Finding events not centered around alcohol can be  difficult in a college town, but K-State works really hard to keep students entertained and out of trouble. After hours is just one of the many opportunities and is sponsored by Union Program Council.

"We want to provide an alternative to going to Aggieville by having something healthy, safe and fun to do every Friday night," Beth Bailey, assistant director of the K-State Student Union, said. "It is a great place to meet folks. Part of the purpose is to be able to meet and get to know new people."

Bailey said most UPC events are free or very inexpensive thanks to the student privilege fee and After Hours usually include free food, some sort of craft, a big activity and a movie. 

Some of the events planned for the fall include a band competition on September 14, a dinner theatre and ice cream social on the 21st, Rocky Horror picture show and comedian Lynn Treszger on October 26, game live sponsored by Xbox on Nov. 2, grocery bingo on Nov. 9, laser tag on the 16th and a poker tournament on Nov. 30.

The school year will be kicked off with a pep rally on Aug. 24 from 6 to 10 pm in the Bosco Plaza.

"We will have coaches and players from different sports signing autographs and taking pictures," she said.  "We are also planning on having Willie the Wildcat, cheerleaders and the marching band.  It really will be a great time and we are really looking forward to it."

Many of the events, including grocery bingo, have become an annual tradition because they are so popular with the students.

"I think it's a clever way to get a whole bunch of people involved," Bailey said about the grocery bingo.  "It really is a fun and exciting atmosphere with hopefully useful prizes.  Everybody gets very excited about winning and a lot of people win.  It makes everybody happy."

An up-to-date list of events is posted monthly on their website: http://www.k-state.edu/upc / or on their bulletin board on the first floor of the union, next to the ride board.

"I just tell students to check one out," she said.  "Once you come to one, you'll make it a point to come to more.  There is virtually something to do every night if you want."

UPC has several committees, including films, arts, forums, special events and more.  Bailey said August 28 in Union Station on the ground floor is the first meeting and anyone is welcome to get involved and help plan events.