USG passes act unanimously for Spring weekend revival

An act marking the end of the Spring Weekend moratorium, thus paving the way for a new Spring Weekend, was passed unanimously at last night’s Undergraduate Student Government Senate meeting.

UConn officials have already agreed to the terms outlined in the act, and, according to USG president Stephen Petkis, there is a 100 percent chance of the university holding to the resolutions set forth by this act.

Under the Act Concerning Spring Weekend Policy, the university will no longer advise students and family members to leave campus, nor will student services be shut down or limited in their use.

The act reads, “The University of Connecticut will reestablish basic services and building access. This includes regular bus transportation, as well as Student Affairs managed indoor and outdoor space for use by student organizations, University offices and programs. In addition, student recreational services will remain operational.”
In addition, planned events and activities will be permitted on Spring Weekend so long as they are “UConn-centric,” with the exception of academic-focused events or sporting events.

The university maintains that non-UConn students will not be permitted to stay overnight in residence halls. However, UConn commuter students will be allowed to stay in the dorms just as any other weekend.

Petkis, a 7th-semester political science and human rights double major, said that he still expects there to be an increased police presence on campus during Spring Weekend, including checkpoints, as seen in the last two years.

The act is a culmination of work that began last year by Petkis, who authored the bill. He said, “This is legislation that’s been a long time coming.”
USG will continue to monitor the Spring Weekend planning process to ensure that the university upholds these agreed-upon policies.

According to Petkis, this act is the first step in the process of redefining Spring Weekend. Starting on Oct. 23, USG will be working with students from across campus to create events targeted at creating a fun, positive atmosphere on campus.

“Let’s get students having a good time on campus,” Petkis said.