by Brendale Mills
Daily Lobo
On any other day of the week, students would have to fill out a short form to get admitted into the Johnson Center if they forgot their Lobo ID.
But entering the gym on Fridays without an ID could be like auditioning for "American Idol."
Freestyle Friday is a policy that began about a month ago. A student trying to get through Johnson Center without his or her ID will be asked to sing, rap, recite poetry or dance for a staff member at the desk.
Adrienne Benedict, a staff member at Johnson, created the procedure to bring the weekend in with a bang and to teach responsibility to students who frequently forget their IDs.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"It's basically all in fun," Benedict said. "It's also a learning experience for those who don't want to perform in public."
She said the staff rarely gets negative reactions from students asked to perform.
"Freestyle Friday doesn't bother me at all," said Jeffrey Cisneros, who sang the blues about losing his wallet.
All kinds of performers come through during the day.
"I had a girl sing to me earlier today, and she sounded pretty good," said Mike Clariett, an employee at the front desk. He said talented people come through all the time.
Many people enter the center and know the routine.
Without saying a word, one student walked in and went to the desk and began rapping.
Employees said he had already come through the center several times that day, performing something different each time.
Exceptions are made for those having bad days, but most of the time people love to play along, Benedict said.
"I love it," said Jim Painter, a UNM student. "Without steering from its original motive, it allows the rules to be enforced in a fun way."
Since Freestyle Friday began, people are starting to remember their IDs, Benedict said.
