SMU students were able to see “Body of Lies” Thursday night at the Hughes-Trigg Student Center before it hit Dallas theaters. An average of 10-15 films per semester are previewed at SMU before their release, sometimes to capacity crowds.
These screenings are a fraction of more than 50 different kinds of events sponsored by Program Council. What students don’t know is that the variety of programs PC brings to campus includes events like Sing Song, Raas Rave and Bhangra Blitz.?Program Council is the student organization at SMU that has presented student programming for over 30 years.
Jordan McCarter has been PC’s advisor for 3 years. “Students don’t realize it’s not just another club,” she said. Students don’t see what’s behind the scenes, the event planning, and the student’s dedication.
The organization consists of eight committees whose purpose is to provide programming in fun, innovative and educational ways.?Each committee is unique, planning events in distinct areas of culture, recreation and education.
This December, the arts committee will have a runway style event called Fashion Face-off.? Designers ranging from SMU students to the Dallas community will showcase their couture designs.
The concerts committee has a fall and spring show. Past concerts have brought artists like the Dave Matthew’s Band.
First Friday is a new program that the entertainment committee has introduced this year.?This committee has also brought hypnotists, magicians, indoor and outdoor competitions, and inflatables for student diversion.
The spirits committee plans school-spirit related events. The committee acts as a homecoming liaison between Student Activities and Multicultural Student Affairs and the SMU athletics department.
Clayton Gregory, a senior accounting major, has been involved with PC since his freshmen year and has seen the organization grow. Last year, he was president and currently serves as vice president of development.
Gregory explains that being involved with PC, located in the SAMSA, is the place where he has grown the most. “Being in Program Council has taught me so much about leadership,” he said.
When Gregory graduates, he plans on contributing funds to the organization that has given so much to him.
This year the Task Force on Substance Abuse Prevention made a series of recommendations to the university. One of the social recommendations advised the university to sponsor more late-night campus activities in an effort to bring social life back to campus to support?personal safety and responsible behavior.?
“More events on campus could mean an alternative to the party scene,” Gregory said.
But to make this happen, PC needs more money, even though it is the largest funded organization at SMU. Out of its budget, roughly $20,000 goes right back to the university when PC uses McFarlin Auditorium for events.? “The money just goes in a circle,” Gregory said.
Next semester PC will focus on recruitment. The campaign released last spring was “Ask me about PC.”? For recruitment, PC is planning a series of info sessions to expose students to the different aspects of the organization.?A new logo is in the making and a revamped Web site is under construction.
PC’s theme this year is “Fabulosity.”? President Brittani Arrington, a senior Spanish and English major, says, “That means taking pride in our events.”
?Arrington says that being part of PC has contributed to her school spirit. “Through PC I have made lots of connections to the university,” she said. ?
Students interested in learning more about PC can attend a monthly meeting that takes place every first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. in Atrium AB in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center.