Have you heard rumors about the drama/disasters surrounding last year’s Bacchanal? Dean of Student Affairs Terry Martinez, in conjunction with Alice!, the Bacchanal E-Board, and Carman RHLO,  just sent out an email detailing the changes from last year to this year. Last year involved particular damage to Carman (classic) and a “number of student conduct policy violations,” which basically means lots of CAVAs and noise complaints. This time around, they’ll be offering sunscreen and water stations to keep y’all hydrated. Foodwise, efforts are being made to get food trucks, and RA’s will be handing out bagels in the morning. The email was notably not signed by neither ESC nor CCSC, who had requested a less academic-sounding email and more information about rudeness to staff. They also sought less specificity about vandalism so megadrunk sophomores unruly students wouldn’t take it as a challenge.

An email sent out yesterday also detailed the new security measures, including requiring either a CU ID or someone with a CU ID to accompany you to get in. Students are only allowed one guest, and backpacks won’t be allowed. Quoth E-Board, “Visibly intoxicated students will not be granted access.”

Today’s email, talking primarily about health-related concerns:

Dear students,

We know you are ready for a well-deserved break from your studies and are excited for the upcoming spring festival of Bacchanal. The name Bacchanal is derived from Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and revelry. While this is a time of celebration, Bacchanal is also a wonderful campus tradition, one that strives to promote Columbia spirit, community, and responsible fun.

We want you to use this occasion to have fun and relax, but we want to make sure you are also making smart, safe, and responsible choices regarding your health and environment and showing respect for all members of the Columbia community. Last year, students really enjoyed Macklemore, but not all of our facilities came through the event unscathed. In particular, Carman Residence Hall suffered physical damages and reports of vandalism, ranging from broken ceiling tiles and bulletin boards to mutilated exit signs and smashed windows. Our community also dealt with a number of student conduct policy violations, including noise complaints, public intoxication, and several CAVA transports.

To make this year’s Bacchanal a success and help you safely enjoy the event, the Bacchanal Executive Board and Alice! Health Promotion have ensured that water stations will be available to maintain hydration during the event, will be distributing sunscreen, and are working to secure two food trucks. You can also plan to start your day on a healthy note with breakfast from Residential Programs staff who will be handing out bagels in the residential areas in the morning. Residential Programs staff are also planning to host programs in each residential area in the evening.

In addition to Bacchanal, two other Columbia traditions are happening this weekend. Holi is the annual spring festival of colors, involving 1,500 pounds of paint, music, and dance. The celebration will take place on Ancel Plaza at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Columbia will also host many future Columbians who will visit campus this weekend for the Days on Campus programming. This is an opportunity to show our admitted students and their families a welcoming, respectful, and lively campus community.

We care deeply about your well-being, and so my colleagues, some of your peers, and I are sending this message to encourage you to make smart, safe, and responsible choices as you enjoy the social opportunities and traditions available on campus.

Take care of yourself and each other.

Sincerely,

Terry Martinez, Interim Dean of Student Affairs 
Alice! Health Promotion 
Bacchanal Executive Board 
Carman Residence Hall Leadership Organization (RHLO)

Yesterday’s email, geared more towards security:

Dear Columbia Student Body:

An update on the #THROWBACCHANAL security measures:

For this year’s Spring Concert, the plaza area surrounding Low Steps will be enclosed in order to ensure safety. Only those students and alumni who have a CUID or alumni ID will be allowed to bypass security in order to get onto Low Steps to see the show. Each CUID-holding student or alumni will be able to bring in one guest (+1) with them and guests will not be allowed to enter (or be granted re-entry) without a Columbia affiliate. Additionally, there will be no backpacks or glass containers allowed behind the gates (plastic bottles permitted). Visibly intoxicated students will not be granted access.

Access to everything on the other side of College Walk will be open to the public: there will be food trucks, booths, water stations, etc. situated along College Walk. Make sure to stop by!

While we want everyone to have a great time at Bacchanal, we also want to stress the importance of safety at our event. Please be sure to stay hydrated throughout the event and look after your friends. We want Bacchanal to be as safe of an event as it is fun.

#THROWBACCHANAL is only a few days away! See you there!

Bacchanal Executive Board