The Student Wolfpack Club Board of Directors has been hard at work over the summer to bring more improvements to the largest club on campus. New policies and procedures will be in effect this year for all members, both new and returning.

The most evident upgrade is the improved swiper system. Two years ago, the club used a similar system, but the software developer failed to properly maintain the database and students had to revert to signing in on paper for the 2007-08 year. In the spring of 2008 the board began overhauling the system with a completely new team of developers. The redesigned system has been in the works since last fall and is now in place and ready for use.

“This is the biggest change for the year and it’s very exciting that it’s coming together,” according to senior Matt Benson, president of the Student Wolfpack Club.

Genesis Marketing of Cary worked with the board to create the new system. The program will save members from waiting in line to sign in on the minute sheets at non-revenue athletic events. Students will now be able to swipe their ID card upon arrival and departure at any club event. The system will log member minutes, which in turn will determine the order of ticket distribution for football and basketball games.

Kelly Price, a freshman in biology, believes going back to the swiper system will improve check-in time and minute records.

“The system will make things a lot faster to check in at events,” Price said. “The system is more precise. It’s better for a lot of reasons. People just can’t go write down numbers and times.”

But efficiency and organization aren’t the only things that set this system apart from former minute methods. A landmark venture such as this could add even more notoriety to N.C. State as one of the top student spirit groups.

“It [the program] is unique to our club, which could potentially be used across the country by other clubs,” Benson said.

Another key change this year is the new location for basketball game-day distribution. Game-day tickets will be distributed at the RBC Center, rather than at Reynolds Coliseum. Distribution will also be moved closer to game time. The new times will encourage members to arrive early, tailgate and get fellow fans fired up for the Wolfpack.

“Hopefully it will help set a tone for other students and fans to get to the games earlier to allow us to not only claim to be one of the best student sections in the country, but back it up as well,” Benson said.

Kyle Jackson, a sophomore in history, said the new times can be beneficial, but there are downsides as well.

“It’s good for tailgating and getting out for the game, but it’s bad for transportation. I don’t have my car, so if no one’s out there, it sucks for me.”

Student Wolfpack Club members can now purchase additional shirts for $5 each. This new opportunity can ensure that all members have t-shirts. Benson says this could create a defined, unified look to the club’s sections at basketball games.

“By doing this, we will build on our national reputation as one of the leading student spirit groups.”