SAPB makes college life happen

Whether you are looking for an energetic organization to join or for something exciting to participate in around campus, the Student Activities Programming Board (SAPB) is here to develop creative event opportunities.

SAPB is a student-led, faculty-advised organization that plans and executes free and affordable events during the school year. They are known for hosting movie nights, comedy shows, game nights, an annual trip to Kings Island and more. As of 2019, the group took control of planning Jagapalooza, IUPUI’s end-of-the-year carnival celebration.

The organization places board members into one of its six committees, which are called Spirit, Films, Late Nights, On the Go, Campus Traditions and Goes to Town. The Spirit committee fosters school spirit and inclusion by planning programs for IUPUI athletics and pride. If you have ever watched a movie in the Campus Center Theater or Taylor Courtyard, you may have seen one of the many showings presented by the Films committee. 

Late Nights is known for its end-of-the-day activities like laser tag, escape rooms, craft nights and de-stress events. Busy students can pop into On the Go events, which offer quick and easy activities like their famous “Stuff-a-Plush” events. Campus Traditions keep classic IUPUI events alive, including Jagapalooza and Flip the Script, where faculty serve students breakfast for dinner. For free tickets or great deals to off-campus events, Goes to Town is a great source to check out the Indianapolis Zoo, Pacers games or musicals.

SAPB relies on students to propose ideas, figure out the logistics within their respective committees and make the events come to life by staffing them. Across campus, multiple organizations have seen a drop in membership and student engagement since the pandemic. 

Unfortunately, SAPB is one of the organizations that have been affected. Compared to previous years, they have had less members overall and the programming board has been working to increase membership again.

“Before the pandemic, SAPB was a well-known organization,” SAPB President Cortney Holder said. “We are now rebuilding membership and brand awareness.”

It hasn’t all been bad, however. SAPB saw great success in attendance with their First Night event that was held back in August. The event featured an LED dance floor and a live DJ. It included various activities for attendees, such as bubble soccer, a matte tattoo artist, photo booths and fitness classes.

“First Night is important for students, especially for the freshman class,” Holder said. “The event is that move-in weekend for students coming to campus.”

The organization encourages any student interested in making a difference on campus to join. Students have opportunities for development within the organization. There is room for growth in leadership and executive roles. Those that prefer general board member positions still provide major input and play a key role in making the events happen.

“SAPB is a  great way to be involved on campus, attend various events and meet new people,” said Ayesha Pandey, an executive board member. “I am passionate about marketing and boosting campus engagement, which is what I do as the VP of Marketing.”

Holder thinks people should join for general student engagement, to take pride in IUPUI and to find joy on their campus.

“I love seeing the events that we had been planning for weeks be executed,” Holder said. “We want students to socialize and to take a break from classes.”

IUPUI students can join as general board members to help organize and host campus events at any point during the school year, regardless of major. Students are invited to join SAPB’s weekly Wednesday meetings in Campus Center Room 409 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. For more information on how to join and upcoming events, check their updates on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.