Every MSU student has a chance to influence the future of tailgating.
At a Wednesday meeting where student leaders and MSU officials discussed health and safety issues surrounding gameday tailgating, officials urged student organizations to collect ideas and suggestions from MSU students.
The university's undergraduate student government ASMSU, the Interfraternity Council, the Panhellenic Council and the Residence Halls Association were some of the groups present. They will be taking comments and opinions from students on what they hope to see enacted as the university proposes new tailgating rules and facilities.
RHA met Wednesday night and primarily discussed the tailgating issue.
"There's a lot of concern from all over campus about the tailgating issue," said Ernest Drake, RHA president and integrative social sciences junior.
"But I honestly believe (university officials) hear the voice of the students and want them to be involved with such an important decision process," Drake said.
For the beginning of the process, student organization representatives will make rough ideas to take to their respective committees. They will make an official statement of suggestions to submit to MSU officials at about the beginning of October.
Drake is confident the voices of concerned students will affect what student organizations will submit to officials.
"It's important to get involved now," Drake said. "They might make some rash and hasty ideas the students won't want."
Proposals discussed at Wednesday's meeting included restrictions on alcoholic beverages and activities, increased law enforcement and restricted access to specific areas on campus, including the Wilson tennis courts.
In addition to rules and restrictions, proposals for a new first aid station, a new water station and more portable bathrooms and trash cans are also in discussion.
"These decisions are made to help people and keep a safe environment for them to enjoy" said Megan Muscia, kinesiology senior and RHA Director of Health and Safety. "The students need to be involved in something that affects each and every one of them."
