While many students say they do not care to go to speeches, sporting events, elections or many of the other events offered around campus - all of which contributes to student apathy - administrators say this is to be expected.
Rachel Sher, a sophomore social work major, said she has noticed the lack of student enthusiasm at UB.
"You see it a lot ... nobody gets involved with anything," said Sher. "I think in certain situations we get excited for things, but then people just put down sports because they're nothing. There's no excitement."
Becky Schalk, a junior geography major, said she contributes to the student apathy at UB.
"I'm not really interested in (campus life), I'm a commuter," said Schalk.
Dennis Black, vice president of Student Affairs, attributes UB students' lack of participation to the changing times. In past years, university students were not as preoccupied with so many different responsibilities, according to Black.
"Today's full-time students have interests that take up well beyond the campus," said Black. "I'm not surprised that campus life isn't as filled as it was in years past."
But today's apathy extends past meetings and surveys. Looking into the stands at any Bulls game and finding them nearly empty is just another sign of an indifferent student body.
In an effort to increase student attendance at sporting events, the Student Association and the Department of Athletics are trying to attract students to games with half-time shows and giveaways.
Joy Cronin, a sophomore international studies major, said he is a big fan of UB sports and is excited about the "Mighty Maniac" program.
"I think (the university has) done a lot," she said. "I can see they've played a big role, especially in the athletics' department teaming with SA, because they're supposed to be bringing in a pretty well-known act for the opening football game in the fall. So it's really encouraging to see them trying to get more involvement on campus."
Black said this strategy is not all that uncommon when looking at other campuses.
"If you look at student elections at other campuses, if you look at turnout for events at other campuses, our students aren't any better or aren't any worse," said Black.
SA President Christian Oliver stated via e-mail he is confident that student involvement at games will increase once the teams are more successful.
Cronin agrees and said the teams show promise.
"I think UB doesn't have a very strong program right now, though the teams show a lot of potential, which is awesome. I think as the team continues to get better, student participation and excitement will go up," said Cronin.
Oliver stated he does not see UB students as apathetic, and that this misconception can be attributed to the physical dynamics of UB.
"We have two campuses, a large commuter population, and a miserably cold winter, all of which discourage social interaction," he said. "I believe that the Lee Road development, combined with a new recreation facility, would go a long way in improving upon these problems."
Oliver stated he blames low student participation in on-campus events on a lack of communication.
"It is incredibly difficult to communicate with students," stated Oliver. "A lot of students simply go to class and do not take a more active part in the university. Thus there are a lot of uninformed students, which ultimately leads to low student turn outs during elections, work shops, etc."
Despite all this, Black said the individual student's experience at UB is what the student makes of it.
"We're kind of beyond the stage where we're going to take somebody's hand and look both ways and walk them across the street," said Black. "I think the best thing that we can do ... is to make sure the students are aware of what's available; to make sure that what it is we offer is accessible, someplace or sometime where students can find it or get to it."
Cronin, who is a resident advisor in the Red Jacket quad in the Ellicott Complex, agreed with Black.
"I think that UB could be such an amazing, exciting place to be if there was more involvement," said Cronin. "I think if you want to be involved there are plenty of things by SA or the resident halls for people to be involved in. It's more of people not putting the effort forth and being involved."
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
