UPC and Late at Lane Join Forces, Event Attendance Drops

Once a month, students at Frostburg State University get the opportunity to experience free entertainment, food, activities, and giveaways at Late at Lane. Each Late at Lane has a different theme, which is chosen before the school year begins to ensure the staff has the proper amount of time to plan the event.

The first Late at Lane of the semester was held on Saturday, September 12. “Welcome to the Burg: It’s a Jungle” was the official title, similar to “Welcome to the Jungle.” The event definitely stayed true to its name by promoting the event with hosting free camel rides the Friday prior to the event. Students enjoyed four hours of free camel rides in the open area next to the clock tower. “In class one minute and then all of a sudden I’m riding a camel. Checked something off my bucket list today” said Franchesca Garland, a Mass Communications student.

Just recently, the University Programming Council (UPC) has joined forces with both Late at Lane and the Cultural Event Series (CES). With the joining of these organizations students can expect some changes and some surprises. One major change that has been slowly becoming apparent is UPC and Late and Lane’s decision to cut back on the parties. There have been some occurrences where things have gotten out of hand and both organizations want to prevent any potential risk. Also, with the joining of the two entities they have the power to do bigger and better things than they have in the past. Dances are held in the Alice R. Manicur Assembly Hall (ARMAH), which is the biggest space within the Lane University Center. “We could use this space to provide other types of entertainment to a larger variety of students, not just those that want to dance, but hopefully the entire student body” said Megan Alvarez, public relations coordinator for UPC.

After attending the “Welcome to the Burg” Late at Lane, it was easy to notice a decline in attendance since the series’ first began. One wonders if this decline has anything to do with the cut back of dance parties, because the parties bring in a huge crowd. Samuel Louissiant, vice president of marketing and graphic design for UPC, says there is in fact a Halloween party in the works for October and another dance later on in the semester. According to the Late at Lane homepage there are two general body meetings during the semester where students can voice their opinions on the matter. If interested in attending these meetings students should contact Robert Cooper.

In other news, UPC and CES will be hosting a concert featuring the Grammy-nominated band Daughtry on October 10 at 8 p.m. in FSU’s Cordts PE Center Main Arena. The two have also partnered up in creating an underground club series called On the Edge that will be held in Lane University’s Alice R. Manicur Assembly Hall. Louissiant describes the series as having a New Orleans speakeasy feel. The club will have laid back seating, snacks, entertainment and a cash bar. An event such as this has the potential to give students and faculty the opportunity to bond in a less formal manner outside of the classroom. Alvarez says UPC’s goal for the semester is “…to provide quality entertainment that will be bigger and better than ever.” Stay Tuned.