Frequently Asked Questions

What does Program Board do?

Program Board is a student run organization that brings entertainment to campus. Events include concerts, comedians, speakers, movies, cultural events, and special events.

How is Program Board connected to the University?

Program Board is advised under the Student Government Association. Program Board works closely with the Office of Student Life in making sure we bring entertainment to campus that all students can enjoy.

How does Program Board fund the events brought to campus?

Program Board receives funding through the campus programming fund. This fund is divided up between all student activities organizations. Additionally, Program Board separates it's budget into 6 committees; concert, comedy, lecture, film, special events, and cultural events.

What events has Program Board sponsored?

In recent years, Program Board has brought Ke$ha, We the Kings, Bo Burnham, Stephen Lynch, Craig Robinson, Frank Abagnale, Bill Nye, Yellowcard, Dierks Bentley, Mythbusters, Frank Warren of "Post Secret", Eric Hutchinson, among many others.

In our expanded history, we have brought in such talents as; Bob Seger, Maya Angelou, Chuck Berry, KISS, Blue Oyster Cult, REO Speedwagon, Muhammad Ali, James Doohan, Cheap Trick, Ellen Degeneres, Gilbert Gottfried, Greg Giraldo, Dane Cook, Dave Matthews, Mitch Hedberg, and many many more!

How does Program Board select the concerts/comedians that come to campus?

Concerts and Comedians are generally selected via surveys done within Program Board, and most importantly through the entire student body. We use other events to poll individuals, as well as electronic means such as Facebook and Survey Monkey to determine every show.

Program Board always welcomes suggestions from every individual. Please feel free to contact us through email at cmu_pb@cmich.edu or find us on Facebook at "CMU Program Board" and leave your suggestions on our page!

Other schools have concerts like Lady Gaga or Eminem why doesn't CMU?

There are multiple factors for why other schools can bring in bigger named artists. Many programming boards have much larger budgets. Also, many schools have contracted venues, which actually brings the concert. Our new event center is owned and operated by CMU. Additionally, Mt. Pleasant has a much different demographic than that of Lansing, Detroit, and other big cities. What might work in big cities, could have negative affects on Mt. Pleasant.

Program Board recognizes that not all students can afford to pay big ticket prices that having a huge concert generally ensues. As the years go by, artists prices go up, and our budget has stayed relatively the same. We continue to bring the best artists that we can, and encourage every student to join our organization to help us expand.

Why does Program Board charge students for tickets?

Our main goal is to provide students with entertainment. In order to have multiple shows on campus, there are some things that need to have fees. We attempt to have the lowest prices possible, while still getting quality entertainment on campus. However, a large majority of our shows are free to everyone.

How often are movies shown?

Program Board tries to show a movie at least once per month. Generally, these movies are shown over the weekend. Nearly all the movies we show are movies you cannot buy on DVD yet. Every movie is free and open to the public to attend. Free popcorn is usually provided, depending on the venue.

How do we get rights to show a movie?

Program Board purchases the rights to every movie we get. We normally buy the rights through Swank Motion Pictures (swank.com). If you have further questions, there is a link to the right labeled "showing a movie on campus" which explains everything you could ever need to know about getting rights to a movie.

What is Program Board’s co-sponsorship process?

Co-sponsorships are a great way for organizations looking to bring an event to campus but might not be able to afford the event on their own. Interested organizations can email our Program Board address at cmu_pb@cmich.edu and Program Board will help if we can. Program Board generally plans at least 1 month in advance, so the sooner you get a request in, the more likely it is to happen.

Even if we cannot help in the financial aspect of an event. We would be more than happy to help you figure out the logistical aspects of your event. Don't be afraid to contact us!

Where can I purchase tickets to Program Board events?

Tickets for concerts, comedians, and speakers can generally be purchased at the CMU Box Office located at the new Event Center. You can also purchase tickets online at http://centralboxoffice.cmich.edu

Usually, tickets are available to students prior to being open to the public. Because of this, purchasing of tickets online will always be delayed until the general public has access to them.

Where can I find out about upcoming Program Board events?

We regularly update our website, just click on the link labeled "Calendar" or "Events" for more information about upcoming shows. We also post everything to the CMU All Events calendar and regularly put posters up in residence halls and academic buildings on campus. We also have a fan page on Facebook "CMU Program Board". Feel free to 'like' us to get updates and invites for upcoming events. Just follow the link to the right of the screen labeled "Facebook".

How can I give feedback or suggestions about future Program Board events?

We're open to any and all of your thoughts or comments on past or future events. Simply email cmu_pb@cmich.edu or call us at (989) 774-3174. Feel free to stop by the Program Board office, or join us at our regularly scheduled meetings on Wednesday nights at 8pm on the U.C. 3rd Floor.

Where is the Program Board office?

Our office if located on the bottom floor of the University Center. We have our own office in the newly renovated Student Organization Center.

How can I get involved with Program Board?

Simply join us at our regular meetings on Wednesday's at 8pm on the 3rd floor of the U.C. You do not have to be overly involved but we do encourage you to work our upcoming events. If you have more questions, please feel free to call us at (989) 774-3174, email us (cmu_pb@cmich.edu) stop by our office at any time, or ask one of us at a meeting.