Event geared towards party-friendly students may see its death as early as next year due to UCSU budget cuts
Students chomped on pizza and enjoyed games and music at the white tent set up for Safer Spring Break Wednesday on the Fine Arts Lawn. The event, hosted by the Student Wellness Program, kicked off spring break, but likely won’t return next year.
Despite its success, this event and others like it may be coming to an end due to the USCU decision to cut the budget of Wardenburg Health Center.
“(Safer Spring Break) is not going to happen anymore. We won’t have the money for the programming we are doing now,” said Robin Kolble, manager of community health in association with the Student Wellness Program.
Organizations meant to promote the health and wellness of students are suffering from heavy budget cuts. The loss of giveaways like cold care kits, free HIV tests and other helpful programs will result from the USCU decision.
“We won’t have to cut the staff but there will be no programming budget. This means we will be able to do some stuff but not at the same level as now. Things are going to be different,” Kolble said.
The event addressed issues like safe sex, the prevention of HIV, alcohol consumption and travel safety through flyers, games and prizes.
“It’s pretty cool what they are doing. I think these tips will be useful when I’m in Cancun,” said Eduardo Nieto, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.
Games like Plinko, bean bag tosses and sex quizzes were offered to whoever stopped by the event. Also, Safer Spring Break kits were passed around. These kits featured Chap Stick, sunscreen, condoms, flyers, a cup and a coaster.
“I think this whole thing is fun and educational. I like what the Wellness Program is doing,” Nieto said.
During the Safer Spring Break event, petitions were available for students to sign to support the Student Wellness Program.
“This whole event is pretty interesting. It’s informative, helpful and you can win prizes. It would be a shame to see it go,” said Eric Maes, a sophomore mechanical engineering major.
Contact Campus Press staff writer Dana Silva at dana.silva@thecampuspress.com.
