Letters To The Editor

Men's Basketball Ticket

Lottery System Not Perfect

As a student member of the committee that had the basketball ticket policy presented and discussed with them, I believe there are several strengths and weaknesses evident in the plan. Everyone involved in the policy formulation approached the proposal with two primary concerns: student safety and equal access for all students. While I applaud the Division of Athletics for being painstakingly scrutinous of the system. UConn simply still has not arrived at the optimal solution. Athletics is very aware of this, as was everyone involved in the committee. As I was quoted The Daily Campus ("The Wait Is Over," Sept. 25), "I am a fan of the new system." In taking a moment of personal defense, allow me qualify that statement: "I am personally (not in my position as the official spokesperson for the student body) a fan of the new system compared to the previous systems I have experienced as a student." I do personally believe, with the primary concern, this is a better system for the majority of students, but I think that distinction is an important one to make. A policy that makes everyone happy is unrealistic, and this is a step in the right direction. There are still important things that need to be addressed.

First, there is a need for measurable feedack from as many students as possible. To have the most effective policy, we need to move away from anecdotal support and develop empirical measurements of what is important to as many stakeholders as possible. With the resources available on campus, this is long overdue. It is important going forward that there is a degree of certainty in what works for students.

We have developed a solution that is much more accessible, safe and convenient, but we have also lost something important to many students - the community experience that came with in-person line ups. The Division of Athletics, the Department of Student Activities, and SUBOG should examine this and see if there is a feasible offering that can fill this void. Perhaps a small number of tickets are available through this means as well, in some sort of a hybrid system?

Is the weighting fair? I can see both sides of the argument. The majority of UConn students will be able enter the lottery the same number of times in their total tenure as a student. The emphasis on class standing allows those who may not have yet had the opportunity to tickets a better chance in their last year(s) at UConn. Keep this in mind though - while odds for upperclassmen are increased it is still a lottery, some freshman will get tickets and seniors will not..

If student demand exceeds the seating capacity for a game, there simply should not be an empty seat. There is a problem when people ordering tickets don't use them while an eager person, who will paint parts we don't even see blue and white, is left out. It is problematic that there isn't a centralized, reliable and user-friendly method that exists that all students are aware of. Perhaps it's a Web site - which USG would be willing host - designated for buying, selling, trading and giving away tickets or maybe it is something else.

I realize I have asked more questions than provided answers. This is the key though - USG needs to hear from you. Student feedback is crucial to this hot-button issue. I believe with this input, we can see an even better plan in the coming years. So, please, feel free to contact your Undergraduate Student Government representatives. We look forward to hearing from you. Go Huskies!

- R. Ryan McHardy

Student Body President

Undergraduate Student Government