UConn Tackles Campus Celebrations with Risk Management

Former university staff member explains the challenges and strategies behind controlling large student gatherings

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:03am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a college campus light pole repeated in a tight grid pattern, using flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to transform the mundane object into a modern pop art piece.Colleges use creative risk management strategies to maintain order and safety during large student celebrations, transforming everyday campus objects into bold, vibrant pop art.New London Today

In response to a critical editorial, a former university staff member with 31 years of experience in student affairs explains the complex process of risk management that colleges and universities employ to address the challenges of large student celebrations, which often involve excessive alcohol consumption, property damage, and public safety concerns.

Why it matters

Colleges and universities face a delicate balance in managing the celebratory spirit of students while also maintaining public safety and order on campus. The strategies they use, such as removing potential projectiles, partnering with law enforcement, and holding students accountable through disciplinary processes, are often misunderstood by the general public.

The details

When large groups of students gather to celebrate events like championship wins or mourn losses, the combination of alcohol and euphoria can lead to dangerous behaviors like throwing objects, starting bonfires, and rioting. Universities employ risk management techniques to mitigate these risks, such as removing light poles, street signs, and other objects that could become projectiles. While these measures may seem heavy-handed, the goal is to protect both students and the surrounding community.

  • When large student gatherings occur, such as after major sporting events or championship wins.

The players

Michael Wiseman

A former university staff member with 31 years of experience in student affairs at UMass.

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What they’re saying

“Risk management is the process many organizations — colleges, fire departments, police, hospitals — use to manage the risks that come with large gatherings of students under the influence of alcohol and/or sports euphoria. Light poles, street signs, trash barrels, bricks/rocks all become projectiles and/or bonfires in the hands of drunken participants/rioters, so the objects are removed.”

— Michael Wiseman, Former university staff member

“When I was a university staff member, I participated in a number of efforts to manage large student gatherings celebrating Super Bowl, World Series, NCAA championships — or mourning the loss. Universities do hold students accountable through campus discipline processes, and they do work in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies. College administrators do not bury their heads in the sand when faced with the challenges of student crowds that are often fueled by excessive alcohol consumption.”

— Michael Wiseman, Former university staff member

The takeaway

Colleges and universities employ a range of risk management strategies to address the challenges of large student celebrations, which often involve excessive alcohol consumption, property damage, and public safety concerns. While these measures may seem heavy-handed, they are necessary to protect both students and the surrounding community.