When the idea for a series of university-sponsored late night events was first proposed five years ago, some Syracuse University administrators didn’t think it would be successful.

“We knew we wanted the program to be late, at night and on the weekends,” said Robin Berkowitz-Smith, associate director of the Office of Residence Life. “People were a little nervous because they weren’t sure students would attend those events.”

That’s a concern especially at a school with a reputation for partying — a reputation that was confirmed when the Princeton Review named SU the nation’s top party school a few weeks ago.

But since Orange After Dark launched in 2010 with six different events, the program has expanded its event line-up and continues to see increases in student participation. Last year, Orange After Dark held 19 events and attracted a total student attendance of 9,700, Berkowitz-Smith said.

Orange After Dark is now an initiative within SU’s Division of Student Affairs and Berkowitz-Smith co-chairs the program with Dave Sargalski, director of the Office of Student Activities.

Events included cosmic bowling, Fright Night at the State Fairgrounds and trips to Destiny USA for movie premieres. The university provides transportation, and tickets for off campus events cost $3, Sargalski said.

Each year’s events are built around a cluster of about eight popularactivities, such as cosmic bowling, trips to movie premieres and WonderWorks, which are offered every year. From there, about six to eight more events are added that are unique to that year. The activities are planned up to six months in advance in order to arrange transportation, venue fees and other details, Sargalski said.

Sargalski added that much of the program’s growth has come from student suggestions. At the end of each event, students take a survey and answer questions about their experience with Orange After Dark.

“We gain insight into that day at that event, what they would’ve been doing otherwise and what they’d want to see in the future for Orange After Dark events,” Sargalski said.

Student responses indicated that many students wanted to see more of the Syracuse community, which led to the planning of more off-campus events, Sargalski said. This year, as a result of student feedback, Orange After Dark will offer a trip to the Funny Bone Comedy Club at Destiny USA.

The surveys also provide information on why students attend Orange After Dark events. Berkowitz-Smith said many students indicated they participated because they wanted to have fun or because it was affordable, and some students said they attended because it was off campus or because they wanted to meet new people.

“That connection piece is critical,” Sargalski said. “We try to put events during the beginning of the semester so if you come to campus not knowing anyone you can get that connection right off the bat.”

A couple events planned for the start of this school year include a quad dance party the Friday before classes start, and cosmic bowling during Labor Day weekend.

Tiffany Lyons, a junior international relations and women and gender studies major, said she first got involved with Orange After Dark as a first-year student by attending events. She continued to participate as a sophomore by helping to oversee events and collect data on students’ experiences with the program.

“Some people think the program is just for first-years or for people who can’t find other plans for the weekend,” she said. “But it’s extremely beneficial to students because it gives them an opportunity to see great activities that otherwise may not be feasible given financial or transportation issues.”

Lyons said the surveys given at the end of each event help make Orange After Dark an organization that is fueled by students and their suggestions. She added that the program is unique because of how inclusive it is.

“There’s no prerequisite for joining this organization, people just come to have fun and that’s what happens,” Lyons said. “Coming to even just one event makes you an important part of O.A.D.”

With the ongoing success of the program, Berkowitz-Smith said she and Sargalski are starting to look at Rochester to see if there’s anything in that area that can be used for a future event. She said they’re always looking for new places to go, but it can be difficult to find venues that can accommodate the number of students they bring.

Regardless of future plans, Berkowitz-Smith said Orange After Dark provides an opportunity for students to get off campus in a safe environment and allows them to connect with those around them.

“Whether it’s the movie premiere or Fright Night at the fair, you’re with all your peers from SU all together, and I think people feel connected to SU and feel pride in the school,” she said. “It’s just a really nice feeling.”

Published on August 20, 2014 at 1:05 am

Contact Brett: blsamuel@syr.edu | @Brett_Samuels27