Movies on Campus Proposal

Introduction:
According to a recent study from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities
(AASCU), its institutional culture, not administrative structure, that determines student success
and ultimately graduation. Consistently across studies it is shown that millennials are drawn
to experiences. Over 8 in 10 millennials (82%) attended or participated in a variety of live
experiences in the past year, ranging from parties, concerts, festivals, performing arts and races
and themed sports.

They also bond through shared experiences. 69% believe attending live events and experiences
make them more connected to other people, the community, and the world. And nearly 8 in 10
(77%) millennials say some of their best memories are from an event or live experience they
attended or participated in. On campus, live experiences can help shape a students sense of
belonging and create life-long memories.

Objective:
To increase students weekend involvement on the Baylor Campus and provide more live
options for things to do on a Friday/Saturday night. These events need to be relevant, pertain
to their interests and be located in central or well visited areas of campus. Weekend
programming is important because of the level of students that say they do not have anything
to do on the weekends, leave to go home or to bigger cities or party on Fridays and Saturdays.
Students will have more options for positive entertainment on campus.

Engagement:
Student engagement increases retention and this would be an opportunity to reach all students
(freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors) at a convenient location. The more students feel like
the school is providing them with activities that actually apply to their interests, the more they
feel attached to Baylor. Ideally you would want more events than they can choose from (like 4-
5 weekend events), but you have to start somewhere. Engagement also discourages destructive
behavior at that time of night. Options that are convenient and free are more appealing than
no plans but the option to do something destructive. This controls underage drinking more by
offering freshman who might not have cars the option to engage with each other on campus.

Option #1: Movies on Campus

Having a movie on campus would be convenient for freshman and upperclassman living on
campus to walk over to Fountain Mall. The location accommodates the target demographic and
off campus students are invited as well. If an interesting movie that appeals to the students is
playing from 9:00-11:30, students who would have had nothing to do and would have gone to a
party might stay on campus for the movie. Having card readers stationed at entrances/exits can
help track attendance. There is something magical about watching a movie outside and seeing
the heart of campus turned into one big theater.
This option would be the primary recommendation with the purchase of the outdoor movie
equipment provided further in this report. Frequency could vary, but ideally, thered be a movie
every other weekend (outside of major event weekends) in the Spring.

Option #2: Movies at McLane

A movie could be showcased at McLane Stadium on either a Friday/ Saturday that doesnt have
an athletic event or community event scheduled. Students can carpool over to McLane, park,
and view the movie on the turf. Sororities take advantage of this already with their events and
Noche Del Oso shows movies the same way, so why cant the student body do the same?
Students love McLane Stadium and its a great use of the space when no events are happening
there already. The movie experience is unique (surround sound, bright lights, big screen) and is
a memorable experience. How many schools would let their student body have access to the
field to enjoy a movie with their friends in a cool venue? The answer would be few do so.

This option would be the secondary recommendation utilizing the same core plan as is being
used for Noche del Oso, but expanded to monthly events.

Food
Local food trucks like Pokey Os or the mix can be in attendance servicing students with food
and dessert. This is attractive for students to know there are options to eat if they get hungry. If
there is room in the budget, there could be an incentive for the first 100 students who come
could get free Pokey Os.

Movie costs:
Swank Movie Productions is one of 2 college movie providers:
o Movies are by individual cost and range between $1,325-$1,425 for movies
released after 60 days from theatres.
o Shipping for a movie costs $28, but if we have the movie here, there is no other
fee beside the licensing of the movie.
McLane Stadium field rental: It costs $2,000 to rent the field for a movie night for a 4-
hour time frame that is flexible.
o Baylor PD is an additional expense if they require us to have them there.
On Campus movie showing
o Purchase a 30 x 17 Outdoor Movie Screen PlusHD Theater System for $17,995
http://www.outdoor-movies.com/outdoor-movie-screen-
packages/plushd/30x17/
If the investment is willing to be made for consistent movie showings, the
movie screen would get its use on weekends, having increased movie
showings and no rental fee at McLane stadium.
Student Life could rent it out to student organizations that want to utilize
it on campus for their events.
The screen could get its use at Orientation, Line Camp, Welcome Week,
Christmas on Fifth, screenings of Baylor sports, etc.
Staffing
Ideally, this project would be one of a mix of programs run by a fulltime night/weekend
programming person. This role should be considered vital due to the incredibly stretched,
hardworking staff in Student Activities. This person could also take all small event ideas
developed from multiple departments, put together execution plans and run them on campus.
If Baylor is wanting to be more committed to a weekend programing initiative, then they need
someone whos sole purpose is to execute fun, value added, Baylor appropriate events.
In lieu of a fulltime employee, this project could largely be run by a group of student workers as
long as they had a fulltime staff sponsor.

Student workers know what other students enjoy and know what events appeal to the
entire student body.
Student workers are cost effective.
They gain experience in real-world responsibility such as event planning and
management.

Conclusion
Planning movies on campus for students is an economical and fun way to engage the student
body on the weekends. It is far more cost-effective than bringing in live music or performers. At
the core of many of the challenges we face as a college is the ever-present temptation for
students to go to parties. These events could provide a positive alternative to much more
destructive alternatives. Students can stay on campus and have a fun, memorable night rather
than involve themselves in partying. By having movies on campus, students will make
memorable experiences with friends and enjoy positive entertainment at no expense to them.
This is an opportunity for Baylor University to showcase how the student experience is
important and what it means to engage with your university in a positive, fun manner.