By
The Wildcat Opinions Boards
Transitioning from high school to college can be a serious challenge to many college students. Both the emotional and academic strain found at institutions of higher education are unexpected - if not loathed - by most who enjoyed the cake walk through their respective public high schools.
With the added pressure found at the University of Arizona compared to our high schools, most of us would agree that a stress-free, cut loose night out is greatly appreciated. Instead, our student body government wants to give us a school dance.
At Wednesday's Associated Students weekly meeting, the senate tentatively approved a proposal to hold the UA' first formal dance - Fall Ball 2000. The idea for the dance came from Sen. Matt Bailey, who proposed it last spring as a part of his campaign platform.
Although some students have expressed apathy for Fall Ball 2000, the overwhelming response has been in support of Bailey's plan. That's how it should be, as long as at least two things happen - students actually want the event and it doesn't cost too much money.
The first question is the easiset to answer - yes, students do want Fall Ball 2000 to happen. More than 400 of 650 students interviewed by Bailey indicated they wanted the event.
"I think it would be really fun to get dressed up and go with my friends," said Kristen Johnson, a communications freshman.
Finding the necessary funding for the dance, which would have a theme, could be a bit trickier, but Bailey and the senate seem to have a grasp on that as well. Tentatively scheduled for Nov. 4, the dance would be funded in part by ASUA, which should approve the final amount at this week's meeting. The amount being requested by Bailey is $325, which would enable him to start preparing for the dance.
Final approval could come as early as Wednesday, so nothing - including the total cost - has been set in stone as of yet, Bailey said last night. But if the senate gives its final approval, the event would be held on campus and last from about 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Alcohol would not be served. In addition to the $325 requested, Bailey is also asking the senate for a "loan" of $7,500 to reserve different entertainment and food businesses. That money would eventually be paid back, depending on how many students attended the dance, which Bailey estimated could cost between $15 and $30.
"Ideally, what we're hoping for is to pay back the money so ASUA pays nothing," he said last night.
To make sure the worst case sceniaro - nobody showing up and ASUA taking a $7,500 loss - doesn't occur, Bailey said tickets would be sold in three phases. If not enough students have bought tickets in the first "pre-sale" phase, the dance would be canceled and ASUA would be not have to dish out the $7,500.
Only time will tell whether or not UA students would dust off their dancing shoes. If they do, the event could be a fun, relaxing breather for many of us. If not, ASUA is willing to pull the plug in order to avoid losing a good chunk of money at our expense.
Either way, it looks like Bailey and ASUA have their acts together on Fall Ball 2000.
