Frequently Asked Questions:

What does UPB do?

UPB is a student-run organization that brings a variety of entertainment and educational programs to campus. Events include bands, speakers, comedians, movies, local talent, and much more!

How is UPB connected to the University?

UPB operates and is advised under Student Organization Services. Although we are student-run, we work very closely with professional and graduate staff through this JMU office.

How does UPB fund the events brought to campus?

UPB is a Front-End Budgeted (FEB) organization, which means that we receive half of our operating budget from student fees allocated by your Student Government Association. The other half of our budget is generated throughout the year from ticket sales for concerts and movies.

What events has UPB sponsored?

Ben Folds, Lupe Fiasco, American Eagle Comedy tour, Student Film Festival, Casino Nights, Ron Jeremy Pornography Debate, Guster, Knocked Up sneak preview.

How does UPB select the concerts that come to campus?

Concerts are selected based on campus-wide student surveys, trends in the music industry and availability of artist and venue. Look for UPB to survey campus throughout the year to determine what would be best for campus.

Other schools have concerts like Kanye West and Rascal Flatts on campus. Why doesn’t JMU?

There are several different reasons why other schools bring more prominent artists. Many programming boards operate on a larger budget. Also, many schools run concerts through a contracted venue, which actually brings the artists instead of the school. UPB chooses to offer a variety of musical events to appeal to a more diverse audience. In addition, larger acts would mean higher ticket prices.

Why does UPB charge students for concert tickets?

Half of the UPB budget is generated by revenue received from ticket sales of concerts, movies, and other programs. Therefore, we charge so that we can bring more and better programs to you.

How often are movies shown?

UPB shows 2 blockbuster movies every Wednesday through Saturday night at 7pm and 9:30pm. Occasionally, UPB shows additional midnight movies or times will vary based on the length of the movie.

How much do movies cost?

Movies cost $2.50. Popcorn is also available for $.50. A semester movie pass is available for $20 to attend any 10 movies throughout the semester. The semester passes can be purchased online at http://upb.jmu.edu or at the Grafton Box Office prior to each show during the first month of the semester.

Where does UPB show weekly movies?

You can attend UPB movies at Grafton-Stovall Theater, Wednesday – Saturday. Look for monthly calendars around campus.

Why can’t I bring my backpack into Grafton?

Bags are not allowed into UPB events because we would need to search each bag as a security precaution. This is a very large responsibility and liability for UPB. Therefore, we do not allow bags in at all.

I like going to the free sneak movie previews, but I have to wait in line forever and still might not get in. Why doesn’t UPB just hand out the amount of passes that Grafton can hold?

The studio wants the most exposure to the sneak, therefore they send us more tickets than the venue holds to create excitement toward the pre-released movie. UPB needs to give out more passes than Grafton’s capacity, because some students may pick up passes but will not end up going to the sneak. For example, UPB handed out 1200 passes for the sneak preview of Disturbia, and 583 students came to the event. Had UPB not distributed all 1200 passes, even less students would have come to the event.

How can I advertise on a Grafton slide?

You may design your own slide, or UPB can design a slide for you for $5/hour. All slides and corresponding paperwork must be turned into UPB by the Monday before the week you would like it to run. Request forms and design specifications are available on our website at http://upb.jmu.edu.

What is 80 One Records?

80 One Records is JMU’s student-run record label that promotes JMU student artists on campus and around the community. This is one of the only student-run record labels in the nation. Artists have included Nathaniel Baker, Eddie Cain Irvin, and Doug Roberts.

What is UPB’s co-sponsorship process?

Co-sponsorships are a great opportunity for organizations looking to bring a large-scale event to campus, but are unsure of what steps to take. Interested groups can apply for a UPB co-sponsorship and meet with our Vice President of Campus Relations. UPB will then decide whether or not to support the event. If your event is approved by our executive board, you will then be matched with a programmer and committee who will help you plan, program, market, and fund your event.

Where can I purchase tickets to UPB events?

Tickets for concerts, speakers, and comedians can be purchased at the University Business Office, located on the third floor of Warren Hall. Tickets for movies can be purchased at the Grafton Box Office.

Where can I find out about upcoming UPB events?

We regularly post event information on our website (http://upb.jmu.edu), on the JMU homepage, on the Events and Conferences website, on www.golookon.com, on bulletin boards across campus and through advertisements in the Breeze.

How can I give feedback or suggestions about future UPB events?

We would love to hear your thoughts on events and activities you want to see on campus. You can share your ideas by emailing upb@jmu.edu, contacting an executive council member, attending a committee meeting, by calling 568.6217, or stopping by the UPB office in Taylor 234.

Where is the UPB office?

Our office is on the second floor of Taylor in room 234, down the small hallway with club mailboxes across from Events and Conferences.

How can I get involved with UPB?

Visit us at Student Organization Night, come by our office in Taylor 234, come to a committee meeting, talk to an executive council member, call the UPB office at 568.6217, or email us at upb@jmu.edu.

What is the UPB website address?

http://upb.jmu.edu/