Students and faculty gathered in Newcomb Hall Wednesday evening to discuss a recent policy change that restricts the spaces available to performance arts groups for rehearsals.
Starting this semester, administrators decided to prohibit student groups from practicing in academic spaces around Grounds to reduce noise and distractions where other students may be studying or in class.
“What we need to be careful of on the academic side is that we do not have an a cappella group practicing next to a class,” said Wynne Stuart, associate provost for academic support and classroom management. “We do have complaints from [teachers] about that issue.”
Construction projects have also reduced the available academic spaces by about 30 rooms, increasing the likelihood of noise complaints if the old rules remained in place.
Some suggestions for compromise between CIOs and faculty have included shutting doors and rehearsing without amplified sound. But the blanket ban on all “dancing” and “auditions” remains, as outlined in an email sent to CIO leaders at the beginning of the semester.
Fourth-year College student Arnel Agas, a member of the Organization of Young Filipino Americans, said the lack of practice spaces hurt his group’s ability to rehearse for Culturefest, a performance during Family Weekend.
“I could understand where they’re coming from with volume control in academic space, but I also feel we shouldn’t be completely cut off,” Agas said. “Being in college isn’t just about going to class every day, but doing what we love and doing what we’re passionate about.”
Agas said he is concerned that if these rules are made permanent organizations like OYFA may have to cut down their number of performances per year.
Second-year College student Natalie May, a member of the a cappella group Hoos in the Stairwell and musical theater group First Year Players, emphasized the sheer volume and variety of groups that need space for practices around Grounds.
“There’s all of the dance groups, the Salsa Club, Mahogany … and only three places relegated [for us to practice],” May said. “[Fortunately,] what I learned from tonight’s meeting was that miscommunication tightened space availability.”
Student Council will vote on a resolution this coming Tuesday regarding their stance on the issue. The decision, ultimately, belongs to the provost.
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