May 7^th was Slope Day

Tuesday May 11, 2004 Category: Campus/Activities Permanent Link

With the end of classes for the year, it was time for an annual tradition. There have been a few changes aimed at making Slope Day safer and saner. For instance, the entire slope area is fenced off, and admittance is only allowed to Cornellians (or their guests for $15!). Drinks are sold by the cup, and Cornell Dining provides food.

I met the (proud) parent of a Cornell freshman recently, and he told me that the university even sent letters to parents asking them to encourage their sons and daughters not to drink too much.

The University’s efforts to change the character of the event comes after 23 students needed emergency care in 2002. From an article in the Daily Sun on this year’s festival:

Our lobby is turned into a triage unit,” said Sharon Dittman [of] Gannett, with beds equipped with intravenous fluids and other emergency room supplies.

OK, so this photo is from 2002, and it looks awfully gray and sedate.