The ad hoc committee created by University President Fr. John Jenkins in the fall to address complaints about football game security is preparing to present suggestions for improvement on March 1, Committee chair Stephanie Gallo said.
In an Oct. 14 article, The Observer reported the Committee was formed in response to complaints of aggressive behavior from police and ushers that overstepped necessary force, which took away from the game day experience.
Gallo said the Committee has been reviewing over 200 letters and e-mails from alumni, parents, employees and fans in order to gauge the extent of the issue.
"This may not have allowed us to capture each and every story," Gallo said. "But to the degree possible, it allowed us the chance to sample from the population so that we could arrive at some informed generalizations that will guide our recommendations."
The feedback has been both positive and negative, Gallo said.
"Many people included very helpful suggestions," she said.
The Committee also analyzed data from past football seasons as well as this season and studied current game day security procedures, she said.
With this information at hand, the Committee decided to approach the problem of game day security by dividing into three subcommittees that address security, customer service/hospitality and communications, Gallo said. The subcommittees will then each present a report that focuses on its own issue.
Gallo said she cannot give any details about the ideas that have been presented in meetings thus far, and she said the Committee is only for advisory purposes. Implementation of any suggestions will be Jenkins' decision.
"Once the report is submitted and any opportunities for change are identified, the University will monitor, evaluate and adjust its practices to ensure the game day experience is the very best it can be," she said.
After reviewing the Committee's proposal, Jenkins will submit a response and create a staff to make any changes that are deemed necessary.
"Campus staff will work with each other to continue their efforts to make any necessary changes to our game day policy and practice," she said.
Gallo said the Committee is committed to making positive changes so that football game day activities run smoothly.
"The Committee has taken its work very seriously," she said. "Fr. Jenkins has brought together an impressive group with unique experience and expertise that should greatly benefit both the University family and the game day experience."
