Student Council unanimously approved a system of regulating early comers to men's basketball games Tuesday. The proposal had been in the works for several months before seeking Council's approval.
The plan is based on a first-come, first-served system so students who arrive to games several days in advance are not forced to set up camp in any particular physical order. Wristbands will be used to designate where an individual stands on a list that determines who gets into University Hall first.
While camping out, each group, which must consist of University students and cannot exceed 10 people, must have at least one member of its group present. Grace periods may be granted by line monitors on the day of the game, during which time students can clear out their tents and attend to personal needs.
A total of 12 line monitors, all students, will be present to maintain a list of groups in the order that they arrive at Hooville.
"The most important objective was for students to implement a system that was fair and reliable," Council President Abby Fifer said.
Fifer stressed that students developed the entire system: "This is an example of what Student Council means when we say that we want to represent student needs and interests."
The initial drafting of the plan began in August, but for many of the dedicated organizers, the work started earlier.
"The concept [of a new system] has been in the air since the end of last season" said third-year Engineering student Martin Radzio, who will serve as one of the line monitors.
In addition to getting Council approval, the proposal has been OK'd by the Sports Promotions Office and the Athletics Facilities and Operations Office.
"The athletic affairs committee did a great job updating the representative body on its progress with this new policy," Council Executive Vice President Adam Swann said. "The proposal received widespread support because of that."
Additionally, project organizers have discussed safety concerns with University Police.
"We're not investing any more manpower than we already have" under the new system University Police Capt. Michael Coleman said.
The committee went to Council "to make sure the students had a fair representation in the decision," Lilienthal said.
The goal of this system also is to create a Hooville environment that is enjoyable in and of itself, such as providing better shelter in inclement weather.
It is possible vendors will visit to sell food and other items.
"If the athletic department sees that students can police themselves, they will be more likely to provide food, electricity and possibly even ethernet services," Fifer said.
"Now that we have an identified student group, we can give them the options to help out other students as much as possible," said Jason Bauman, associate athletic director for facilities and operations. "We're here to support the students"
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