Johnson

by JEFF KOEHLER
News Reporter

Kendra M. Johnson, senior social work major and Student Government Association vice president said failure to clean up student tailgating areas after home games could result in consequences for students.

Students who apply for a tailgating spot must sign a contract, and those who violate the terms of this contract by littering could lose this privilege, she said.

In addition to the loss of individual privileges, a persistent trash problem at student lots could be used as an argument against student tailgating spots next year in favor of more spots for the Yosef Club, Johnson said.

SGA would implement a large-scale campaign to encourage students to clean up after themselves if serious repeated issues of littering occur this year, she said.

“If you get a spot, we at least ask that you be able to clean it up,” Johnson said.

Susie L. Greene, dean of students said there was a significant problem with trash at student lots after Appalachian State University’s first home game this year.

“At the first game, tailgating went really well with the glaring exception of where students were assigned,” Greene said.

She said trash bags and recycling bags are provided at the event, and volunteers pick up the full bags after the event.

Bradley N. Smith, facility maintenance supervisor for Housing and Residence Life said this initiative has been a collective effort between the physical plant, housing and residence life and student volunteers to help take care of trash and recycling.

He said trash containers are also available throughout Kidd Brewer Stadium.

Greene said there was no immediate threat of student lots being restricted next year, but if there is a persistent problem with trash the university will examine the situation.

All tailgating spots are numbered, and this number can identify each of the lot assignments regardless of whether the group is made up of students or alumni, she said.

“I don’t know anyone who wants to say a specific group can’t park and tailgate, but it’s important that we all take responsibility for the privilege of enjoying tailgating and the Mountaineer experience,” Greene said.

Cindy A. Wallace, vice chancellor for Student Development said the university has worked hard to provide a workable solution to the issue of littering at events.

She said the people who hold permits for tailgating spots that are trashed should be held accountable.

The administration is allowing SGA to construct its own policy to deal with repeat offenders, as opposed to the administration establishing its own policy, Wallace said.

“As a university community, we’re trying to figure out the best way for everyone to have a good time,” she said.

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