, IRHA will continue to move forward planning our event and welcome anyone who would like to offer suggestions or ask questions.
I hope that this letter was able to clear up some of the confusion that has existed and to dispel any rumors that have developed. IRHA can be contacted through our e-mail, IRHA@stagweb.fairfield.edu.
Sincerely,
Ashlee Downing ’08 Programming Director for IRHA
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