Whether students are sprawled across the Mag Quad watching Spiderman foil the Green Goblin's evil plan or sipping a café latte at Jive n' Java, Student Union remains behind the scenes, coordinating some of the campus' most unique activities.

This year, due to SU's enhanced group cohesion, the activities offered on campus have considerably grown and diversified. Senior Heather Lanthorn, a co-chair of the film committee, attributes the recent success of SU to improved inter-committee dynamics.

"We're a really cohesive group this year," Lanthorn said. "We're all really helping each other out with different events."

Senior Rob Eck, chair of the attractions committee, ascribes SU's growth to a similar increase in group unity. "I think one of the big things we did to improve Student Union was go on a retreat before the year began," he said. "We got to know each other really well, and we're a lot more of a team this year."

With the direction of Kathy Arnett, associate director of the Benson University Center, as well as new student leadership, SU hopes to increase the spirit, tradition and student involvement on campus this year.

"We're really trying to bring in more big-name artists as well as artists that have a diverse appeal so we can really reach out to the whole campus," said senior Millie Kerr, SU president. "I think our general concern is trying to do programming that appeals to students and still works within their schedules."

Homecoming, Student Union's current project, was kicked off Oct. 9 with a block party on the Mag Quad, including a step show with Unified Rhythms, and hypnotist Tom Deluca. Festivities continued today with a powder puff football game and a wing-eating contest.

On Oct. 11, two student bands are scheduled to play from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Mag Quad. Additionally, from 7:30 to 10 p.m., Virginia Coalition and Nine Days will perform in Wait Chapel, an event co-sponsored by SU and the Howler yearbook. Tickets are and are on sale in the Benson Ticket Office.

A series of special events and activities for alumni, families and current students will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 12 on the Mag Quad.

The homecoming football game will take place on the afternoon of Oct. 12 in Groves Stadium, along with the crowning of this year's king and queen.

"In high school, I always looked forward to homecoming. I'm really glad Student Union is taking steps toward promoting school spirit and tradition throughout the whole student body," sophomore Cynthia Ellis said.

In addition to improving larger student events such as Homecoming, SU is also focusing on the expansion of smaller programs.

Jive n' Java, an opportunity every Tuesday to hear budding new artists, attempts to vary the types of music introduced on campus.

The coffeehouse theme presents a range of entertainment, varying from solo acoustic acts to larger bands from all over the East Coast.

"In this next month, we're bringing in Amanda Garrigues who's been compared to Sarah McLachlan and Michelle Branch," sophomore Katie Rouse, chair of the coffeehouse, said. "Also, I've gotten a lot of request for jazz so we're bringing in a large jazz band called the Scott McCloud Group as well as a prominent country rock singer named Zane Williams."

As for campus cinema, the film committee plans to show recent blockbusters before they are available to rent at movie stores as well as several older classics. Recently, SU successfully sponsored a viewing of Spiderman on the Mag Quad. "It was a great mid-week break from homework to go see Spiderman on the big screen," sophomore Mallory Barber said. "I felt like I was in a drive-in movie!"

The film committee plans to present Brian's Song and Scooby Doo later in October in Benson.

SU is also striving to increase co-sponsorships this year. In addition to their partnership with the Howler on the Virginia Coalition and Nine Days concert, SU plans to hold a barbecue before the women's soccer game Oct.30.

This collaboration will include Student Government, the Interfraternity Council and the sports marketing department.