Reaching a compromise between students and the university on the tailgating debate will take a step forward with the creation of a tailgating committee, Government of the Student Body and university officials said.

GSB President Mike Banasiak created a committee composed of students and university department representatives to gather comments on tailgating. The committee will make a recommendation on an appropriate compromise.

“Instead of introducing several bills in the senate, this committee will evaluate all options and come back to all parties involved with the best, feasible option,” Banasiak said. “Through a group like this, more issues will be able to be brought up and more options will be able to be discussed.”

The tailgating debate stemmed from a decision made in June by the university to move general public parking spaces away from Jack Trice Stadium to grass lots across from the stadium. The move creates room to accommodate increased membership in the National Cyclone Club. The university said complaints about dangerous underage drinking behavior occurring among students in the general public lots also contributed to the move.

Dean of Students Pete Englin proposed the idea to Banasiak after being concerned with progress GSB and the university were making on the issue.

“There wasn’t a conversation; the issue was being addressed through resolutions, so dialogue was being held inside of GSB. Because of that, perspectives were being left out,” he said.

“All points were not clearly represented and it’s important we get a shared view from all stakeholders involved in the issue. There needs to be collective dialogue and that wasn’t happening.”

GSB Speaker of the Senate Tony Luken agreed with Englin. Luken said it’s better to resolve the issue if all parties work to come to a collective agreement.

“It’s hard trying to have one-on-one meetings with five parties and make an agreement with them and then try to have other parties involved accept the agreement made in that meeting. It’s better if everyone can have a part in the process of making that agreement.”

Banasiak said the committee will consist of GSB, Student Affairs, the Athletic Department, the Department of Public Safety and Alumni Association representatives. He said the committee will hold its first meeting sometime before semester break.

At the meeting, he said the committee will set a timeline for when it will submit its recommendation to GSB, Hill and Van De Velde for approval. Banasiak said the recommendation will be submitted by the end of the school year so there will be enough time to have a compromise in place for students by the next football season.

“Students have felt they have been mistreated as far as they’re concerned and the university has felt they have adequately addressed students’ questions and concerns,” he said. “This committee will be the next step in determining what an acceptable solution should be.”