This is the second in a series of articles intended to give students a behind-the-scenes look into the mysterious goings-on of the Student Bar Association.

Last time, we delved into the inner-workings of the GW SBA Senate.  This week, we deal with an equally important part of the SBA, the Executive Branch.  And, because everybody loves a party, we will focus specifically on the most entertaining of Executive Branch committees- the Programming Committee.

While the Programming Committee is but a small part of the SBA's Executive Branch, it has a huge impact on the life of the average law student.  Members of the Programming Committee are responsible for planning the weekly bar reviews, athletic activities, and major events such as the Barrister's Ball and the upcoming Halloween festivities- events which bring joy to even the most frazzled of law students.

Headed by the Vice President of Programming, Phil Havenstein, the Committee is comprised of the directors of three sub-committees: weekly events, athletics, and major events.  The VP and directors work together to plan and execute the several existing events, while also brainstorming possibilities for new events.  And, like all SBAers, members of the Programming Committee encourage student and faculty input.

Take, for example, the aforementioned Halloween festivities.  Prior to a suggestion a few years ago by faculty that the SBA host more family-oriented events, the Halloween Festival did not exist. Now, says former VP of Programming and current Chief of Staff Rebecca Bianchi, "it has become an integral part of the SBA's annual Halloween event."  This year's Festival promises to be one of the best yet and will include carnival games, a caricaturist, a fortuneteller, and even a pie-eating contest.

Students have also helped improve the event-planning process.  Directors always consider students' suggestions, comments, and complaints when choosing an event venue and, if something goes awry, the SBA does its best to avoid similar problems in the future.  We have been spoiled by perfectly planned and seamlessly executed parties as of late, but a few years ago GW Law's annual Halloween party did not go so swimmingly.  Apparently, the semi-disastrous soiree involved random party-crashers, too few bartenders, and long waits in the rain.  Needless to say, several students complained and changes were made.  These days, Rebecca says, "the SBA insists that venue provide students and guests with exclusive access to the entire club" as well as adequate staffing.

Currently, members of the Programming Committee are working to put the finishing touches on the Halloween event, which will take place on Thursday, October 29th.  After that, members will  shift their focus  to the GW Law annual ski trip and the Barrister's Ball.  Also exciting is a proposal for a new and improved GW Law Olympics - the athletics sub-committee hopes to have several GW graduate programs compete against each other.  While it is still in the very early stages of planning, such an event could prove a wonderful addition to the law school's already large repertoire of social activities.

As always, if you have any suggestions or comments, please contact the SBA.