Spring Weekend kicks off at Carriage

Despite the threat of thunderstorm and a steady flow of email warnings from university and town officials, hordes of students swarmed Carriage House Apartments last night on the first night of Spring Weekend.

"I basically really wanted to have a good time with my roommates and my friends," said 6th-semester political science major Kelsey Rath. "It's a good time for UConn students to take a break from school. It's really nice to have one weekend to have fun before the studying for finals begins."

Students, clumped by the hundreds, stood in the dark on the small road between the apartments. Most students were holding bottles or cans. Some were yelling on their cell phones, some were spiritedly shouting UConn cheers and some were hopelessly searching for their lost companions, panic on their bleary faces. Students were laughing, dancing, crying, arguing and texting.

On Hunting Lodge Road, there were even two people, clad in complementary mustard and hot dog garb, selling food to revelers.

As part of a new policy, members of USG were handing out bagels, bottles of water and glow sticks.

"We're giving water to people to keep them hydrated," said Tom Haggerty, USG president and 6th-semester political science major.

The UConn, Mansfield and state police were stationed throughout campus, looking to stem destructive behavior and drunk driving. Emergency medical technicians were also positioned at the entrance of Carriage Apartments to take care of any injuries.

According to Mansfield Deputy Fire Chief William Jordan, two students had already obtained injuries from broken glass before 10 p.m. Six ambulances were by the entrance of Carriage House Apartments and 78 medical and fire officials were on the scene, Jordan said.

"As the night goes on, we see a lot of alcohol-related injuries," Jordan said.

Jordan said that because alcohol lowers body temperature, injuries related to exposure to the cold are common.

This is Jordan's 21st Spring Weekend and he said that the behavioral and destructive issues have been slowly decreasing.

"I think the 1998 riots were the peak of Spring Weekend [destruction]," Jordan said. "It's progressed very slowly, but it's still got a long way to go."

Jordan said that he thought UConn students are beginning to discourage the attendance of non-UConn students.

"I think a high percentage are non-students causing the problems," Jordan said.

If the events ever got completely out of control, Jordan said the Mansfield police would leave the premises.

"We would get our troops and get out of here," Jordan said. "In my 21 years, we have only had to do that once."

The officials started setting up as early as 1 p.m. yesterday, Jordan said.

UConn students have received emails from UConn officials discouraging students to participate in "unsanctioned weekend events," citing potential violence, destructive behavior and devaluation of a UConn degree. President Michael Hogan also sent a letter to parents emphasizing that events like the one at Carriage last night are not endorsed by the university.

"They will have a direct impact on the value of your degree as you compete for jobs upon graduation," said Vice President for Student Affairs John Saddlemire. "The very reputation of UConn, the continued support of many, and your future degree is at stake."

In the emails were threats of suspension and expulsion for UConn students who engage in illegal or harmful behavior. A message from Chief of Police Robert Hudd was circulated that said students would be subject to arrest.