The University Program Council aims to offer Ohio University students an alternative to partying
Fall leaves, horse-drawn carriage rides and pumpkins set the scene — not of a Halloween Disney movie, but another University Program Council event for Ohio University students.
Bobcats were treated to pumpkin decorating and other autumn-themed activities at the Fall Festival on Thursday night.
The event is just one of many that UPC hosts throughout the year. The student organization is part of the “Big Three” groups on campus — including the International Student Union and the Black Student Cultural Programming Board — that traditionally receive the highest level of funding from the Senate Appropriations Commission.
It was not immediately clear how much money UPC will receive for this academic year. SAC Commissioner Jason Makishi, could not be reached for comment by press time, and UPC representatives were not able to provide that information to The Post.
After press time, The Post received information from Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones that UPC receives $100,000 in General Fee funding. UPC officials disputed that the number, drawn from student dollars, is public record.
UPC is a programming organization that gives students the opportunity to develop skills in event planning, public relations, marketing and other techniques that they can use in life after college. The group’s members range from those studying marketing, journalism and communication, to the president of UPC, senior Alex Molnar, who is an industrial engineering major.
“University Program Council is a volunteer organization of students to put on events for students and the Ohio University community … to give students something to do and to have fun and engage with other students,” Molnar said.
The group also hosts events such as “Welcome Back to Paradise,” “A Taste of Athens,” and a parent’s brunch on Homecoming Weekend. In addition to those programs, UPC organizes “Flavor of the Week” every Wednesday in the Bobcat Student Lounge. Each week, a different food item is selected and highlighted using various dishes.
Molnar originally got involved with UPC after visiting campus and attending one of UPC’s Sibling’s Weekend events.
“When I got to campus I sought out the opportunity and joined because I thought that it was neat,” Molnar said. “UPC is a way that I can make a contribution and give back.”
Mary-Kate Taulbee, the vice president of the organization, echoed Molnar’s statements.
Taulbee got involved in the organization starting her sophomore year after receiving a mass email from UPC to join the group.
“I love meeting new people and talking to people,” she said. “The reason that I stayed with UPC is because I saw its value on the campus.”
She added that the events UPC organizes give students the opportunity to participate in a fun activity that does not contribute to the party school stereotype.
The Bobcat Student Lounge was crowded Thursday night and one student said the entertaining atmosphere is what drew her to the event.
“It’s something fun you can do during the day,” said Ciara Pachinger, a freshman studying forensic chemistry.
She said while food and decorations are enjoyable, tangible keepsakes are the best parts of UPC’s events.
“I like crafts because you have something you can take home,” Pachinger said.
Molnar said his goal for the group is to provide students with experiences that they will not forget.
“Whether you just come to our events or help us plan the events,” Molnar said, “I think you’re going to get memories that you can take with you when you leave campus and remember it fondly.”
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