Gabriella Pinos/Staff Writer
As the president of the Student Programming Council at the Biscayne Bay Campus, Ycole Boncamper knows better than anyone how much time and effort it takes to plan out events for students. But for her, the process is less challenging – and more fun – than it used to be.
“When you’ve done it so often, it’s not a hassle at all,” said Boncamper.
Boncamper, who is currently working on her master’s degree in linguistics, is in her second term as SPC president. She works closely with her council members to determine which events to program throughout the fall and spring semesters.
“When I had my first official meeting with my board, the first thing I asked them was, ‘What do you want to see this year? What is it that you want SPC to be known for this year?’ That gives you an idea of what kind of events [to] plan,” said Boncamper.
Among some of the events Boncamper has hosted at BBC include Kompa Night, a dance party featuring Haitian music and food, and Turntable Tuesdays, where a DJ is invited to liven up Panther Square. For SPC, one of the most important keys to creating an event is celebrating diversity.
“BBC is a pretty diverse campus, so we try to make sure we highlight everybody,” said Boncamper.
Coordinating with other clubs and organizations is also essential to the organization. Recently, SPC teamed up with Black Student Union for Summer Splash on July 27, where students enjoyed a night of kayaking, food and music by the bay.
“I’ve been fortunate that we’ve always had a good group of people at Campus Life who are always willing to partner. We have such a good relationship,” said Boncamper.
When it comes to the logistics behind programming events for students, SPC council members follow checklists and protocols to ensure everything runs smoothly. The time it takes to get an event off the ground depending on an event’s size, ranging from a few weeks in advance to an entire school year. Larger events, such as Bayfest, BBC’s annual music festival hosted by SPC in April, already have plans well underway, according to Boncamper.
“I’m just trying to have the biggest and the best Bayfest,” said Boncamper. “We’re turning five, and we have to go bigger than we’ve ever gone before.”
The SPC at the Modesto A. Maidique Campus is also no stranger to organizing large-scale events. Uproar, one of MMC’s largest concerts, usually takes up the Fall and Spring semesters to plan out, according to Vice President of Programming Yazmin Jimenez.
“All of the e-board comes together and plans Uproar from logistics, artists, marketing, vendors, security, and club and organization involvement,” said Jimenez in an email to PantherNow.
A sophomore majoring in hospitality management and specializing in event management, Jimenez helps coordinate events at MMC and the Engineering Campus. She’s responsible for organizing SPC takeovers, where council members and students travel in and out of South Florida.
“Last year we took students to the Frost Museum and Kennedy Space Center,” said Jimenez. “They can be anywhere, but they have to have an educational reason to go.”
Organizing smaller events, such as Aloha SPC held on June 26 in the Graham Center Pit, also involves patient planning. These “pop-up” events normally begin by coming up with an event theme, meeting with council members to discuss ideas and filling out a program approval request, said Jimenez.
Although it’s arduous work, Jimenez says the result is well worth the effort.
“Yes, it does take up a lot of your time and most times it can feel overwhelming, but once you see your finished product and the reaction of the students, you will feel proud of yourself and your team,” said Jimenez.
For Boncamper and Jimenez, their positions have taught them about the importance of dedication while also having fun in the process. They encourage students to join SPC if they want to make a lasting impression on campus.
“If you have a vision of an event you want to see, join SPC,” said Boncamper.
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