On The Fly adviser saves Residence Life $100,000 with cut of program
The disbandment of On The Fly Productions next semester will give Residence Life an extra $100,000 toward next year’s budget.
Dani Hiar, OTF’s adviser and coordinator of graphics design, said it was her idea to cut the program — a decision that was not easy to make.
“It didn’t just pop into my head,” Hiar said. “I talked to past members and other colleagues and got their perspectives.”
Shaun Holtgreive, associate director of Residence Life, could not say how the money will be divided because the funds are part of next year’s budget.
Hiar, OTF’s adviser for the last nine years, said the decision came partly because it seemed like the group was competing with Central Michigan University’s other programming group, Program Board.
Also, she said, competition from social media outlets came into play.
“We’re sliding into an era, (when we are) competing for audiences with Call of Duty, American Idol and people out on Facebook,” she said.
Hiar said with budget cuts coming, she felt OTF could be cut as a savings mechanism for the university.
“(It’s an) ugly, tough decision. Is it sad? Yes,” she said. “Some of my best friends are from On the Fly, but it’s the best decision for CMU.”
Holtgreive said he was surprised when Hiar came to him proposing the cut.
He said he and Tony Voisin, director of Student Life, helped formulate OTF 14 years ago. The organization was created to fill the void of smaller events that students could attend and enjoy, though it did not bring a giant audience.
“What students are looking for today is more of a ‘wow’ factor,” he said. “We didn’t want to compete with Program Board, that’s their niche.”
Effect on programming
With Program Board as the only programming group on campus next fall, Hiar said the campus will likely see a noticeable change in smaller events.
Damon Brown, Program Board’s adviser and coordinator of Student Activities, said Program Board will try to change its focus and do some smaller shows that worked for OTF, such as open mic nights.
Program Board received $290,000 from the Central Programming fund this year.
“(Fewer) big shows is a possibility, but (our goal) is not to do less, but to do what students want us to do,” Brown said.
Hiar and Holtgreive said Residence Life will still help Program Board on events OTF and Program Board co-sponsored, such as MAINStage.
Brown said he hopes students do not see a big change in programming, and Hiar said some OTF members are joining Program Board. Brown said he welcomes all OTF members and will still consult with Hiar.
Hiar said she is not ready to let go of OTF altogether but, rather, see what the future holds.
“Does this mean On The Fly is gone for good?” she said. “Well, (consider it) more of a furlough.”
