The outgoing student government administration is responsible for hosting the annual event honoring TAs, but lack of planning by former Student Body President Justin Young's administration left TAs without a barbecue for the first time since it was instituted in 1998.
Many TAs were disappointed the picnic was not going to be held this year because it is seen as a sign of thanks from undergraduates, said Branson Page, president of the Graduate and Professional Student Federation.
"(Support) coming from undergraduates -- the people who benefit the most from TAs -- I think that's important," he said.
Rebecca Williford, student body secretary, said the new executive branch officials tried to organize a barbecue when it became apparent that the previous administration was not going to be able to sponsor one.
But she said the officers were unable to put together a barbecue on short notice and that she was grateful when someone from student affairs approached her and asked if they would like to include the TAs in the division's picnic.
Sue Kitchen, dean of student affairs, said she decided to include TAs in a picnic her office was planning after reading that their annual barbecue had to be canceled. "It just seemed like a natural thing to do -- to enlarge the event to include TAs," she said.
Page said he was grateful to Kitchen and Chimi Boyd, assistant director of the Campus Y, for including TAs in the barbecue. He said it was a symbol of recognition and appreciation from the administration.
Page said that although classes were already over, many TAs were still in town and able to attend the barbecue.
Williford, who spoke briefly at the picnic to thank the TAs for all their hard work, said at least 50 TAs were in attendance.
