Dave Keyes’ office is filled with cases of pop, a box of chips and a bunch of tablecloths.

Keyes, student vice president for academic affairs, had supplies ready for the first event of the Student-Teacher Interaction Program, which will be held today at the men’s basketball game against Southeast Missouri State University.

The goal of the program is for students to develop a better relationship with teachers, Keyes said.

Student-teacher interaction improves retention rates, GPA and attendance, Keyes said.

Carrie Dale, professor in the education department, was one of the first faculty members to inquire about the program.

It is usually important getting to know students, and they are better in the classroom from that, Dale said.

To get the word out on the program, Keyes spread the idea around Student Government, Greek honorary societies and Greek life chapters.

“What I hope to get is about 50 people total,” Keyes said. “I’m guessing we’ll only see 30 people for this first one.”

Because of the limited amount of time to prepare for the program, applications weren’t able to go up into the residence halls, he said.

Although participants were supposed to RSVP to the program, the chances of people who received invitations just showing up is high, since there hasn’t been a lot of feedback, Keyes said.

Keyes doesn’t plan on just attending basketball games for the program.

He sees educational activities and professional activities as well.

When Keyes campaigned for office last year, he campaigned on a student mentor program, but it was deemed infeasible after talking to Dan Nadler, vice president for Student Affairs.

“In order to have that type of program running, it would take a full year-round staff,” Keyes said.

The first event is all about getting feedback and getting input on future activities, Keyes said.

Students and teachers will be meeting at the Lantz Pool Lounge for introductions and refreshments an hour before the game meets, then go to their roped off section of the bleachers at Lantz Arena.

“I’m looking forward to (tonight) and I hope we have a good turnout and that things run smoothly,” he said. “And the Panthers win, of course.”