Apparently there is something about Bonfire in a mailout to new students... has anyone heard about this???

Apparently it references Student Bonfire and issues a statement from the university...

Any odds from Vegas on what this thing says, who it's signed by, or the general tone?

Correct me if I am wrong... because I might be because I have not seen it for myself, but apparently there is mention of the history of Bonfire and it is mentioned that the tradition is carried on off campus by Student Bonfire. It basically had the tone of we don't condone it, but we are not condemning it.

It referenced our website and said that we're student-run and student-funded...

But, this is a rumor. I cannot vouch for the validity, that's why I was asking to see if anyone had heard?

I would be SHOCKED if that were the case.

But... if it were... then it's damn good bull.

I'd be surprised if they referenced us at all. After all, Student Bonfire is only mentioned twice on the entire TAMU website (http://vote.tamu.edu/guide/guide.php?id=714 and http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/news/releases/2004/scholarships/clements.html).

If I am not mistaken, lawsuits are still pending and for them to even put the word "bonfire" into a .doc file on campus would raise some eyebrows. I'd be stunned if they put any mention of it in a mailout.

They did, but in a different context.

quote:

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Texas A&M University
Department of Residence Life
Division of Student Affairs

THE DECISION IS IN YOUR HANDS

Howdy! As we approach the second half of the fall semester, the staff in the Department of Residence Life understands that many of you, as current students at Texas A&M University and as Texas Aggies may have questions and concerns about the history and the future of Aggie Bonfire. Dr. Gates has very clearly stated that he does not know when a bonfire will return to Texas A&M University. He has also concluded, under consultation with the Texas Attorney General's Office, "that any announcement, decision, or change in the status quo regarding the future of Bonfire would be inappropriate while litigation [associated with the 1999 tragedy] is still on-going."

Some of you may have been approached by fellow students to participate in activities or events that are not authorized nor supported by Texas A&M University, such as off campus bonfires and related activities which some students (or former students) claim are traditions associated with Aggie Bonfire. As you make decisions concerning your involvement in these activities, we ask that you reflect upon the impact of the 1999 tragedy. The loss of twelve students and the injury of many others, both physically and emotionally, were devastating to the Aggie Family.

The Department of Residence Life and Texas A&M University is concerned for your safety and well-being. We want to inform you about participation in unauthorized activities and advise you on some items to consider. Think carefully about these items; your safety and well-being are in your own hands.

If you are asked to participate in an activity not approved or authorized by Texas A&M University, please ask yourself the following questions. If your answers make you feel uncomfortable, or cause you to have concerns for your safety or well-being, then don't participate.

Do the leaders and participants realize that the activity is not a University approved activity?
Specifically how will the group insure your personal safety?
Does the group have liability and medical insurance to protect the event/participants?
Does your insurance or your parents/guardians insurance provide coverage for you while you are participating?
If the group has no affiliation with Texas A&M University, how can the event(s) be an Aggie tradition or build Aggie Spirit?
Is hazing, alcohol abuse or engaging in dangerous activities with other participants occurring even though those behaviors are not directly associated with the main activity or event itself?
Does your participation cause you to behave in a manner not becoming of a Texas Aggie (using inappropriate language/statements, not following University rules), and would you want your participation in such behaviors publicized in a news media?

We recognize the struggles that can occur as you make decisions whether or not to participate in what may be presented to you as an Aggie tradition, and may be organized by fellow students but not approved or authorized by the University you chose to attend. We only ask that you make sound judgments as you continue to represent Texas A&M University as a student and as a Fightin' Texas Aggie.

Ron Sasse
Director of Residence Life

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[This message has been edited by leknerd2004 (edited 5/18/2005 2:19p).]

This is one of the dumbest things I have ever seen. It is meant solely to attack the tradition and not to "inform" or to help someone make an intelligent decision.

quote:

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Do the leaders and participants realize that the activity is not a University approved activity?

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Do the leaders know? What kind of question is that?

Stupid.

quote:

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Specifically how will the group insure your personal safety?

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Specifically how does the University insure anyone's safety at any time at any place during any function that is approved by the school? Does my participation in a University-sanctioned event mean that I am gauranteed to be safe? No one in the stands ever got hurt during an A&M sporting event?

Stupid.

quote:

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If the group has no affiliation with Texas A&M University, how can the event(s) be an Aggie tradition or build Aggie Spirit?

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I ask myself the same questions about some of the University-affiliated events.

I am pretty sure that Texas A&M University isn't Aggies, but the students are. Anything that Aggies do together is an Aggie tradition and can build Aggie Spirit. Remember, Ron, Aggie Bonfire started out off-campus and was not University sanctioned.

Stupid.

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Is hazing, alcohol abuse or engaging in dangerous activities with other participants occurring even though those behaviors are not directly associated with the main activity or event itself?

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Hmm. Good question, Ron. Are these things occuring at any University-sanctioned events? Hell, are they taking place in the dorms for no reason or event at all? If I had some money to bet I know where I'd put it. The question is, Ron, ARE they happening at Bonfire? Do you know? Or are you just trying to poison the well, here?

Ask the Jr. Yells whether or not they volunteer to carry the Sr. Yells luggage on trips? That's hazing. Start there, Ron, and I bet you'll find more nastiness the deeper you dig.

Stop by the corps, next.

Where are the letters helping to inform the incoming freshman about the possible consequences of joining the corps? There is a documented history of hazing in the corps. Google it sometime, Ron.

Stupid.

quote:

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Does your participation cause you to behave in a manner not becoming of a Texas Aggie (using inappropriate language/statements, not following University rules), and would you want your participation in such behaviors publicized in a news media?

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Once again, is this an issue at Bonfire or in college in general? Come on, Ron! You've been at A&M for a while. I bet you've seen these things happen at every football game. Where is the letter to students helping them make an informed decision about buying an all-sports pass?

Stupid.

[This message has been edited by Kip95 (edited 5/18/2005 3:37p).]

I think thats from '02 or '03 so we know how effective it was...

The Alcohol & Hazing question is a low blow but its flawed logic is hilarious.

I guess by his reasoning no one should go to college because " hazing, alcohol abuse or engaging in dangerous activities with other participants occurrs even though those behaviors are not directly associated with the main activity or event itself"



Sasse is so weak.


[This message has been edited by Y02 (edited 5/18/2005 8:57p).]

That is an old letter. Anyone have what NSG is talking about?

No, this is a believable rumor... One of our buddies sisters got something in the mail from A&M and she read it to him. We'll know this weekend... but I am impatient and wanted to ask you.

[This message has been edited by northsidegreek06 (edited 5/18/2005 10:47p).]

I have three friends who are incoming fish, and they've received nothing like this...

I'm sorry. I've had a couple brews so I can't hold my tongue. It's good. Damn good. Absolutely unbelievable. I am exceedingly unfathomably proud of everyone over the past 3 years, hell everyone period. It is a dumbfounding letter. I will be receiving a copy shortly which I will be taking to Kinkos to have blown up on canvas for framing.

NOTE: Not an ounce of sarcasm here. Look forward to seeing the letter yourself.

This sounds like damn good bull!

Ftn... can you please help the Greens get a copy of said letter? I will be back in CS next week, so if at all possible, could me... or... my other sister who will be in town... come and make a copy?

Gracias!!

Better yet.

Scan and post!

I think I've still got that letter somewhere also. Ill have to go through some boxes, but if I can find it, ill scan it at work monday.

Nooooo CU, not THAT one... Ftn's talkin about the letter that I am inquiring about (I think... and hope)... not that gay Ron Sasse shlt.

my bad. i thought he meant the big gay ron one.

na we have already ripped that one to shreds on several occasions. But you're all right that was a particularly gay bit of propaganda two years ago.

[This message has been edited by chunks (edited 5/21/2005 4:37p).]

Ok...

So WHO sent this letter, and WHAT does it say?

I can't take this suspense...

Does anybody even know the circumstances behind the rumor of the letter. Greek I know you started the thread right? How accurate do you think your information is. And does anybody have any confirmed accounts of this letter. Otherwise we are all getting worked up over nothing.

[This message has been edited by chunks (edited 5/24/2005 1:06a).]

well it sounds like NSG and ftn know about it, I am getting anxious. It could be a HUGE boost for Bonfire.

Cornbread's sister is 09 and got something in the mail from A&M and it mentioned Bonfire. She read it to him on the phone. Ashley told me and Michelle about it, but Michelle and I can't find any evidence in what is posted online as new student mailouts.

That's why I asked.

I don't think Cornbread would make this up. And, Dabney said something about it to Michelle... but she was 1/2 asleep and didn't really know what he was talking about.

So, I think this has to have some kind of validity, but I can't find it. Apparently Cornrbead was going to try to see if he could get a copy or something... so... we will be twittling our thumbs till either that happens or someone says they've heard something about it.

and so the waiting game begins...

Wasn't the first Yell Practice not sanctioned?

I always remember hearing guys talk about like they were suppose to be in their rooms, but they went out and did it anyway.

Did Dan Rather write this letter?

It caused riots at Qatar A&M, hundreds died.

quote:

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Cornbread's sister is 09 and got something in the mail from A&M and it mentioned Bonfire. She read it to him on the phone. Ashley told me and Michelle about it, but Michelle and I can't find any evidence in what is posted online as new student mailouts.

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It's been almost a week, and a greenpot is still unable to get information from a greypot's sister.

Can't someone who has at least heard about it give us some hint as to what it said?

I could be wrong but doesnt Michelle have something to do with new student mailouts and admissions? Does she not have any idea whats going on?

[This message has been edited by chunks (edited 5/24/2005 1:04a).]

keegan - Ryan and Ashley are in Mexico.

Michelle hasn't been able to find it.

Best analysis of Ashley and I via the phone is that it might not have been from A&M - could be something like one of those apartment mailouts. Not nearly as cool... but... it's still positive if that is the case (which, I don't know for sure).

So, I don't know the details yet and when I do, I will let you know. Anyone that knows, let me know.

And Chunks, no big deal but please don't use my name on here. It doesn't matter to the Bonfire regulars, but you never know with those General Boarders. So, if you don't mind editing... thanks and no big deal.

My sister is an incoming fish . . . she got the letter.

It isn't actually from A&M, its a newspaper type mailout probably from some apartment complexes. Its layout is like a newspaper, with different articles, one of which is about bonfire.

The article talks about what bonfire is and what happened in 99. It talks about current bonfire (not as if the tradition is gone) and gives the website for student bonfire.

Very good PR, especially for a class of fish who know little to nothing about what bonfire stood for. My two cents. . . there needs to be a major marketing blitz towards freshmen this year and this is a great way to start.

My only beef is that it put the crowds at bonfire last year at 5,000. Seems like they underestimated a bit.

Could you help me track down where it originated from??? Thank you so much. If you'd like, you can e-mail info@studentbonfire.com... it would really help us out.

The estimates might be right. It was Lake Bonfire, afterall. We had to turn people away from parking out there and I am sure that we lost a lot of people because of that... but it was flooded and we couldn't allow people to park there. Sad, but true. I personally think we could have expected between 6 and 10 thousand for that fire. This year will be hopefully more than that.

One step at a time... and having contingency plans (hah, putting that in Bonfire's vocab's a challenge!)