Growing From a Core of Tradition

Presented by Jenni Betschart

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Goals:• Plant the seeds of excitement

• Reinforce the importance of supporting campus traditions

• Encourage the creation of a traditions board

• Discuss the challenges of implementing macro traditions

• Investigate assessment options

What is a tradition?

• The handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

• Cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions

- Merriam-Webster Dictionary

• University programs, events, and practices which reoccur on an

annual basis.

What are your traditions?

- Portland State University

School colors

- University of Alaska Fairbanks

- University of Alaska Anchorage

Mascots

-Oregon State University

Benny the Beaver

-University of Oregon

Donald Duck

-University of Washington

Dubs the Husky

Passing of an item from class to class

- University of Puget Sound

Hatchet

“The Hatchet is an eloquent symbol of Puget Sound’s history and values, of our

determination and resourcefulness, of our

commitment as a community to rebuild, to get

better, to be at our best.”

- UAF President Ron Thomas

Alma Mater To her we sing who keeps the ward

O'er all her sons from sea to seaOur alma mater WashingtonA health, a health we give to theeChild of the mighty western landYou're the mother of a mighty raceSilent her gentle vigil holdsIn strength, purity and graceAll hail! O Washington!Thy sons and daughters sing glad acclaimThrough years of youth and loyaltyAnd still in age we sing they fameIn honor thy towers standThe battlements shine in dawning lightAnd glow again in sunset raysAll hail! O Washington!

Alma Mater Logos

- University of Washington

- Willamette University

- Gonzaga University

- Central Washington University

- Willamette University

- Mount Royal University

Commencement and Convocation

What is the difference between Graduation and Convocation?

• Graduation marks the completion of your studies — you have successfully completed all the necessary requirements in your program. As a result, you will receive an academic degree, diploma or certificate.

• Convocation is a time-honored tradition that commemorates students' accomplishments. It refers to the formal ceremony where the administration, faculty, the Mount Royal community, your family and friends honor your achievements. - Central Washington

University

Luaus

Homecoming

New Student Orientation

Rivalries

Senior Gifts

Fundraisers

Seasonal events/holidays

Reunions

Fight Songs

Bonfires Family Weekend

Blood Drives/Community Service Projects

Spirit Rallies

Class Rings

Other

- 40F !!!

Prosocial

Not

• Macro traditions involve multiple departments or are embraced by the university as a whole.Ex. School colors, alma mater, mascot,

commencement, convocation, etc.

• Micro traditions are generally supported within a single department

Macro vs. Micro

The core of traditions…

Why do we need them?

Spirit

IdentityUnity

Pride

Heritage

Service

Confi

denc

e

ComfortPurpose

Purpose of Tradition• Continuity and Comfort, especially in

times of change (Ex. Transition to college and graduation).

• Common Purpose as we work towards the goals and mission of the University.

• Group Identity and belonging – buy-in improves retention.

• Bridge gaps – class, groups, and communities.

• Develop character (service projects)

• Improve leadership skills

• Promote core values (generosity, sportsmanship, service)

• Build confidence

• Develop talents

Traditions help our students…

Traditions promote…

• Community engagement and enthusiasm

• Spirit

• Pride

• Confidence

• Unity

Getting Started

• Imitate success• Assess current events/practices and

build on your own successes • Build on a preexisting campus event • Super-size a smaller tradition• Survey the masses• Create a traditions board• Try something new

Traditions Board• A committee of student and/or staff members

appointed by participating departments to meet on a regular basis and plan/facilitate traditions.

• Goals:* Provide student representation* Pool resources (staff, funds, supplies)* Prevent scheduling conflicts or over-

scheduling* Create bridges between events* Assess current traditions and make

changes as necessary

Traditions Board cont.

• Organized and maintained by one department (Student Activities)

• Students paid $100.00/year• Free admission to events, t-shirts, etc.• Resume builder• Mandatory attendance at weekly meetings• Represent as many student organizations,

clubs, and departments as possible.• Balance size of board with productivity

(smaller is better)

• 1st Gulch was 1923 – Brainchild of the 1st UAF president, Charles E. Bunnell

• Students built a miniature western-style town and used the wood for fuel at night

• Symbolic of passing the torch of knowledge• Roasting weenies on the bonfires• Protecting your wood stock piles by firing

shotguns into the air• Building 75’ bonfires

Starvation Gulch – 86 Years of Tradition

Courtesy Charles E. Bunnell Collection

A new tradition emerges• 1956 – Drunken brawls on campus provoked

UAF President Ernest Patty to prohibit alcohol on campus.

• Student rebellion ensued including a mock funeral wake replete with burial of alcohol bottles and the introduction of the tradition stone.

Contemporary Gulch• Competition for highest flame = Big Ass Trophy• Competition for most creative structure• Who will possess the Tradition Stone?

A new era of safety• Hard hat requirement• Liability release forms• Availability of work gloves• Maximum height restrictions• Presence of professional staff• Anti-liberation policy• Crowd control methods• Fire department involvement• No more shot guns

• 2005 – Residents create a program to support the Children’s Halloween carnival

• “Haunted House” is a glorified furniture tunnel but well-received

• 2006 – “Go for it!”

• Student leadership

vital role

Skarland Haunted House – Starting Small

500’ of black plastic…

Why would that be a problem?

• 2 days prior to the event the Fire Marshal threatened to pull the plug if we did not make the required changes.

Setbacks

Closed!!

The show must go on…

Success!

What we learned

• Fake blood stains carpets

• and tile grout

• and walls

• and skin.

• Students need firm boundaries (no, you can’t use actual dead chickens)

• We don’t do purchase reimbursements

• Everything is flammable

• Approval

• Budget and resources

• Location

• Staffing and motivation

• Safety

• Contingency plans

• Assessment

Starting a new tradition

• Staffing and Motivation

• Location

• Budget and resources

• Approval

• Safety

• Contingency plans

• Assessment

• Your Department• Environmental Health and Safety - Event planning forms, liability release forms

• Fire Marshal (code compliance)

• Police or security (traffic flow issues, community service officers)

• Food Services (event food waivers or requests)

• Legal concerns and other liability

Approval –Let Me Hear You Say Yes!

Haunted House drapery and supports $2500

Plastic Katanas

$10

7’ tall clowns that make children cry

Priceless

Assemble your troops• Start early• Interest meeting• Motivate and inspire • Brainstorm • Narrow the focus• Pick a theme • Set goals and deadlines• Lay out expectations and rules• Encourage them to bring a friend• Provide reminders• Regroup and re-motivate• Don’t give up• Remember the big picture• Accept people as they are

• What is in the budget?• Can you ask for additional funds or resources?

- Your department

- Student organizations

- Combining with other departments

- Local businesses (donations of goods or services)• Should you fundraise?• Should you charge participants?• Clean out the closets

Resources – Beg, borrow, and steal

Black lights + highlighters =

cheap fun

How long can you eat grape jelly?

Location, location, location

• How many participants are you expecting?

• What are your specific needs?

• How long will you need the facility?

• What are the restrictions and requirements?

• How will you staff your event?

• How much will it cost?

Safety

• Fire and building codes• Temporary easements• Staff training• Emergency equipment (flashlights, first-aid kit,

fire extinguisher)• Posted warning signs• Have a plan for participants with special needs

Advertisement – They can’t go if they don’t know

• Facebook, myspace, social networking sights• Twitter• Blogs• Websites• Radio • Newspapers• Public service announcements• Fliers• Word of mouth• Personal invitations• Club meetings• Napkin dispensers and table tents• Posters and banners• Orientation packets

Double Tap

Not just for Zombies anymore

The University of Alaska Fairbanks presents:

Alice’s Wicked Wonderland

Skarland Residence Hall

October 31st, 2010

8pm-10pm

$2 for adults

Free children 12

and under

Have a Plan B• Weather • Vendor or special guests late or absent• Student volunteers quit• Resources fall through

Assessment

Before you begin, ask “How will we measure our success?”

• Funds raised• Number of participants• Number of student volunteers• Lack of injuries/incidents• Reduction in campus alcohol violations or other

crime• Positive feedback (surveys, word of mouth)

Planting seeds for tomorrow

• Who will continue your new tradition?

• Document your success (photos, blogs, video, websites)

• Document your process and plan ahead

• Publicize your tradition

• Teach others

• Involve others

• Be flexible

2009 2006

+ 500 guests

+ $700.00

+ 35 participants

Your turn to plant the seeds of tradition

Much thanks and appreciation to the following contributors

• Trevor Gillespie and Jessica Zaydak (photo contributions)

• www.pdx.edu• www.uaf.edu• www.alaska.edu• www.oregonstate.edu• www.washington.edu• www.uoregon.edu• www.pugetsound.edu• www.willamette.edu• www.cwu.edu• www.gonzaga.edu• www.mtroyal.ca