Observation 1 - The Pit

The pit is a place where anyone and everyone can go to hang out, endorse a club, or express their opinions. There are always different kinds of people and activities in the pit, and it could range anywhere from tables of clubs and organizations to religious groups to just one guy standing in the middle with a sign saying "Free Hugs". The space allows just about any kind of interaction to take place, and these interactions vary every day. Because of this, the norms are very limited and are much more liberal than that of a place like a library. Some norms include that the pit is a common gathering place. Also, as in most social situations, normal behaviors of respect towards other people and an attempt to act cool are common for the pit.

On one side, there is a large group of students huddled around a preacher. The preacher tends to provoke the students until they fight back, which can sometimes get out of hand and lead to small acts of violence. On the other side, there is usually a line of tables set up to promote fundraisers, sales, or to join a specific organization. The people working these tables constantly yell out to the students walking by in order to try and grasp their attention. In response to this, some students walk over and hear what they have to say, some glance at them and continue walking, and some just completely ignore them. Outside the larger activities are multiple students standing around in groups or by themselves relaxing and talking among friends in a very informal way. Some sit on the steps and eat their lunch when it is a nice day outside.