Summer time in Boston and that means great many things to do, or at least that is what the Student Activities Office is trying to get out. This week marked the kick off of Summester 2005, boasting 33 activities to take part in over the 14 week term. The office was out and about campus taking active steps to inform students of the activities, giving away free Frisbees and event schedules. Listed activities range from daytrips to Provincetown, free concerts and movies on the quad. One popular activity supported by the office are reasonably priced Red Sox tickets ($10) for three different games during the summer. Looking at the calendar of events I received in an e-mail I notice that the ticket sales for the first game started on May 16, 2005 at 10:00AM. Having class I was not able to make it to the office until 11:45AM, but still figured I’d give it a shot and see if any were still available. When I arrived a sign read “Red Sox tickets sold out,” which I have to say was disappointing. I expressed my surprise to the secretary working in the office who informed me the entire thirteen tickets (yes that’s right 13, as in one-three) sold at exactly 10:00AM, and that the line was out the office. I can see why the line would be outside the office, the department is offering a great opportunity to the students, however, not in proportional numbers to the student population. I understand tickets for these types of events do sell out quickly, but not 1 minute after the start of selling, and not to such a small population, come on. If the office is willing to spend time and money providing activities for the students of NU and actively advertising them they should consider the size of the school. Maybe they could offer these events to a population more respective of our numbers and not invest in Frisbees. As a Resident Assistant I know advertising is key in the success of a program, but you must also plan and predict a response from your audience and judge accordingly. Props for the department getting the word out, but if availability for similar programs is as limited as the one mentioned students might find themselves wishing they were on the beach instead of actually getting there.

Keith J. Dunn Resident Assistant PharmD Candidate 2008