Grinnell is looking to replicate last year’s positive partying atmosphere during 10/10 by reminding students to stay responsible and respectful as they enjoy this weekend’s traditional party. Party organizers Noah Fribley ‘12, Scott Hoag ’12, Jonathan Davis ‘12 and Max Callenberg ’12 (Sports Editor for the Scarlet & Black) are focused on keeping 10/10’s “formula for success,” while keeping students safe.
Two years ago, the chaos that resulted from 10/10 forced administrators and students to reassess policies regarding campus safety and responsibility. Some changes that will remain in place for this year’s party include wristbands for current Grinnell students and their visiting friends, informational posters in the bathrooms of dorms and other buildings and increased training for “Rescue Dogs,” who ensure that the party goes smoothly.
“Something new we want to encourage this year is decreasing open containers on 8th Street,” said Fribley. “People need to throw out their drinks before they cross. It’s really easy to forget that this is a public street, and crossing it with an open container is illegal.”
Trash cans will be positioned conveniently by the street and ACE Security will be present to monitor student crossings. Although organizers do not consider police action to be a concern, they do stress that all students should be civil to local authorities and refrain from “freaking out.”
“Police are generally on campus because of some sort of call; they are required to respond,” Davis said. “The police chief and captain of police assured us that they are only coming onto campus for the incident they were called for. They just want to take care of the situation.”
“We want people to be very respectful to Grinnell police officers, campus security guards and ACE Security,” said Fribley. “They’re here to help. The more provocation they get, the worse things are going to be. If you see them, please be calm. If you treat them with respect, they will treat you with respect in return.”
Organizers also ask that all campus property be treated with respect. Any damage that occurs during the party will be the responsibility of the organizers, who are staking their own finances for the party.
“There will be a small amount from collections budgeted toward fines,” said Davis. “Hopefully things will go well again this year, and we won’t have to worry too much about it after the party.”
Personal property also needs to be secured before the travelling party begins. During 10/10 two years ago, laptops and other valuables were stolen from dorms shortly after partygoers had moved on to the next location of the party.
“Lock your doors. Lock your bikes,” advised Hoag during this week’s SGA Joint Board Meeting.
This year, campus security will be trailing the crowd, preventing any potential thievery. Organizers and administrators hope that this will also be helpful for those partygoers who fall behind—better to be found and assisted by security than left unconscious on Mac field. Some students, given TIPS training and nicknamed Rescue Dogs, will also do all they can to aid students stuck in difficult situations.
“Rescue Dogs are actually people. They ensure that the party is going well,” said Fribley. “They provide whatever you need in any special circumstance. If you need water, they get you water. If you’re with a special someone, they get you a condom.”
For those not interested in participating in the 10/10 party, Not Your Average Weekend will be holding a sub-free Night in the Bear, featuring exciting athletic activities. Also, the party route does not include East Campus, which should remain relatively quiet for most of the evening.
“10/10 has a great formula for success,” said Davis. “We want to provide the frame, but it’s the rest of campus that makes the event what it is. Stay safe and have a nice time.”
