Campus Activities Board gets to work on fall 2017 programming

The Office of Student Affairs has created a new opportunity for student involvement on campus. The Campus Activities Board, or CAB, is a board composed of a diverse group of students who are interested in being a part of the planning for on-campus events. The board is facilitated by Tom Dubreuil, director of student affairs at Penn State Lehigh Valley. Each of the eight members went through an application process with plans to add more students in Fall 2017. Responsibilities of board members include, choosing talent for Penn State Lehigh Valley events, acting as performer liaisons during events, venue set up, and advertising upcoming performers. Their main goal is to discuss programming and hire performers based on what students want.

A few of the first members on the board were Elise Yardley, Zachary Miller and RJ Santos. These students all come from different student involvement backgrounds. Yardley is chair of student life in the Student Government Association, editor of the Nittany News and president of Honors Club. Miller is a member of the Political Society, RISE and Blue and White Society. Santos is vice-president of the LAN Club and a student worker in the campus IT department. They share something in common: they are all passionate about Penn State Lehigh Valley, wanting to make a difference by better engaging the student population.

These three students attended a weekend conference in March in Hershey, sponsored by the Association for Promotion Campus Activities (APCA). While at the conference they were challenged with the task of seeking out new programming for Fall 2017/Spring 2018. They watched bands, dance groups, magicians and comedians, looking for fun talent to attract students.

3 students posing with Reeses mascot

Members of the Campus Activities Board attended a conference in March in Hershey, Pa. to learn about new and exciting programs to consider bringing to campus.

Credit: Tom Dubreuil

Yardley, who is no stranger to APCA, knew what to look for, returning for her second year at the conference.

“(APCA) weekend is amazing in that not only do you get to see incredible programming, but you also get to meet and network with other students,” said Yardley.

During the weekend, Yardley helped guide newcomers Miller and Santos, who both noted the challenge of choosing who performs and the great responsibility it was.

Additionally, the CAB members were asked how they see the board benefiting students in the upcoming year.

“CAB is oriented towards the students, so the activities that we plan are for them to enjoy. I believe that with the feedback from all students of PSU-LV, they can assist the CAB in planning events that everyone will enjoy,” Santos said.

“I see it as an opportunity to figure out what students really want, and deliver those types of events. I see it as a way of expanding our campus, changing the culture, and educating our students,” said Yardley.

“Our goal is to provide top notch events for our students’ pleasure,” said Miller. “I believe we have achieved this such that the fall semester will be filled with a little something for everyone to enjoy.”

If you are interested in learning more about CAB and how to get involved, contact Tom Dubreuil at [email protected]