The Student Association is looking to the past for its newest publicity idea for the future.

In an effort to acquaint the SA with the students, SA Advertising Adviser John Quilico has proposed newsreels similar to the pre-movie clips shown during World War II.

The news, however, will cover the SA, not a war in Europe (or the Persian Gulf).

The two- to four-minute reels would introduce programs the SA is starting or supporting such as recycling and mass transit proposals, Quilico said.

But the movies also would be interesting and fun to watch, he said. “We would provide it in an entertaining fashion. That way, they are not throwing popcorn at the screen,” he said.

Quilico said he discussed the idea with former Sen. Amanda Rutter, who introduced the newsreel concept last year.

Rutter said the idea never got off the ground because she did not have the time to do the necessary work herself and the publicity office was not interested.

However, she said a professional filming fraternity, Alpha Epsilon Rho, expressed interest in producing the newsreels on a volunteer basis. The fraternity wanted the implement the projects to get filming experience and a large audience, Rutter said.

Quilico also talked to Robert Egeland, Campus Activities Board film coordinator, who said he wanted to make sure students would enjoy the reels.

“I want to get an idea of what the students think,” Egeland said. He also will find out what the CAB staff thinks this Wednesday when he introduces the idea, he said.

The cost of the reels will be low because the filming would be done on VHS tapes ($10) instead of 50 mm film ($50). The picture would be shown using a VHS projector provided by the Holmes Student Center, Quilico said.

If the idea is accepted, about 15 newsreels will be made for next semester, Quilico said. He still needs the approval of CAB and the senate as well as a definite commitment from filming volunteers.

The newsreels would be shown before regular CAB weekend movies.