The Traveler

Issue date: 3/30/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Bailey McBride Rapper Yung Joc performs at the Lamda Chi Alpha Fraternity House during last year's Row Week.

Large fences will begin to surround fraternity houses this week as those organizations prepare to invite artists like Lil' Wayne, Shwayze, Perpetual Groove, DJ UNK and the Ying Yang twins on campus for Row Week.

Row Week is an annual event hosted by UA fraternities that brings a wide variety of musical guests to the university for one week of parties and concerts, free of charge to those invited.

"It's a great opportunity for the students that are not involved with the Greek scene to become a part of it and participate in some of the most fun parties that happen at the UA," junior William Baker said.

Though fraternities differ on the way and number of people they allow into their parties - most require that all males not in the fraternity have a wristband to attend the concerts - all university policies are still in place during Row Week and are strictly enforced.

There were 10 arrests last year for public intoxication, most of which occurred at parties, according to the UA Police Department, and many of the fraternities on campus host alcohol-awareness events prior to Row Week to education members on the dangers of heavy alcohol consumption.

During the Row Week festivities, the UAPD assigns officers both to monitor the perimeters of parties and to patrol within the parties.

Many students are first exposed to the UA when they visit friends during Row Week, and businesses, restaurants and hotels in the area often see an increase in the number of guests.

"I knew for sure that I wanted to come to Fayetteville after I came to Row Week last year - it was so much fun and different from high school, and that weekend really gave me a good idea what college would be like," said freshman Kendra Watts, who visited the UA to meet her future roommate and experience Row Week last year.

Students, faculty and administrators have varying opinions regarding the weeklong event.

"I enjoy Row Week; it's probably the best week of the year, even better than my birthday or Christmas," junior Bryce Tritt said. "I wish more precautions were taken when it comes to who gets into your party, though - I don't believe first come, first serve for the girls is fair."

Past Row Weeks brought acts such as Young Joc, Eve 6, Crime Mob, Mike Jones, Lil' Flip and Cory Morrow to the UA.

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