MEDIA ADVISORY
April 9, 2004

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, (515) 202-1773 (cell)
Brooke Benschoter, (515) 271-2017, (515) 202-1396 (cell)

DRAKE ANNOUNCES POLICIES FOR STREET PAINTING 2004

The policies governing this year's street painting event at Drake University were developed following a series of conversations with Drake student leaders and administrators.

"Street painting is a wonderful tradition at Drake that kicks off a week of activities on campus and in the community leading up to the Drake Relays," said Drake President David Maxwell. "Our goal, from the start, has been to ensure safety, and ensure that students' behavior at the event is respectful of one another, and consistent with the Drake's Code of Student Conduct and the laws of the State of Iowa."

The policies for street painting, which include a ban on bringing beverage containers into the event, have been reviewed by the Student Senate.

"These policies are designed to create a sense of community," said Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari. "We want our students, friends, alumni and neighbors to enjoy a fun and safe atmosphere."

Street painting will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 17, along Carpenter Avenue between 27th Street and 28th Street. Student organizations will be painting squares to show their interpretation of this year's Relays theme- "Raise the Bar."

In addition to street painting, there will be the following additional activities:

• A brunch in Crossroads, Hubbell Dining Hall, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Free food and beverages near Branson Plaza, noon to 4 p.m.
• Free beverages near the street painting area, noon to 4 p.m.

ADDITIONAL POLICIES GOVERNING STREET PAINTING

• The following items are prohibited:
  • Furniture
  • Backpacks/book bags
  • Coolers
  • Squirt guns
  • All beverage containers
• Students will be prohibited from carrying any beverages or containers in or out of the residence halls for the duration of street painting (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Water and soda will be provided at the event. No other beverages or containers will be permitted in or out of the area.
• Students with unauthorized containers will be asked to discard the containers in trash barrels provided on site.
• This is an alcohol-free event. All University policies outlined in the student handbook, as well local, state and federal laws, will be enforced. Students identified or suspected of violating policies or laws or otherwise engaged in disruptive behavior may be:
  • Asked to leave the event
  • Issued a citation by Des Moines Police Department officers
  • Arrested by Des Moines Police Department officers
• Signage detailing event rules will be on the trash barrels and other prominent locations.
• While students will not be asked to show their ID to enter the event, students will be encouraged to carry their IDs to distinguish them from non-students if necessary.
• Des Moines Police Department officers will lead public safety efforts during street painting; Drake security officers also will be assigned to support safety and security efforts during the event.
• Drake students or clubs/organizations that want to use barbecue grills for personal use or as a fundraiser will need to complete a permit form at the Dean of Students Office in 205 Old Main.
• Residence hall guest sign-in policies and procedures will be in effect.
• No vendors will be permitted without proper license or permit.
• Portable showers and bathrooms will be available.
• Access to Cowles Library, Cartwright Hall and Meredith Hall will be limited to academic purposes. No containers of any type will be allowed, nor will students be admitted who have paint on their clothing.

Students with questions or concerns regarding the policies for street painting should contact the Dean of Students Office at (515) 271-2835.

For additional information from a student leader, contact Student Body President Martha Fung at (515) 271-4555.