Importance of attending school events

People have always been split when it comes to having school spirit and attending school events. Some students seem to gravitate towards the atmosphere of school functions, whereas others really couldn’t care less.

In a previous interview regarding the importance of school spirit with Shanae Mundee, Director of Student Life, she commented that, “Any event is more successful when there is support from the students, faculty, & staff who are showing their Maverick Pride. Additionally, it sets the tone for various aspects around campus.”

While
many students may agree with Mundee’s statement, the real question is
whether or not students actually follow through and really attend school
functions. 

At Colorado Mesa University, many people, particularly staff members, voiced their concerns that the number of students in attendance at school events is dropping significantly. 

Allegedly, the annual homecoming bonfire brought in a plethora of students. So much so that the plaza and field where the bonfire was held was crammed with eager students, excited to get involved and celebrate homecoming week. (Note, there was no census on the number of students attending the homecoming bonfire throughout the years, so this is a rough estimate). 

Based
off of my own observations, the number of people in attendance at the
event were meager. While a decent amount of students conglomerated along
the fencing surrounding
the bonfire, the energy was somewhat low and people quickly began
exiting the scene shortly after the bonfire had begun.

Despite
the weak turnout, many CMU students still think that going to school
events and demonstrating one’s school spirit are important pillars in
developing synergy and community
within a university and campus setting. 

“I
go to as many school events as possible because I think it’s an easy,
fun way to meet people. Mesa puts a lot of effort towards organizations
like Res Life and PAC, so I
think if they already put in the effort, why not participate,” Gabe
Simon, a CMU freshman said. “I also find it easier to fill my days with
all the athletic and res life events going on.”

Despite
students such as Gabe who see the value in going to school events,
there has to be a reason as to why attendance is seemingly dropping as
of recently. 

“School
events are fun to attend for the sake of school spirit and meshing with
fellow students,” says Brenna Rhines, a CMU junior. “However, their
importance to me depends
on the people there. If I can’t get anyone I know to go, it’s not worth
it.”

Brenna’s
rationale as to why she wouldn’t attend a school event, such as the
bonfire, likely applies to many students. If they don’t have a group of
friends who want to go,
then why would they?

While
there is no way to measure school spirit, it does appear that CMU’s is
down. Football games are attended for the sole purpose of the tailgate,
and the actual games generally
have few in attendance. The bonfire and homecoming week were not of epic
proportions in terms of attendance. And if things continue in this
direction, then the communal aspect of CMU will likely deteriorate. 

“I think (school events) are very important because they allow a place for people to connect in a safe environment if the other environments aren’t really peoples’ speed,” says Shaylae Freier, a CMU freshman. 

While
school events provide a safe setting outside of the party scene for
people to meet, they also simply help to stimulate a synergy that is
needed in order to build a sense
of community.

Without
that, a university loses much of it’s charm and uniqueness.  If
students really want to help create an electric college atmosphere, the
solution is quite simple:

Attend school events!