After the PASS system crashed during last year’s THON weekend, overalls decided to rework the system and hope it will run smoother in 2013.
Technology and rules and regulations captains worked for a year to ensure the new system is ready for the weekend, Chris Kessler, overall technology chairman, said. They have also discussed issues that could happen throughout the weekend and will be ready to address them if any should arise, he said.
“We have made great progress throughout the year and we are confident the system is ready,” Kessler (senior-information sciences and technology) said.
The PASS system is the system THON uses to allow entrance onto the Bryce Jordan Center floor for those wishing to visit dancers.
The new PASS system has been run multiple times before the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon weekend, and tests have all been successful, Cat Powers, overall public relations chairwoman, said. Overalls do not anticipate any problems with the system, but, if the floor reaches capacity, the system will shut down temporarily, she said.
“This is not a failure in the system, but displays the system working successfully in allowing people onto the floor,” Powers (senior-public relations) said.
This year, the technology captains chose to use a completely physical line, Janine Patton, head of PASS team, said. Because people are allowed on the floor for a maximum of three hours, the line should continuously move all weekend, she said. The wait time to get on to the floor will change based on the number of people who are also trying to get on the floor at a given time, she said.
Another new feature is the mobile PASS that allows students to see if there are passes available for them, Powers said. It also allows THON chairs to see who is using their organization’s passes and to keep track of who is on the floor, she said. This makes it easier for them to notify their members about passes that may be close to expiring, she said.
On top of checking the mobile apparatus, it is important that members of organizations communicate among their group to determine who will go on the floor and at what times, Patton said.
“We are incredibly excited for this weekend,” she said. “We know that the PASS system will be a great resource for Four Diamonds families, friends and all spectators to experience THON weekend.”
