Over the next few weeks, students will delve into their academic studies. By the time October hits, they may even try to remind themselves why they chose to enroll in college.
That's when the weekend arrives.
For most Ball State students, the time will come to escape from their academic hardships by going home to visit family and friends or sitting in their residence halls wondering what Ball State's campus has to offer them. Some may even become bold enough to go on a journey off campus to find something fun to do.
To help relieve some of the anxiety of campus life, there is a student-run organization that dedicates its time to creating fun experiences and activities specifically for Ball State students.
The University Program Board organizes various activities that are put on throughout the school year. These activities range from on-campus events to field trips. The students in the organization are volunteers, and each person plays a different role in ensuring the campus stays entertained with something to do, whether it's educational, fun or both.
John Tyler Speer, UPB president, said the organization tries to get constant feedback from the student body to improve the events it plans.
"The student body is the reason why we are here. Everything we do is for them," Speer said. "We will not do an event if we do not think the students will like it."
Some of the events returning to the UPB schedule this year include Fall Fest, a haunted house and a trip to Indianapolis for Christmas at the Zoo.
"Christmas at the Zoo is something we have recently started doing over the past couple of years that has been a big hit with students," Speer said. "It is a great chance for students to get out of town for a day."
Dianna Lampitt, assistant director of the program, said UPB has events planned that will allow students to meet other people while enjoying themselves and learning at the same time. Some of these events include a Splash Bash with water games, a paintball trip and a trip to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis.
The organization will continue to partake in tailgating and passing out free hot dogs before home football games.
Although a lot of the UPB events are still in the planning stages, Speer said the organization is excited for the events it has scheduled for this year and he thinks students will be, too.
All events are free for students, except for the trips. Students will either pay a full or discounted price for the trips, and UPB covers the cost of transportation.
Including movie nights and haunted houses, UPB has planned events around the requests of the student body to make sure that everyone will have something fun to do this semester. Here's a guide to help you keep track of upcoming UPB events.
Throughout the semester:
Friday Night Filmworks:
Sept. 3 - "Killers"
Sept. 10 - "Shrek Forever After"
Sept. 17 - "Toy Story 3"
Sept. 24 - "Sex and the City 2"
Oct. 1 - "Grown Ups"
Oct. 8 - "The A-Team"
Oct. 15 - "Despicable Me"
Oct. 22 - "Dinner for Schmucks"
Oct. 29 - "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse"
Nov. 5 - "Salt"
Nov. 12 - "Inception"
Nov. 19 - "The Other Guys"
Dec. 3 - "Eat Pray Love"
Dec.10 - "Knight and Day"
October:
Haunted House: UPB hosts this event annually. Speer said it has been a huge hit every year. Look for the haunted house during Halloween weekend.
Fall Fest: Celebrate the fall season with food, music and fun. Students will have the chance to experience pumpkin carving, apple cider, fire pits and marshmallow roasting, chili, crafts, and live performances. This event will be held on the University Green.
November:
Mustache Contest: This is a new event planned by UPB, inspired by students who celebrate "No-Shave November." The event will have students go the whole month without shaving their mustaches to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
December:
Christmas at the Zoo: In early December, UPB will transport 90 students to the annual Christmas at the Zoo celebration at the Indianapolis Zoo. This is the second year UPB will be participating in the event. Last year, the event sold out within three days, Lampitt. The event will cost $5.
For more information on upcoming UPB events, visit bsu.edu/upb
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