The Untold Truth and Twon’s Kitchen hosted EIU’s Wildin’ Out event featuring Chicago rap artist Lil Bibby was canceled because the organizations did not follow proper protocol leading up to event.

Ceci Brinker, the director of Student Life, said the organizations were not prepared to host the show.

She said they did not meet some of the requirements necessary to host the type of show they planned on having in the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Brinker said the Union staffs originally were told in the beginning that the RSOs were just planning a variety show, neglecting to mention bringing an artist to campus.

She said many of the protocols and procedures necessary when bringing an entertainer were neglected.

When fliers and marketing were sent throughout the campus roughly two weeks ago, red flags arose in the Union. She said they were unaware the RSOs were bringing an artist, which requires signing a contract.

“A student group, by themselves, is not set up to sign off on contracts and commit themselves and commit the university to anything with professional entertainers or services,” Brinker said.

Brinker said the RSOs had also not paid for insurance, which is required for this type of show. The liability that goes along with a show like this is high, meaning insurance is a necessity.

Because the event more closely resembled a concert, different insurance was required for the event, different from comedy shows or movie screenings.

The RSOs had also not planned for security at the time. Brinker said they did not plan to have the University Police Department come to ensure safety at the show. 

Once found out, Brinker said she, Cathy Engelkes, the Union General Operations deputy director, and other Union staff then tried to work with them to get these things before the quickly approaching deadline.   

Brinker said the RSOs did not know how to go about getting these things or even that they needed them in the first place.

Brinker said despite efforts made, “getting all of their ducks in a row” proved to not be fruitful resulting in the cancelation. She said normally for shows involving artists, three to four weeks of preparation are required.

With only two, there was not enough time, she said.

The adviser of the RSO pulled the plug because they did not have all that was needed for the event.

Engelkes said there was not enough time get all of the necessities for show.

“We remain ready and willing to assist Untold Truth when the RSO leadership brings back all of the details needed to reschedule the proposed event,” Engelkes said.

Brinker said because of the complications that arose with this show, she is currently researching peer institutions to see how they handle student organizations who want to bring performers to campus.

“We were not aware that student organizations were doing as much contracting with artists and services,” she said. 

Brinker said if there are any questions or uncertainties with what an RSO is doing when planning events like these, it is their responsibility to ask the staff how to go about bringing acts to campus.

“They need to start with the university,” Brinker said.

Jarad Jarmon can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].