To the editor:

This letter is in reference to the editorial called “Programming with student interests in mind”. As the Director of Information of UPB, I’m writing this letter to clarify some of the things mentioned in the editorial.

First, although Springfest wasn’t mentioned, it sounded like the article was written in reference to Tyga headlining at Springfest 2012. Just to clarify: Springfest and UPB are two completely different organizations that have different functions. This is not to say that one is better than the other, but students often associate Springfest as a UPB event.

Another thing mentioned was conducting surveys for students to get the bands that they want. One problem that we have encountered is that when a poll is sent out and a decision is made on the one artist with the most votes, students tend to be very angry that the other artists they voted for didn’t win. This triggers numerous complaints and insults, so it’s really a lose-lose situation.

The editorial also focuses solely on the Concerts Committee of UPB, which is only one of the six programming committees we have. When students think of UPB, they think of bands and concerts, but we have so much more to offer, such as movie premieres (Harry Potter, The Hunger Games); Thwing Study Over; Cash Greenie; comedians like Russell Peters and Aziz Ansari; Fall and Spring Break trips to Philadelphia, New York and Toronto; and Thwing Tuesdays. These are events that are highly successful and yet students tend to forget that UPB puts them on.

Our e-mail is virtually everywhere. Whenever we have an event, our e-mails are up on Facebook, our flyers, our newsletters and our website (upb.case.edu). Similarly, on both our website and our weekly newsletters, we have a “Suggestions” link that allows students to give their input on what kind of events we put on. We encourage students to join UPB, and we have a committee dedicated to just that called the Pit CWRU. With all these outlets, one would think that there would be plenty of suggestions. However, as the editorial has implied, students are much better at complaining than at taking action.

This is not to say that UPB couldn’t do more to gain student input. Starting next year, we will be sending out surveys for more general questions for the student body. In addition in the upcoming year, we are trying to make more of an effort to connect with other organizations and having their input in cosponsorships and events. So don’t be afraid to contact us! We’re fun, friendly, and definitely open to suggestions. E-mail us at upbexec@case.edu if you have any questions or think of a fantastic event!

Natalie Lin

Undergraduate Student