What are they doing elsewhere?

By Pamela Pannone

There are plenty of SUNY schools that have well known, popular bands come and perform at their end of the year shindig.

The University at Buffalo’s headliner for its 2008 Springfest included the lyrical stylings of Akon, T-Pain, Mims and Styles of Beyond. UB’s Student Association, similar to that of SUNY Fredonia’s, provides funding for over 180 clubs, organizations and services on campus. This money is derived from a mandatory student activity fee, which for full-time students runs about $79.95 (or higher, depending on the major).

UB boasts the largest student government body in the entire SUNY system with 51 members. Fredonia’s SA has approximately 22 members.

Not only is Spring Fest free to all undergraduate students, but tickets are also available to the public for $35. Immediately following the concert, UB provides students with transportation to Downtown Buffalo’s Level nightclub for an after party, again free of charge.

Buffalo State is featuring Def Jam recording artist Fabolous and Trey Songz for its 2008 Springfest. The event is sponsored by the United Students Government and funded by the $100 mandatory student activity fee.

Undergraduate students with a student ID are charged $5 for the event and general public tickets are $20. Free transportation will be provided from various college sites in and around Buffalo.

Buffalo State’s Springfest 2007 highlighted Billboard’s chart-topping All American Rejects, known for singles like “Dirty Little Secret” and “Move Along.”

SUNY Geneseo had the punk rock band Brand New for its Spring Concert. It was sponsored by the Activities Commission, with tickets only available to Geneseo students -- for $17. The AC is comprised of 18 students elected to oversee the organization and execution of events on campus.

This is funded in part by the $648.50 comprehensive fee that is added to the student’s tuition. Of that total fee, $85 is directed towards student’s activities.

Just for kicks, check out Harvard’s Yardfest. It is featuring two headliners to appeal to a more broad audience. Due to 2007’s lackluster Third Eye Blind concert, Harvard’s College Events Board decided that it would bring in hard-core rappers Wu-Tang Clan and New York rocker Gavin DeGraw as headliners.

The $2,116 student services fee allows for such big names. The concert is otherwise free for all students.