While it is imperative to get into the college routine and begin focusing one must realize the important role relaxation and socialization plays in shaping a student’s personal and even academic life. Buctainment Programming Organization provides both elements.
Buctainment is a campus programming committee.
Committee members, which consist of students and faculty alike, meet weekly to discuss a variety of events ranging from, concerts to speakers to art exhibits, which would be beneficial and entertaining for students.
Buctainment wants every member of the student body to participate whether they are attending a free event as an audience member or act as a participant on the committee. In fact, they welcome suggestions at their weekly meetings from the campus population.
“It’s very fun. You get to meet cool people,” Ben Davenport, student activities graduate assistant said. The organization aims at creating a way for students to interact and essentially build a strong campus community here at ETSU.
Buctainment has provided a variety of activities ranging from: motivational speakers, to comedians to exhibits. Probably the most renowned event is “Cheap Date” night. “Cheap Date” is a free movie that takes place on Friday nights in the Culp Center and, like all Buctainment programs, it is free for everyone in the community to come out and have a fun, safe night.
While in past semesters “Cheap Date” has taken place in the auditorium, it has been moved to the ballroom on the third floor of the Culp Center for fall 2006 due to renovations. Davenport argues that the new location is better because attendees are now able to bring snacks, which was prohibited in the auditorium.
Director of Student Affairs, Tricia Turner Nguyen, said “It is important for students to realize Buctainment will be focusing mainly on free movies this semester due to limitations caused by construction on campus. But no worries as Buctainment plans a fulfilling calendar of events for spring 2007 with plans to bring in rapper ‘Chuck D’ and possibly even an art exhibit,” Nguyen said. “Because of Buctainment’s current disposition they are taking an active role in helping other campus organizations bring activities to ETSU to compensate.”
To kick off the semester Buctainment will be holding its first event this Thursday night at 10 p.m. at the Center for Physical Activity.
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will be shown outside and an endless list of activities is planned for inside the CPA. All are invited to come bringing lawn chairs and blankets. The event is scheduled to last until 2 a.m.
If any students are interested in learning more about the services provided by Buctainment or would like to become a committee member they should call (423) 439-6828, e-mail etsufun@etsu.edu, or visit the SORC in the lower level of the Culp Center.

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