The first Open Mic Night at the Sidelines Pub Wednesday was a resounding flop.

The microphones stood silent the day after President Bush committed to a war in Iraq if Saddam Hussein does not disarm; they stood silent after a DU faculty member committed suicide and an undergraduate attempted one.

“All forms of expression welcome,” the posters read.

No one came out; students apparently had nothing to say.

Open Mic Night, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Pub, was well publicized across campus with posters and fliers.

The evening was intended to entertain customers at the eatery while giving students a venue to talk to an audience. Students could read stories, recite poems, or simply express their opinions.

Fifteen minute allotments were scheduled for each performer; all they had to do was sign up and take the stage. Only no one did.

Director of Student Programs and Greek Life Carl Johnson said that an average turn out for any sort of event is about 200 people. At a smaller event, like Open Mic Night, the staff expected about 25 people to watch and 15 to participate.

“The talent show probably affected Open Mic Night,” said Johnson, “talent that would have performed at the Pub were busy with another performance.”

The Denver University Publications Board uses posters, fliers and giveaways to entice students to attend campus events. But the board has had to get creative lately because students are so apathetic.

Ileya Finberg, sophomore, a member of the DUPB, feels that student apathy is derived from the university community being too split up.

Finberg cites the fact that there is no common location for students to hang out.

“Community is not emphasized on our campus,” Finberg stated. She reiterated her feelings on the need for a student center: “You have a drive; you keep going; you find a place where others have a drive, and that’s where community is built.”