Red Tape
by Autumn Raniere
Inspired by a game from the 50s called "Park & Shop," my game is a poke at the establishment — specifically, the Temple University administration. This board game is a map of Temple's campus, and each player must choose a major, partake in the Housing Lottery, and attend classes. The goal is to be the first person to graduate, which would be pretty easy if it weren't for the Red Tape cards that interrupt game play!
Some examples of the cards you might draw that prevent you from graduating on time: "You need to see about getting a fifth student loan to pay for tuition. Head over to Student Financial Services in Conwell Hall." "You're hurting for money this week and there's free food advertised at the Student Activities Center. Head over there and fill up on hotdogs and cookies!" "Someone burns microwave popcorn at 3:00 am and sets of the fire alarm. You don't get a wink of sleep. Lose 1 turn." "Remember that book you thought you didn't need to buy? You need to buy it. Go to the book store in the Student Activities Center."
Not every card is a bad card — for example, you could pick this card: "You finally got a transfer credit ironed out by the advising office. Drop any one class card in your major." or this one: "You check TUPortal and discover your next class is cancelled. Take another turn!"
This game is an attempt at venting my frustration toward events which have plagued most of us at Temple. Classmates have suggested that playing this game should be required for incoming freshmen — I agree, because many students don't realize some of the "red tape" they need to cut through until they're here past their original projected graduation date (fifth- and sixth-year seniors). My game Red Tape will teach you to learn the flawed system so you can overcome it!
Images from Red Tape
