By Michelle Tymrak Members of the Student Programming Board (SPB) are gearing up for their 3rd annual Fall Festival scheduled for Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m on the main campus located at 1450 Gillette Blvd. On the board’s agenda this year is to attract more students and create greater community involvement, said Laura Pantano, assistant vice president for the Office of Student Engagement and Success and the Student Programming Board advisor.
“We want it to be a family event,” said Cresencio Davila, SPB Chair. “We will be posting road signs and reaching out to local elementary schools, middle schools and high schools as well as St. Phillips College and Palo Alto College.”
Pantano said the event will offer multiple family-fun activities including inflatable entertainment such as bouncing castles, an obstacle course, sumo wrestling, twister and a bungee run. A rock wall will be provided by the National Guard. Guests are also expected to enjoy a live band, a disc jockey and youth entertainment groups. The board has plans to invite local artisans to participate. Food and games will be provided by TAMU-SA’s student organizations.
There will be no charge to enter the festival. All entertainment booths will be cash only. With approximately 23 to 25 student organizations, each team has the opportunity to volunteer their time.
“Any money raised will be used by the student organizations as they see fit,” Pantano said.
Most student organizations are in the developmental stage, working to grow in numbers and experience.
Of the board’s 10 members, only six are actively participating in the planning of the fair. The board is therefore reaching out to all students in hopes of increasing student involvement.
“Eighty percent [of students] out there are not involved [in any organizations],” said Pantano.
“We would love to tap out there and get those students involved.”
The Student Programming Board is different from other student organizations in that they are funded by the student service fee, which is included in student tuition.
“This is their money we’re dealing with,” Davila said.
Davila says he has big plans for the future of the programming board. His goal is to expand to at least 26 students, creating four oversight committees.
“We are building this from the ground up and anyone involved has a heavy influence on how they want the program built,” Davila added.
SPB Co-Chair Stephanie Gower said volunteers are needed to make Fall Fest a success. “We will be giving free T-shirts and are working on starting a volunteer reward program. We will provide breakfast in the morning for the set up crew. Doors are open to all students who would like to see what we are about and to think about joining us.”
Involvement in the Student Programming Board is open to all A&M-San Antonio students. Meetings are held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. in room 121 on the Gillette campus. For more information contact the Student Engagement and Success office at 210.932.6206.
