SA: BCSG Funding and Activities Advisor (S99830)

Summary

About this Position

This is a position shared between the Bates College Student Government (BCSG) Funding & Activities Board (FAB) and Campus Life. Funding & Activities Advisors (FAAs) work closely with Campus Life staff on implementing the logistical and financial elements of the BCSG-recognized club system. Generally, FAB reviews club funding applications and renders decisions for all BCSG-recognized club accounts, and reviews and renders decisions on new club applications.

FAAs also serve as peer event advisors and program coordinators to assist with the process of club and organization event planning from start to finish. When a club/org proposes an event or program, FAAs meet with the club/org to coordinate the event under the supervision of Campus Life staff.

Leadership Development

Campus Life embeds the Bates Leads Framework into its student leadership and employment positions. The following competencies are most relevant to this position:

Consciousness of Self & Impact: Awareness of one’s beliefs, values, attitudes, and emotions; recognition that these are shaped by cultural context and other external forces. Self-awareness, including one’s inherited and positional power and privilege. Awareness of one’s impact on individuals and community, recognizing the impact of each action and inaction

  • FAAs will be most successful if they are able to know their own strengths, as well as the strengths of the club/org leaders they work with.

Commitment: The passion, energy, creativity, and follow-through one brings to ideas, pursuits, and collective goals.

  • This position involves a high level of responsibility, and requires creative thinking. The FAB Chair and Campus Life professional staff are here to guide and support FAAs, but it is ultimately up to the FAAs to manage their day-to-day workload, including coordinating meetings with club/org advisees. 

Collaboration: Working reciprocally with others. Working across differences to achieve a shared goal. Bringing multiple perspectives, diverse experiences, and individual creativity to bear on a pursuit.

  • This position requires working with a variety of campus partners including Dining, Grounds, Campus Life, Production, and club/org leaders.

Basics

  • Department: Bates College Student Government
  • Supervisor: Erin Caswell
  • Office Location: Chase Hall G10
  • Email: ecaswell@bates.edu

Responsibilities

  • Attending weekly FAB meetings, typically 60-90 minutes in length.
  • Maintaining an advising cohort of 12-18 clubs. 
    • Establishing a friendly, cordial, and supportive relationship with the leadership of the clubs they are responsible for.
    • Being the primary reviewer for funding applications submitted by their clubs. This entails meticulously reading an application, comparing it to FAB’s club funding rules, and submitting a report to the other FAAs outlining the considerations at play with regard to the application, with a recommendation as to whether to approve funding.
    • Serving as a resource to their clubs, providing advice on managing club finances, funding decisions, and event coordination.
  • As necessary, meeting with student club/org event planners to identify and assist with logistical needs associated with planning an event/program, including but not limited to:
    • Space reservations, including submitting reservations on behalf of the club via the Event Management System (EMS) and/or Bates Engage.
    • Event budget planning.
    • Coordinating with outside vendors and performers.
    • Navigating campus resources and networking with other offices and departments, e.g. Campus Safety, Facility Services, Dining, etc.
  • As assigned, reviewing new club applications.
    • This entails meticulously reading an application, comparing it to FAB’s criteria for new clubs, and then submitting a report to the rest of FAB outlining the considerations at play with regard to the application, with a recommendation as to whether to approve the new club.
  • Reviewing recommendations on funding decisions submitted by other FAAs.
  • Engaging in discussion and debate about funding decisions.
  • Rendering a vote on decisions based on FAB club funding rules and/or the criteria for new clubs, as applicable.
  • Represent FAB at campus events—including student government retreats, Den Discussions/Nights, and other collaborative programs with Bates College Student Government (BCSG) and the Committee Selection Board (CSB)—to actively engage with and amplify student voices

Requirements

  • Preferred familiarity with BCSG-recognized clubs, the club funding system, and/or campus event planning and coordination.
  • Must be able to respond to communications in a timely manner (no more than 24 hours except under special circumstances).
  • Should be honest, flexible, responsible, dedicated, and level-headed.
  • Willingness to learn and make changes based on recommendations of peers and/or Campus Life staff.
  • Passion in cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment for clubs and club leaders.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations

Reporting

FAAs are directly supervised by the FAB Chair(s), and work closely with Campus Life office staff.

Working Conditions

Most work is done sitting. Personal device that can access the internet required.