Deciding what to do each weekend can make some students so frustrated they end up just staying home and watching Real World re-runs as a last resort for an entertaining evening. But this Friday, a simple pair of cowboy boots will keep feet toasty at country line dancing in the Student Union.
Late Night UB is a program created by the Student Life office, a division of Student Affairs, which holds activities in the Union every weekend. This weekend is packed with free attractions for students who'd like to avoid the whole party scene or are drained from Thursday night's gallivanting about the clubs.
"It's a safe alternative to going out for those who don't drink and party," said James Morton, a junior history major who is a student assistant with the program.
Friday's lineup includes two movies: "Saw 3" at 5 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., and "Gridiron Gang" at 7:20 p.m. hosted by the Student Association in their theater. There will also be country line dancing, and the weekly Texas Hold 'Em tournament.
Students who make it out to the Union Saturday night should expect to see a comedian act from the SA.
Line dancing will likely be a big hit among students who make a point to shuffle their feet down at club Infinity's line dancing on Thursday evening, granted blisters haven't made them immobile.
Last weekend's Texas Hold Em competition and video dance party, which was equipped with a DJ blasting music videos on screens set up in the Union, was the first of the events for Late Night UB. While the poker players were plenty, the dance party attracted a less-than-hoped-for number of attendees.
The activities, which are sponsored largely by the Residence Halls, failed to live up to their mission of giving the student population a suitable substitute for frat parties and beer pong, because no one knew they existed. This is also partly due to a lack of advertising.
Through word of mouth and new banners and flyers, this weekend's affairs will hopefully draw a crowd large enough to enjoy the perks of mingling and meeting new people, without the usual turn-offs of spilled beer or returning home reeking of smoke.
"We want more opportunities for students to have things to do on campus," said Jennifer Wantz, the assistant director of student activities for the Student Life office.
Beginning around 10 p.m. and running as late as 2 a.m. Late Night UB also hopes to attract students with free popcorn and discounted pizza, wings and other snacks.
Students may even leave with more than just a full belly; the Texas Hold Em tournaments have cash prizes of up to $50 each night for the first place winner, $25 for the second, and $15 for third.
Anyone who signs up has nothing to loose at the game: each player is given a set number of chips, then takes a seat at a poker table of six to eight people and plays until everyone is eliminated but the champion.
Poker virtuosos who choose to come back for another weekend will rack up points from each game that are tallied up at the end of the semester. First prize is $100 for the master bluffer.
"It's good to have this safe environment for poker, because poker can get very shady," Morton said. "Here the game is regulated by a third party."
Anyone with a knack for creativity and party planning can get involved with the Late Night Student Programming board, or students can host their own Late Night activity through a recognized university organization. Groups can receive grants up to $350 for approved programs and functions that give their members a place to get together and enjoy a night funded by UB.
Upcoming events on Late Night's agenda include more dance parties, bingo, poker and a big toy party where attendees get to play with giant checkers and Connect Four, among others. There will also be a spin-off of the game show "Deal or No Deal" where students can win up to $500 in cash prizes.
Undoubtedly, there are more than enough movie nights if you want to have a cheap date on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
The fact that Late Night UB is free from alcoholic beverages that allow most people to become comfortable socializing with strangers may make some students write it off as a boring school function for those who don't know how to have fun.
Jon Militello, a sophomore international business major, said that an alcohol-free night is a good alternative for some of UB's diverse population.
"I bet some students feel like they need to go out and drink every night, but this is a good idea for sure," he said.
Nicole Pappalardo, a junior business major who works on the programming board for Late Night, knows that university funded games and dances may elicit a yawn from some.
"Everyone kind of thinks, 'back to middle school dances,'" she said. "But it was entertaining actually. The point is so kids don't go out and do crazy things."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
