Recreation and Intramurals (State-Operated)

Danes After Dark, University at Albany

Program Objectives

“Danes After Dark” is a late night programming initiative developed to respond to our students’ need to have something constructive to do during late nights on weekends while promoting healthy and positive lifestyles, intellectual growth, social responsibility, meaningful interpersonal relationships and an appreciation for diversity. Primarily, the program seeks to provide a direct alternative to the usage of drinking establishments as the primary source of entertainment of Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Program Design

The program provides events on-campus every Thursday (8pm - Midnight), Friday and Saturday night (8pm - 2:00 am) when classes are in session. Activities include movies, music, karaoke/open mike nights, arts and crafts, traditional board games, video games, staffing of game rooms/fitness centers, free food and various lounge acts/shows. Main acts, major performers are scheduled at least once a month. This type of programming is also designed to promote personal and social engagement, and is particularly directed to freshmen and sophomores to enhance their engagement in life at U. Albany.

With an initial investment of $2,500.00, The “Danes After Dark” program was run as a pilot program in the spring 2005. The program was met with such rave reviews that the student Association immediately agreed to fund the program in the amount of $10,000, which was matched by the Division of Student Success. This led to full implementation of the program during the fall 2005 semester. Due to its continued success and the potential to develop a variety of attractive, healthy program options, the Office of Student Involvement developed collaborative relationships with the Orientation Dept., Campus Center Management, University Auxiliary Services, the University Health Center, the Career Development Center, Residential Life, the Student Association and a wide variety of Student Organizations in the spring of 2006. In the summer of 2006, the summer Orientation socials were re-named the Danes After Dark socials. The socials were reorganized to reflect the types of programming that would be available during the weekends throughout the school year. Reviews of the Danes After Dark socials were favorable. As a result, we have continued the new format through the current orientation season. The Danes After Dark Lounge was also available during opening weekend of 2006 for Early Arrivals and incoming transfers and frosh. These events were also favorably received and will be continued in the fall of 2007.

Also in the Fall of 2006, with the assistance of a $20,000 grant from University Auxiliary Services, $20,000 from Student Association and a three year funding commitment of $150,000 through the University at Albany’s compact plan, The “Danes After Dark” Program expanded. The expansion included the addition of a full time professional staff member to provide a presence in the evening to manage the Campus Center facilities, to interact with students in a role-modeling capacity, and to work with student groups and other university offices to identify and organize the activities and events.

The expanded program included:

Hiring a full-time professional staff member to coordinate the program and provide a presence in the evenings
Expansion of programs to residential satellites
Downtown Danes Program - Inclusion of off-campus residents in Alumni Quad activities through the creation of a late night program on Alumni Quad
Stress Down Thursdays (Downtown) and Stress Down Fridays (Uptown).
This program is designed to bring awareness to the negative affects of stress and to educate students on the various ways in which to relieve stress. We also introduce participants to literature (Pamphlets and giveaways) from various programs offered by the University Counseling Center (i.e. Project SHAPE and Middle Earth). The free therapeutic massages are offered as a way to attract students to the programs in order to deliver the information.
An increase in major events in Ballroom, Patroon Room, Performing Arts Center/Gym
Diversity Enhancement programs
Midnight basketball
Faculty led discussion groups on our annual campus reading project
University Senate and Student Success co-sponsored Public Forums on controversial topics.
In collaboration with the Performing Arts center, developed film series which included, international, educational, documentary and first-run films. In addition to the intrinsic value of many of the films, this activity is also an alternative to alcohol program/involvement on campus activities which adds value to the education of our students. We also provide pamphlets and/or other marketing material to each participant regarding resources available to them on campus. The material varies each week and has included info from the Career Development Center, Academic Support Services, the University Health Center and the University Police Dept. The film nights are an excellent way to attract student to one place and to give them this vital information. This is available at every film shown.
The cultural movie nights featured movies in which the main characters are from a different culture and are not engaged in stereotypical behaviors.
Motivational/Educational Speakers
The development of a late night programming board to help plan, market and execute events, programs, services, and resources for their particular area.
Expansion of Campus Center recreational equipment
Promotion of student theater and musical performances in the PAC.
Continued the Collaboration of “Danes After Dark” opportunities with other campus entities.