While they won’t be running any in-person events for the fall semester, the Student Union Board of Governors (SUBOG) is planning to reconstruct most of its programming into virtual alternatives.
SUBOG is the largest student-run programming board at UConn. It serves to provide students with “experience and events that enhance the social, cultural, educational, and recreational interests of the UConn student body,” according to SUBOG President Jacob Stockman. SUBOG consists of seven committees for students to get involved with: Concert, Comedy, Special Events, Digital Entertainment and Films, Major Weekends, Sports and Outreach.
The student organization has been responsible for bringing in many major performers to campus, including Khalid, Michael Che and Steven A. Smith, while also hosting traditional events like One Ton Sundae, the Food Truck Festival, weekly movies at the Student Union and Homecoming.
However, many of these traditional events will not take place as they have in the past. Homecoming will take place mainly virtually, but possibly with the inclusion of socially-distanced outdoor portions, according to Major Weekends Chairwoman Tianna Felder.
According to Comedy Chairwoman Catherine Casey, events like Comedy Jam and the Fall Comedy Show will still take place but may look different, while the new virtual format will allow for some exciting opportunities.
“We’re really looking forward to bringing some exciting names that we might not have been able to consider before because of in-person fees,” Casey said. “We’re also excited to explore forms of comedy outside of stand-up this year since it doesn’t really translate well onto a virtual stage.”
While traditional concerts won’t take place this fall as they have in the past, SUBOG is able to take advantage of their new virtual format.
“SUBOG Concert is striving to highlight niche artists through playlist curation, and student artists by providing them with a virtual platform to gain exposure,” Concert Chairwoman Lauren Lewis said.
Not only this, but Lewis said the committee is looking forward to bringing billboard artists into a space for UConn students to interact and engage with virtually.
“You will see a lot of creative events this year that don’t necessarily fall under the focus of one committee,” Stockman said. “While all of our committees are still functioning in a relatively normal way, our priority is providing the most valuable experiences we can this semester, so that comes with a lot of out-of-the box new events.”
Whether or not they are living on campus, students will be able to participate in nearly all of SUBOG’s fall programming and events through a virtual format. If conditions do improve for the spring semester, traditional events like One Ton Sundae may still happen with restrictions in place, according to Special Events Chairwoman Kimoya Wallace.
In order to stay updated with SUBOG’s events or get involved with their various committees, students can follow them @SUBOGatUConn on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.