Since 1957, the University Programming Council (UPC) has been more than just the team behind UMass Amherst’s most unforgettable events—it's been a launchpad for creative visionaries, experience makers, and campus community-builders. From seasonal gatherings and thought-provoking speaker series to beloved campus traditions like the Spring Concert, Big Chill, and UMass Got Talent, UPC members don’t just plan events—they build unforgettable experiences from the ground up, all designed to bring joy to their peers.

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UMass Amherst has long been a destination for live music, attracting big crowds and even bigger names. Bruce Springsteen, the Allman Brothers Band, the Beastie Boys, Phish, Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Khalid—these are just some of the dozens of A-list acts who have performed at the UMass Amherst Spring Concert, one of the longest-running traditions on campus. Ask any alumnus about the memories that stand out to them from their time at UMass. Chances are, they’ll recall at least one Spring Concert (some might remember it as the “Spring Fling”). 

Upholding Tradition, Inspiring Connection

For nearly 70 years, one student group has been responsible for upholding the Spring Concert tradition: the University Programming Council (known as UPC), a registered student organization made up of a diverse group of undergraduate students who work to enhance life at UMass Amherst through the planning and execution of some of the biggest events on campus. 

“We understand how connected we are with UMass history,” says Carly Scheidemantel, a BDIC major (music, business, and law) and outgoing UPC executive director. “I’d say we’re probably more focused on present day, just because the nature of event planning is go-go-go,” she reflects, “but we have a lot of faculty and professional staff who remind us that UPC has been around for a long time.” 

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One of those staff members is Lloyd Henley, director of student engagement, facilities, and media in the Student Union. Henley’s been involved in event production at UMass Amherst since his time as a student in the 1970s, when he first became involved with UPC. Today, he’s one of their advisors.

“Fun fact,” says Daniel Onyeka, director of internal affairs for UPC and a public health major, “we have a mascot named after Lloyd.” He’s referring to a giant green and purple polka-dot dinosaur costume that various members will wear to UPC events around campus.

Being rooted in history enables UPC members to feel confident in their ability to make informed decisions and forge ahead with innovative events. The club upholds many other campus traditions through its events, like hosting movie nights in the Student Union—adapted, of course, to appeal to today’s students. 

New Vibes, Same Mission

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This year, they organized a haunted house on campus, a Western-themed hoedown (complete with mechanical bull), an escape room, and Glowout, an event they tried for the very first time. Billed as a “foam-glow experience,” Glowout took place in a large tent on the campus lawn. Students enjoyed two DJ sets, wore glow-in-the-dark and blacklight reflective clothing, and danced while fluffy, lightweight, water-based foam bubbles sprayed over the dance floor. 

“It was a vibe shift,” points out Onyeka, reflecting on past events. 

UMass Amherst student Danny Richard (who performs under the DJ name Steezy Dan) opened Glowout. “UPC loves to collaborate with other students, and we always try to uplift student artists. I think that definitely added to the experience,” says Valentina Ravaioli, a political science and sustainable community development double major who served as UPC marketing director and will be next year's executive director.

Bringing the Spring Concert to Life

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Ultimately, UPC members aim to create experiences that facilitate memories for their peers. The Spring Concert “could be the one and only time that all students can be in a space together, regardless of their class year,” Scheidemantel explains. But therein lies a challenge. How will they choose the performers for the Spring Concert? “Music is a tough one,” she goes on. “Everyone has such different preferences.” 

With that in mind, UPC chose musical artist Tinashe for her genre-bending, eye-grabbing show that incorporates dance numbers and video effects. Everyone would be entertained.

Rounding out the show were performances by rapper and singer Teezo Touchdown, who sang into a microphone buried in a bouquet of roses; UMass student Alivia Winslow, a producer and vocalist who performs as LÏV; and UMass ALTITUDE, a hip-hop dance group.

Tinashe brought her genre-bending show to the Mullins Center for the 2025 Spring Concert.

Choosing the artists isn’t the only thing that goes into pulling off a major concert at the Mullins Center, the 10,000-seat arena on campus. Though it might be the biggest thing. “We looked at probably about 50 openers, probably over a hundred options for headliners,” recalls Jake Soriano, public health major and UPC's associate director. 

Planning starts in October for the May production. The Spring Concert is a major show, and UPC members are responsible for organizing all of it, from M&Ms in the green room to hiring security, interfacing with artists’ management, and coordinating with fire, police, and EMTs. They manage budgets, negotiate contracts, hire and train student staff, purchase advertising, and produce and sell merchandise.  

“We are working with the real world. We are working with vendors. We are working with tour managers. We're working with agents. And we’re representing UPC and UMass Amherst while we’re doing it,” says Scheidemantel.

Building Skills, Building Community

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“Being a part of UPC helped me learn a lot about my leadership style,” says Soriano, who feels prepared as he enters the workforce—and he notes this experience in every job interview. Scheidemantel and Onyeka agree that they feel confident and well-equipped with the skills fostered in UPC.

Reflecting on her experience, Ravaioli realizes how much responsibility comes with producing events for the whole campus. Sure, she gleaned communication skills, professionalism, and leadership experience, but she also contributed to the community on campus. “In UPC, we’re making UMass history,” she explains. “We serve a large majority of students. Our events are open to everyone. They attract all different kinds of people. I think having that sort of role feels very special.”

UPC is open to all students and is always looking to recruit new members. Learn more at one of their Fall Welcome events, taking place throughout September, or follow them on Instagram.