Wine and Cheese Night: A Case Study
Since the very beginning of these truth-exposing websites, we've encountered tons of resistance, mainly from students. Obviously OCL hates us, but most of the negative feedback comes from overzealous students who disagree with what we're doing. And to them I say, "screw off."
I say that because they don't take the time to see what we're actually doing. They give the site a quick glance and then tell us how dumb it is. I'm always open to constructive criticism, but all those blind claims just waste my time.
That's why I'm preparing this case study, a story of how one complaint made a revolutionary change to campus events. Hopefully all the non-believers will understand how this site actually helps students! So let's get started...
It was a typical day at Babson, I was thinking about doing homework while wading through a barage of useless email. SGA meetings, poets on campus, building construction updates, discount viagra offers, a wine and cheese night without wine... your typical assortment. I must say that the wine and cheese night was the funniest, being that it was "BYOW" (bring your own wine.) As funny as it was though, I just deleted the emails without thinking too much.
[Basically, the email said that you must be 21 years of age or older to attend, and that wine is not provided (and to top things off, it's limited to only one bottle per suite.) Click the thumbnail to see the full email.]
However, one enterprising Babson student found it appalling that Babson would hold such an event without wine but still call it a "wine and cheese" night. Throwing caution to the wind, he took it upon himself to voice his opinion. [All names have been changed to Family Guy characters to protect those involved.]
We're having a wine and cheese party in which wine is not provided and is limited to one glass of wine per person that we get to buy? Where do i sign?!
Also, it's a few words of wisdom.
I live in a dorm that can't find a benefactor,
Quagmire
I thoroughly enjoyed reading his email and I'm sure everyone agreed with him. I was also curious if the RAs would step up to defend their program...
And they did!
Hey guys,
I just wanted to respond to Quagmire's "words of wisdom," I think this is great! The fact that people care enough to voice their opinions about RA Programming just shows that we are doing something right... we are getting the word out there about them.
Now, to address this specifically, the fact that the RA's have been allowed to have alcohol at a program is a Babson College first. The intent of the program is not to get wasted but to have a good time, mingle and talk about how alcohol affects business.
Also, I personally am extremely happy that we have a new residence hall on campus and most of all that we all have been lucky enough to win in the lottery. I do not know about the specifics about Alumni donations and the hall or why we do not have a specific name for the building, but I do know that at most schools, it is required for an individual to contribute at least 50% to the project to get name recognition.
Please feel free to contact me, Lois, or Chris if you have any further thoughts on this or any other issues.
Regards,
Peter
Now isn't that something! An RA thanked Quagmire for the feedback!
And guess what happened...
There must have been some discussion amongst the RAs and OCL, because a new email about the event was issued the next day. The event was the same, but it now included a glass of wine per attendee, paid for by OCL!
What: WINE AND CHEESE NIGHT!!!
When: Wednesday, February 28th
5 – 7 pm
Why: Learn business etiquette tips
Eat some snacks
AND
Enjoy a FREE glass of wine provided by OCL**!!
** Quantities of wine are limited, so it’s first come first serve. If you want more, bring your own!!
*21 plus only
First ever RA sponsored program with alcohol!
All it took was one little complaint and OCL changed their ways to make things better for students!
Now apply that lesson to this website. That's right, now that you think about it, this website is awesome! I'm glad you finally understand.
Final Thoughts: While I do consider this a small victory for students, we must remember that it was an RA program. If you aren't already connected to OCL, you'll have to work a bit harder to get them to listen. But don't give up! Keep fighting!
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