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GVL/Kim Miller
GVSU students dance the night away in the DeVos Place ballroom on Friday night. The ballroom was flooded with students dressed in their best attire for this year's Presidents' Ball.

Presidents' Ball cracks down on 'pre-gaming'

By Nadira Kharmai GVL Staff Writer
2/3/2010

Each year, stories of drunken Presidents' Ball situations travel through the rumor mill and invade Grand Valley State University's campuses.

Some morning-after stories involve students bragging about getting away with being drunk all night, but some tales are not as victorious and include a not-so-happy ending of receiving a Minor In Possession charge. Whichever story the student body will hear come Monday morning, it is true that either way, drinking often plays a large role when negative incidents arise at Presidents' Ball.

In past years, alcohol-related issues have disrupted the formal dinner and dance to the point where some students do not want to come back.

"The first time I went, there were so many obnoxious drunk people," said student Michelle Tucker. "It ruined the whole night so I never will go back."

This year, organizers want to make their message clear: Students who "pre-game" before attending Presidents' Ball might not be allowed into DeVos Place.

"It's not like clubbing or a house party," said Bob Stoll, director of Student Life. "This is a more formal experience where people need to be respectful and responsible. The security team will enforce the message printed on tickets, which states, 'We have the right to refuse entry.'"

Students who manage to enter the dance but still cause problems later on will also be asked to leave.

"In the past, students pre-party before and seem fine at the door but after awhile into the dance, their blood alcohol content catches up to them and they sometimes don't make the best decisions," Stoll said. "Sometimes students are irresponsible and leave their drunk friends to fend for themselves. While the university does not condone excessive drinking, part of the university code encourages students to help one another in instances where safety could be jeopardized. Most people think they will get in trouble if they find help for their friend who had too much to drink, but that isn't the case."

While "annoying drunks" keep some students from attending Presidents' Ball, junior Isaiah Alexander still plans on attending Friday night's formal event.

"It's a special and fun night that I wouldn't want to miss," he said.

Alexander said he has never had a bad experience from disruptive students at the dance but he has seen how alcohol can ruin a night. He has worked at a security position for the popular, nightlife venue The B.O.B. for almost two years, and he encouraged students to help out their friends if needed.

"If you're going to pre-game, be smart about it; know your limits before trying to overcome them," Alexander said. "Friends need to watch after friends and make sure they're not overdoing it."

The Office of Student Life has hired two Grand Rapids Police Department officers to patrol the dance in addition to almost 50 GVSU administrative staff who will monitor guests and prevent irresponsible situations from becoming major issues.

Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday with dinner following at 6:30 p.m. The dance portion will last from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

The 20/20 desk sold out of all ticket types on Wednesday. No additional tickets are available.

Photo ID will be required in addition to the ticket for entry at DeVos Place.

nkharmai@lanthorn.com

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