The University Programming Board does exactly what its name says - they plan the large-scale events and programs on the university campus.
Jordan Habayeb, junior communication studies major, is president of UPB. He started the position in January after being involved with the committee since his freshman year.
A few of the events UPB plans are Welcome Week, Quad Bash, Friday Night Filmworks and Open Mic Night.
"The events are paid for by student fees [from their tuition], which is why the events are free for them," he said. "We provide that break from the crazy college life."
Habayeb said his favorite part of the being involved with the program is working with all 55 of the committee members.
Freshman journalism major Hillary Chang said she loves UPB and that it is all about having fun.
"I really like the fact that the older members were welcoming to the new volunteers," she said. "I also like that UPB allows its members to have fun. I've only worked one event, but I laughed the whole time."
Habayeb said UPB's large committee decides what movies students watch as part of the Friday Night Filmworks series. The program began a few years ago as option for student entertainment on Friday nights. Originally, only a few movies were shown a semester.
UPB gets the movies from a company called Swank Motion Pictures. The company gives the committee a list of the available movies, and they make their choices based on reviews, how the movie did at the box office and how they feel it would do on campus. Habayeb said the university does not put any restrictions on what they can and can't show. They then take their selections and have a vote within the committee.
"I really enjoy Filmworks. There is quite a different vibe between the theater and when [Pruis Hall] is filled with just students watching a movie," Habayeb said.
Habayeb said turnouts for UPB events have been pretty good so far this semester. He said there were about 80 people turned away from the Friday Night Filmworks presentation of "Bridesmaids."
UPB has some new and returning events in the works. The committee will have a tailgating tent set up during football season where students will be able to enjoy free hot dogs and cornhole.
UPB is also hoping to hold Splash Bash, a returning event, in mid-September. Fall Fest will also be returning. Habayeb said UPB is still working on details for these events, so students are encouraged to look out for upcoming announcements.
One of UPB's new series in the works is called Night Life. Habayeb said it would be an event held on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to midnight. He said there would be activities such as games, a DJ and dancing. More details will be released once the event gets going.
For more information about UPB and to keep up-to-date on their events, students can check out the organization's Facebook account at www.facebook.com/upbatbsu. They can also follow the UPB Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/upbatbsu.
Upcoming Friday Night Filmworks:
Films start at 9 p.m. in Pruis Hall
Sept. 16- The Hangover (Part 2)
Sept. 23-Cars 2
Sept. 30-Bad Teacher
Oct. 7-Green Lantern
Oct. 14-Transformers
Oct. 21- Harry Potter 7 (Part 2)
Oct. 28- Crazy Stupid Love
* Nov. 4- The Help
Nov. 11- Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Nov. 18- The Change Up
Dec. 2- Final Destination 5
Dec. 9- Our Idiot Brother
* Starts at 9:30 p.m.
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