UB programs campus
The University Board has the responsibility of turning $300,000 in student activity fees into roughly 80 sponsored events throughout the academic year.
Besides balancing the books, the board also acts as entertainment connoisseurs, filling the campus calendar.
Last year the highlights included two sold out Lantz Arena concerts – Foreigner and the Goo Goo Dolls – and appearances made by TV personalities Dennis Haskins, who played Mr. Belding on “Saved By the Bell” and Jodie Sweetin, who played Stephanie Tanner on “Full House.”
“The overall mission of the University Board is providing quality entertainment at an affordable cost that is both socially and educationally intergrading,” said Ceci Brinker, director of student life.
Brinker is the faculty adviser and has worked with the student-run organization for 22 years.
She said she has noticed that the board has recently become more innovative with its activities.
UB events are more than just concerts. They range from lecture series to comedians, musicians, movie showings and open mic nights, which allow students to share their talents with their peers.
The first open mic night in the Coffee House Series will be Sept. 19.
“The hardest part (of serving on UB) is finding the best artist at the right price that students will enjoy seeing,” said Pat Lamorte, a communication major and UB vice chair. “We rely heavily on student input.”
Lamorte is responsible for budgeting, contracts and organizing the board’s meetings.
He said while student input is helpful, the biggest factor when booking talent is attending the National Association of Campus Activities conference, where the majority of the board’s programming is done.
NACA networks schools with booking agents, musicians, comedians and speakers with hopes that schools will find the best entertainment.
Melissa Schaefer, an education major and UB chair, said attending the conferences is helpful because the coordinators get a live preview of the artist’s talent.
“There have been a few occasions when we have been disappointed by an artist,” Schaefer said. “When that occurs, we contact their agents and fill out evaluations to assist other schools in their decision as well.”
