Indiana Tech University Thinks Outside the Cinema.
Indiana Tech is no stranger to success when it comes to their on-campus movie program. Each semester, the school sees, on average, anywhere from 75 to 200 students in attendance at each of their screenings. The secret to their success is actually pretty simple: they keep every aspect of their movie program inclusive to reach each and every type of student and interest on campus.
It all starts with the basics, like time and date. Their new release screenings used to only take place on the first Friday of each month with two showings, in order to accommodate commuter students who would stay on campus a few extra hours to make the early showing before heading home. However, when they realized how many student athletes were having to miss screenings due to their busy weekend schedules, the school added a screening on weekdays.
Beyond the basics, Indiana Tech also takes an inclusive approach to their promotion and activities. It’s important to the school that non-traditional students attend on-campus events just as often as traditional students. To make that happen, Student Life started a program only for commuter students called “Commuter Coffee Carts” to surprise them with free coffee, orange juice, donuts and more throughout the year. And they use this program to promote movie showings and other events on campus. They always stock the cart with handbills featuring the semester movie schedule – which they finalize months ahead of time to make it easier for non-traditional students and faculty to plan to attend the events.
"Most universities want community among their students! Personally inviting commuter students always goes a long way." Devin Stone, Indiana Tech’s Student Life Movie Dude
To really draw in non-traditional students and community members, Indiana Tech always incorporates a variety of programming. One of their regular movie series events is titled, “Bring Your Kid…” in which they feature an animated film and activities kids will enjoy, like life-size cutouts for the perfect photo opportunity or coloring stations. For example, for a screening of “Inside Out,” Indiana Tech made a “Memory Maker” station so kids could make their own “memories” out of cookies with colored frosting and sprinkles.
For schools hoping to improve non-traditional student engagement at on-campus events, Devin Stone, Indiana Tech’s Student Life Movie Dude, has this to say: “Figuring out a method of interaction that gives you the most face-time with commuter students is key. Some commuters believe that because they are not campus residents that campus events are not open for them to attend. At most universities that is simply a myth as most universities want community among their students! Personally inviting commuter students always goes a long way because it makes them feel more welcome to attend the events and movies.”