Syracuse University’s Student Association is responding to the recent announcement that classes will be held during this year’s SU Showcase. After five years of no classes, this year, SU Showcase, slated for Monday, April 19, will be a regular instruction day.

But SA has plans to petition the university to get a different day off dedicated solely to students.

‘This is a tradition. This is something students want. This is something students need in a way. This day off right before finals when the weather is nice,’ said Jon Barnhart, SA student engagement chair and one of two candidates running for SA president this year.

Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric Spina sent an e-mail to the university community Friday announcing the change to reinstating classes and detailing additional plans for this year’s SU Showcase.

Spina said the change was made to underline the ‘academic purpose’ of the day.

SU Showcase used to be titled MayFest until the university attempted to distance its day of academic activities from the popular Euclid Avenue block party. Controversy surrounded the name change last year prompting students, neighbors and university administrators to form a committee to discuss the future of the event.

While sitting on the committee last year, Barnhart said he sensed the university was moving in the direction of reinstating classes this year. But he’s not worried so long as SA can convince the university to adopt their plan for a day off for students.

SA is petitioning Thomas Wolfe, vice president and dean of Student Affairs, for the day for students. If SA gets the day off for students approved, Barnhart said the assembly can then start planning for the day.

‘This could be the best thing that has happened to MayFest,’ Barnhart said. ‘We really do have a chance here to separate these two days and make sure students have complete ownership of MayFest.’

Holding SU Showcase’s on-campus academic events the same day as the annual block party known as MayFest creates a clash of purpose, Barnhart said.

‘Faculty are aware of how the students feel,’ Barnhart said, ‘We know Spina and everyone below is aware that if they put back classes, people are going to take SU Showcase and make it their own. That’s kind of how it’s happened for the last few years.’

Barnhart is concerned what kind of safety precautions will be in place if students should go ahead with a block party on SU Showcase anyway.

‘We’ll be half as prepared which could mean less safety which could mean students getting harmed or worse,’ Barnhart said.

SA will hold an open meeting Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Maxwell Auditorium to hear student concerns and discuss the change.

‘Once we solidify the day (for students) that’s the most fun part. We want to ask students, ”If you could do anything you want on one day at this university what would you want?’ We want students to stay involved in this process,’ he said.

jmterrus@syr.edu

Published on October 23, 2009 at 12:00 pm