The Weekend Programming Board has received a trial budget amount of $5,000 for the year from SGA to establish weekend student activities.
The board is aiming for high student involvement in concerts, trips and other activities to promote a positive weekend vibe on campus.
"There should be more stuff to do. I thought there'd be more to do than there is," freshman Kelly Bruce said.
Bruce said she has met most of her friends at USD from classes and smoking areas outside the dorms. She would appreciate having local bands come for the weekend or taking "random trips to the zoo."
As a community advisor in the North Complex, sophomore Lindy Laubenthal recognizes a need for the girls on her floor to do more than "hang out" on weekends.
"I think a lot of my girls would be interested in it," she said. "There are a lot of people who don't or can't drink, for whatever reason. I think it would get them involved."
The program was proposed to SGA by student center coordinators Kristin Hoesing and Holly Mueller. SGA approved funding for the board, which is run by eight students.
Board member Maren Colon said the activities are a "substance-free alternative" for students, but she sees the budget as inadequate for planning large activities, such as "camping or skiing trips."
Colon hopes large attendance will prompt increased funding from SGA.
"I really encourage students to participate in activities put on, even if they don't think they'll like the bands. They should come and support (it). Maybe they'll like it," Colon said.
Freshman Jim Besson participates in intramurals and uses the DakotaDome on weekends. He has liked every campus activity he has been to, including Mission Improvable and a hypnotist, but still feels the campus atmosphere in general is "boredom."
"USD is a suitcase college. A lot of times half the floor is gone on weekends," he said. "It would help reduce the amount of drinking and general atmosphere around campus."
Besson suggested the board organize weekend bowling nights or sponsor multiple band concerts a few times a month.
"They need to advertise a lot," he said.
Reach reporter Josephine Kerk at Josephine.Kerk@usd.edu.
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