University Program Board (UPB) offers a safe, alcohol-free environment as an alternative to the repetitive weekend drinking rituals.
If you haven't yet experienced the fun and excitement of UPB's Late Nite events, you're missing out. From laser tag to jousting, or from toilet racing to human foosball, there's something for everyone at Late Nite.
Being an avid supporter of UPB and Late Nite events myself, I was disheartened to hear that the student organization was losing funding. As the four-year grant from Lilly comes to an end, UPB is faced with the challenges of finding financial support to continue their enjoyable, safe and entertaining programs.
The members of UPB submitted a request to the University through Student Life to receive permanent funding for Late Nite events and other similar programs. Although nothing is set in stone, it is in Ball State's best interest to support the program, especially if it is keeping the students safe and providing weekend amusement.
Not only do Late Nite events provide an ideal setting to meet new friends and have a good time, but they also bring diversity onto campus. Chinese cuisine, Latin music and Salsa dancing are ways UPB has helped students experience different cultures. An upcoming Late Night called "Around the World" will emphasize diversity and feature Mexican food.
Free food, fun games and a secure environment -- why not come to Late Nite?
Student Coordinators Shaun Wilson and Sara Shelton each have volunteered about 240 volunteer hours first semester in order to plan and carry out each Late Nite event. Members of UPB believe that their hard work is beneficial to the students and that their efforts make Ball State's campus a safer place.
"Late Nite is important because it gives people on campus another option to drinking. It provides a safe and fun atmosphere where people can go and hang out and have fun," sophomore and UPB Interim Recruitment Officer Holly Bumpas said.
The UPB volunteers' hard work has not gone unnoticed. Rep. Mike Pence supports the members of the organization and their efforts to save Late Nite. He wrote a letter encouraging the University to find funding for the program because he had heard so many good things about it. He urges that Ball State continue providing such a great program for students.
If the request is granted, the volunteers of UPB will be able to offer the same high-quality Late Nite events that have been provided in the past.
"I think Late Nite provides great on-campus programming with a big enough variety to entertain all BSU students," UPB Advisor Brian Dietz said. "Students can participate in a great variety of events, and it provides a great opportunity to engage in great fun while on campus with fellow BSU students in a safer welcoming environment."
The best way to get involved is to attend each Late Nite and give your input to UPB about which events you would like to come to Ball State's campus. There are weekly meetings for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.
Upcoming Late Nite events include this weekend's Battle Bash on Saturday and the UPB carnival that will open on April 22 at 9 p.m. in the C1 parking lot. Information is available at www.bsu.edu/latenite/carnival.
For more information on University Program Board or Late Nite events, visit UPB's Web site www.bsu.edu/upb or the Late Nite Web site www.bsu.edu/latenite.
Write to Whitney at wlhoyt@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
