Collegeprogrammer's Blog

Being Prepared & Setting the Tone

collegeprogrammer — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:09:18 +0000

Spring Formal 2010!!!! The event sailed without a hitch..literally. Our evening aboard the Mystic Blue was spectacular. The rain held our long enough for the guests to take lake-view pictures of the Chicago city skyline at night, and the two-floor, two-DJ arrangement was a hit. Everybody danced the night away, and fun was had by all.

I am particularly excited about the turnout as it was my last Spring Formal, and the most successful. Traditionally, and especially with an event like formal, I prepare for the worst. Having seen some interesting mishaps at this event before, I was thrilled when we returned to the university and had no problems at all. As a college programmer, it is vital to be prepared…what if a bus doesn’t show up, somebody gets sick, people break the rules, etc. Being ready to handle any trouble situation is key to successfully running an event. I am sure there are good stories about event mishaps from other programmers…I would enjoy hearing them.

Needless to say, with the success of Formal this year, SAB has really set the tone for the upcoming year. It is my hope that the events hosted for the 2010-2011 year will knock the socks off the students, and that the attendance is up. My guess is that those who attended Formal will definitely be back for more SAB excitement. I think we have them hooked!

What have your experiences been? How have you dealt with mishaps? Please share your stories, whether you’re a programmer or an event goer, stories can sure be funny…

Happy Programming

Planning When You Have no Plan

collegeprogrammer — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:54:44 +0000

Programming boards often times get their ideas for events from past events; what has worked, what hasn’t, and what the students love. But, as I have mentioned before, programming boards are not the only groups on campuses that have to plan events for their fellow students. As such, these other groups may also have very different resources and ideas for their programs. Luckily, there are websites like www.residentassitant.com that act as a resource for these programmers. It is always imperative for programmers to think outside the box and be creative. This doesn’t mean, however, that ideas need to be brand new to programmers across the country, but rather new to the school and the student body. An event that is held at one university or college may not be successful at another. On the other hand, an event that flopped at one institution may be a hit somewhere else.

The point: When you don’t have a plan, do your homework…look for new ideas on the web…get in touch with other universities to see what events they hold. It is always important to compare events with schools of similar size, however. The University of Michigan may have the budget and resources to bring a big name band on campus. A school the size of Saint Xavier would not be able to do that.

How else can programmers plan without a plan. What troubleshooting ideas do you have? I would love to hear your input.

Happy Programming!!

Recognition is Nice

collegeprogrammer — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:46:10 +0000

At the end of a semester or year college programmers start feeling the pressures combining between planning and executing events, and wrapping up classes. With stress levels rising it is wonderful to have occasions to celebrate a year of programming. As SXU each year in student leadership is culminated by an event called “The ACE Awards.” The All Campus Excellence Awards is a celebration of students, for students. Those involved in student organizations and leadership are recognized and honored for a year of dedication to the university community and their peers. We celebrate those that make our campus life scene fun and exciting, while enjoying a delicious meal.

It is at this event that the students who program are specifically honored. While SAB is a board dedicated to student programming, many other programs require our students to plan events for their fellow classmates. This ceremony is a fantastic way to say a thank to the students who give so much time to the university planning a preparing for entertaining events.

This evening SAB specifically honored a board member who has truly shown the community what it means to be a college programmer, and student leader. Our VP of Chairs has dedicated countless hours to mentoring our programmers. He has embodied the mission of our board, as well as the core values of the university. We were very happy to honor him.

Does anybody have anything experiences in recognition ceremonies? Do other schools do host similar events? What other ways can programming boards honor their members? What would you do?

Happy Programming!!! Congrats CK!

Can Social Media Use Unite A Campus?

collegeprogrammer — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:51:03 +0000

More often than not programming boards and student organizations are utilizing Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to promote their events, and recruit new membership. Not to mention, most colleges and universities have created online presences as well. So that prompts me to wonder: can social media unite a campus? It is tremendously frustrating to hear students complain that they have no idea what events are being offered at school. However I am finding that many students are buzzing about the events they find from our programming board on Facebook. As a result, this semester we have focused a great deal more energy to promotion on social media. The apparent influence this tactic has on our university community, is causing me to think that social media can bring a community of students together. It may sound like a stretch, but it is common hobby of most students regardless of their diversity.

What do you think? How can social media function as a relationship builder outside of online spaces? What can college communities do to utilize social media as a way of not only promoting events, but connecting students?

Happy Programming!

Support Your School

collegeprogrammer — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 04:03:29 +0000

While it is valuable to remain focused on planning and hosting events that your student body can’t attend on a regular basis, it is also important to show school spirit. For example, as Homecoming has become an increasingly busy and exciting time at Saint Xavier, the Student Activities Board has been front and center for the fun festivities. This year in particular we hosted a post-pep rally party on our quad patio with a live cover band. Even though it was the first year for a pep rally, the attendance was rather impressive. Luckily, the band was terrific, and the food was plentiful!

To continue in the spirit of school spirit and support for our classmates and friends, tomorrow night SAB is hosting a tailgate for the student before the men’s baseball game. We will feature a spread of hot dogs and all-around fun.

It is very easy for a programming board to only program for the creative and unique event…and it is very important to do so. However, as we have seen through experience at SXU, it is imperative to show a support of other school activities as well. Not only do we host events in promotion of sports, we also encourage our board members to reach out in support of other clubs and organizations. Just because we are the programming board does not mean we are the only group planning fun events. Attending other programs is a great way of seeing what our student body is interested in, and of course be active and positive student leaders.

How do you feel about supporting other club/organization events? Do you feel other clubs/orgs are competitors? How else can a programming board show support of the school? Any good stories?

Happy Programming!!

New Tactic

collegeprogrammer — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:51:16 +0000

So even though my programming board has been experiencing significant difficulty selling tickets to our off campus events, we have come up with alternative scenarios to fill our buses. Tomorrow evening SAB is taking 43 people to the Chicago Wolves ice hockey game. Unfortunately tickets sales left a great deal to be desired. Therefore we decided to have a buy one get one offer. Anybody who had already purchased a ticket can now bring a friend for free. Likewise anybody who wanted to purchase a ticket will get on also. This way we are able to bring 43 people. It is an obvious loss on our part in terms of money, but we can also consider this tactic a new way of promotion. If a student hasn’t yet attended an SAB event, they can now potentially go for free with a friend. As we pride ourselves on being a thorough and professional programming board, it is almost guaranteed that people will have. This would hopefully inspire them to attend more of our events.

What do you think? What other tactics can you think of? Even if you will lose money is there a positive to giving things away?

Happy Programming!

Using Your Resources

collegeprogrammer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:50:12 +0000

For a lot of people, planning an event on a college campus can involve a great deal of expenses in contracting outside sources. So, in order to manage our budget, we decided to involve a large number of students to participate in our first ever, Spring Formal Fashion Show. There were two halves to the show, and a total of 16 dresses. Luckily, our board member in charge of the event was able to secure gowns from a local boutique for no cost to us. We borrowed the dress for the evening, and had our “models” go in and get fitted the week before. This arrangement was ideal because it was essentially a free event for us…not to mention, a genuinely good time. The gowns were beautiful and the models were having a blast. We even had male volunteers serve as escorts on the catwalk.

Though the crowd was not as large as was hoped for, friends came out in support of their classmates. It was also a wonderful (and cheap) way to promote our Formal. We even made an announce at the end of the fashion show, and sold a couple of tickets. At least we hope it was a start at getting our students pumped. Next step…dance lessons. Rather SWING dance lessons the 19th. There’s nothing better than using an event to promote another event.

Have you got any other ways for using an upcoming event as a promotional tactic? Do you think it is a good idea?

Happy Programming!

We Reserve The Right…

collegeprogrammer — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:54:07 +0000

During my time on the Student Activities Board, I have recognized the difficulty college students have in reading directions. For liability purposes, our off-campus events come with a list of rules for the guests to adhere to. Some of the rules include

-Bring a state issued ID

-All guests must be 18+

-SAB reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone

Of course we have encountered several attendees who simply don’t care about the rules. So, for the Spring Formal this year we came up with a fool-proof system. Typically we have a sign-up sheet that includes name, email, and phone number. Then the rules would be printed on the back side of the ticket. However, several individuals, when breaking the rules, would say they were never told to read the rules, or that they were on the reverse side of the ticket.

The difference this year, the plan, is to change up the sing-up sheet. This sheet requests the same info as before, however a list of the rules is clearly printed, and requires each person to sign-off on having read the rules. This way there will be no issue that attendees “didn’t know the rules.”

What other tactics could a programming board use to enforce the rules? What have you done? What would you expect if you were attending an event?

Happy Programming!

Free Stuff

collegeprogrammer — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:23:16 +0000

One of the most valuable tricks I have learned from my experience as a college programmer is: Free Stuff draws a crowd. Whenever we plan an off-campus event, especially a sports event, we make sure we inquire about any give-aways we may get our hands on. Most recently in the planning of a trip to the Wolves hockey game, we were able to obtain Wolves gear as a give-away. Now, we are able to advertise “A Free Wolves Hat w/ Every Ticket Purchase.” Not surprisingly, this has helped us sell tickets at a faster pace than usual this year. Also, we were able to promote free stuff for the Chicago Bulls game we went to. At each Bulls game at the United Center as you check in, each person is given a free item. It is easy to use incentives to get people interested, so whenever possible it is a positive addition to the promotion tactics at Universities.

The important piece of advice I can give however, is that incentives are especially good when they come free to the programmers as well as the guests. In the past, my board has purchased “favors” for the Spring Formal. In contrast to the complimentary Wolves hats, the expense for my board was at times rather high. So, it is also important to consider your budget. If you are able to fit purchased incentives into the alloted budget, it may prove a greater return. But it isn’t always guaranteed that the incentive will be helpful.

Have you ever used incentives to increase attendance? What do college students want as incentives?

Happy Programming!

You’ve Gotta be Loud!

collegeprogrammer — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 18:45:52 +0000

So in order to continue my theme of promoting events, I have discovered today that some people are just not loud enough. For the SXU Student Activities Board, our sign-up table is located at the main entrance of our Cafe. Granted there is a great deal of traffic that walks directly past our table, but simply having a table is not enough. We must engage our audience and attempt to grab their attention. Above our table we hang large paper posters advertising our upcoming events, and at the beginning of a school year that seems to successfully draw people in. However, as the year drags on, and the students become more engrossed in studies, the posters don’t have the same effect. So what is a programmer to do? Well, though there are many ways to catch people’s attention, I have noticed that having a loud voice and shouting out event opportunities at least makes the students aware. It is a first step to engaging them and increasing attendance.

But, what happens when people are too quiet? It is a challenge to get the shy programmers to raise their voices, but it is necessary to try. You’ve Gotta be Loud!

What do you think? How else can college programmers grab attention in busy spaces? Have you had any success with verbal promotions?
Happy Programming!