Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding
Spring Jam 2002: “Fiesta Del Sol.” If you would like additional
information, please contact:
| Q. |
What is the purpose of Spring Jam? |
| A. |
Spring Jam is an opportunity for the entire campus community to gather,
celebrate the warm weather and have some fun, and it also benefits a
good cause. This year we are gathering canned food for Second Harvest
Food Shelves and raising money for the Thomas Burnett Jr. Memorial Fund
(more info). |
| Q. |
When did Spring Jam begin? |
| A. |
The University has celebrated a spring festival for more than 50 years.
Beginning with the Campus Carnival is 1942, it evolved over the years
to become “Greek Week” in the mid-70’s, and in 1990 the
all-campus festival, Spring Jam, emerged from the Student Unions. |
| Q. |
Why is the Block Party on campus this year? |
| A. |
The Spring Jam Block Party is the largest campus-wide event of the
year, and we want to bring campus-wide events back to campus. Plus, the
logistics of an off-campus location are difficult. Church Street is a
great location because it’s right in the heart of campus. |
| Q. |
What has Spring Jam done to help reduce drinking at events, particularly
the Block Party? |
| A. |
Spring Jam has always been a non-alcoholic event. Any events with
alcohol have been non-official Spring Jam events from nearby parties
or bars. This year Spring Jam will continue to be alcohol-free. |
| Q. |
What has Spring Jam done to help alleviate littering at the Block
Party and other events? |
| A. |
While the Spring Jam committee has always strived to make sure Spring
Jam venues are cleaned and picked up when we leave them, last year Spring
Jam coincided with the first warm weather weekend of the year, and there
were reports of littering in nearby communities. This year we are taking
a proactive response by including a Dinkytown Community
Clean-Up Project on Monday during Spring Jam where student participants
will help clean up trash in and around campus and the Dinkytown area. |
| Q. |
What steps have we taken to ensure that Spring Jam is inclusive
of the entire University community? |
| A. |
This year, we decided to partner with many different student groups
and University departments, such as the ROTC, Athletics, student organizations
and cultural centers, to reach out to a wider audience. We also added
Campus Community Day to the week, which will celebrate campus diversity,
where there will be a student group resource fair, performances and an
ethnic food tasting. |
| Q. |
Will there be a Spring Jam next year? |
| A. |
While there has been some concern as to the future of Spring Jam because
of the $400,000 cut in the Twin Cities Student Unions’ operating
budget by this year’s Student Services Fees Committee, we are confident
administration will override this decision. |
