By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
This year, the university community will notice a significant change in the usual spring semester schedule.
Following the Student Government Association (SGA) weekly meeting, members concluded that reallocating funds would be the better decision.
“Shifting money over to the next year to get more options for artists,” Jonathan De Los Santos, SGA’s board of student experience, a junior, said.
While the funds saved, along with the additional money allocated, will create more opportunities to book a wider range of artists, many students have expressed disappointment with the decision.
Business major Juwell Clay, a sophomore, said that during her time at the university she has not had the opportunity to attend a spring concert.
“It’s not fair that I don’t get to experience a spring concert,” Clay said. “The last real spring concert they had, I was still in high school.”
Nursing major Kalangi Pedro, a junior, said that taking the spring concert is a loss for students like her who rely on such events to provide relief from their busy schedules and heavy workload.
“Events like the spring concert aren’t just about entertainment — they’re about balance, community and mental wellness,” Pedro said. “It’s a chance to step away from the pressure, reconnect with our peers and feel like we’re part of something bigger than just the classroom.”
In Spring 2023, the university welcomed rap duo Rae Sremmurd and in Fall 2022, Fivio Foreign performed. In Spring 2024, the Wild N’ Out crew took Lyman Stage for an interactive comedy session with students.
As a result, the majority of students have not experienced a traditional spring concert.
Clay also said that the spring concert is something that many students look forward to going to, especially if it would be their first time.
“The spring concert definitely would’ve felt fun and exciting, especially starting the spring and the temperature getting warmer,” Clay said.
Neighboring universities, such as University of Connecticut, Central Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University feature a lineup of performers for their spring concerts each year. This has left many students wondering why this university does not offer the same experience.
“Although schools like UConn pay far more tuition than us, it’s still frustrating knowing that other schools, like UConn, still hosts these kinds of concerts annually,” Pedro said. “Because it raises the question: Why can they prioritize student engagement while we can’t?”
Pedro also continues to explain that the situation feels even more disheartening because of the overwhelming amount of money students pay to attend the university.
“As students, we’re paying more than just tuition — our fees also go toward campus life, student organizations and activities that are supposed to enrich our college experience. So, when these events disappear, it feels like part of what we’re paying for is being quietly taken away,” Pedro said.
While she understands that budgets are tight and funding is being cut, she believes these reductions have a larger impact on the school’s sense of community.
“The impact of that goes deeper than just missing a concert — it chips away at school spirit, connection and our overall sense of belonging on campus,” Pedro said.
Pedro also emphasized that this lack of events raises important questions about how student fees are being allocated.
“It would be great to see more transparency from the administration about how student fees are being used and perhaps more importantly, a stronger commitment to preserving the things that make college feel like a community — not just a degree factory,” Pedro said.
Pedro continued to stress that the university should prioritize creating larger events that can enhance a student’s college experience.
“We’re here to learn, but we’re also here to grow, connect and make memories. And events like the spring concert are a big part of that,” Pedro said.
