Glass meets with students

The table at the front of the Indiana Memorial Union Market Wednesday afternoon read, “Fred Glass 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.”, but there was no podium.

There were no elaborate displays, cameras, gated-off areas or IU Athletics Department staff at Glass’ side.

Instead, Glass’ visit to the IMU, sponsored by the Union Board, was a chance for him to go directly to the students.

Weaving his way from table to table with a pen and paper, Glass introduced himself to several groups of students eating at the Market, eager to learn what was on their minds.

Students, such as junior Dan Bernstein, asked a question that was more frequent than any other during the two-hour session:

“What do you think about a student section for basketball?”

To each student who asked, Glass responded with three ideas that he said the Athletics Department is thinking about. First, a hybrid general admissions system that would include some sections of Assembly Hall as first-come, first-serve basis seating. Second, implementing a point system within the Crimson Club that would give priority seating to those loyal student fans who would arrive to games both early and often. And lastly, trying to make basketball games as enjoyable for students with balcony seats as those with seats closer to the court.

“I think we can make the balcony cool like the Bleacher Bums at Wrigley Field,” Glass explained. “All I can say is stay tuned – we’re going to be rolling out some great things.”

In addition to basketball seating, Glass devoted much of his time talking about IU football.

Glass, who is in his second year as IU Athletics Director, made sure to ask each student if they had been to, or plan to go to an IU football game this season. Glass explained to students that told him they don’t go to football games why they should attend.
“Going to basketball and football games are part of the college experience,” Glass said. “This Saturday, Wisconsin is coming to town and we’re going to have great weather.”

Glass also took an interest in each student individually. He asked students about topics such as their hometown, class standing, major and what high school they attended.

Regardless of their interest or opinion of IU Athletics, students who spoke to Glass seemed appreciative that he took the time to do so.

“I think it’s awesome he’s getting out of the office and having a direct outreach to students,” graduate student Ali Diercks said.

Freshman Mitch Gamrath agreed.

“I liked hearing that he’s concerned; it’s just good to know that his department cares,” he said.

Whenever Glass heard a suggestion or idea that he liked, he would write down the student’s name and their thoughts as they spoke to him.

“Having him here definitely reassured me that the Athletics Department takes in student advice,” sophomore Patrick Johndro said.

At the conclusion of the Glass’ office hours, both Glass and students with whom he spoke were glad the event took place.

“I was pleased with how engaged students were,” Glass said. “I was especially impressed with their enthusiasm toward all IU athletics, not just
football and basketball, but the Olympic sports, too.”

Glass was optimistic about having a similar event.

“I’d like to do this at least once a semester,” he said. “If I saw a bunch of blank faces when I came into the Union today, I wouldn’t do it as
often, but that certainly has not been the case.”

Like Glass, senior Nick Keswani enjoyed the time that Glass took to get to know IU students. After speaking with Glass, Keswani turned to his friends sitting at his table and said, “I just got to hang out with Fred Glass. How sick is that?”