It’s not quite déjà vu, but it feels like a pattern is starting to develop. As we approach the half-way point of the weekend, the PASS system is experiencing serve delays, just like last year, according to reports from numerous students and spectators. The PASS system allows THON attendees — everyone from fellow org members to family and friends — to come onto the floor of the BJC so they can visit dancers and experience what it’s like to be in the midst of the action.

However, many reports from PASS holders are showing a back-up in the process. Those involved say their wait to get on the floor is varying from two hours to seven or eight hours. Many, disheartened after hours of waiting, left their places in line, and came back later to re-join the line. THON piloted a new “check in and come back when it’s time for you to go on the floor” strategy, but it seems it’s not streamlining the process the way it was intended to.

While some delay is expected due to the volume of people trying to use the system, many have complained of waiting so long they had to leave before they were able to gain access to the floor. According to some reports, the delays started as early as 10 p.m. Friday night. Two women affiliated with branch campuses also noted that, due to the back-up and excess volume, some of the dancers for smaller organizations, like branch campuses, may have nobody on the floor to accompany them and help keep their spirits high, save for their DRCM.

The system is set up so that the number of PASS holders allowed on the floor is dependent on how many student orgs are on the floor. Much like the BJC in general as it nears capacity, one PASS holder is allowed on the floor only after another member of their organization leaves.

Despite this best-case scenario, one organization’s THON chair said that she had been waiting since 12:30 a.m. to get on the floor. She added too that her org had only one member on the floor, despite the fact that the organization has four floor passes.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.