Announcements
If you would like to submit items to be included in the Student Activities announcement emails to go to student organization leaders, please ensure that they adhere to the protocol detailed below. Once you have confirmed this, please email them to Dawn Sienko at least one week in advance of the date on which you wish them to be sent.
Requirements
In an effort to ensure that students read our emails and do not disregard them as spam, we require that items are:
- Targeted to student organizations specifically and not broad announcements for all students;
- Coming from a department, organization, or other internal Carnegie Mellon source;
- As brief as possible
April 2013
Week of April 29
SPENDING CUTOFF DEADLINE FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: FRIDAY, MAY 10th 5:00 PM
In preparation for the Student Government closing process and the University’s closing process, the deadline for all student organization spending requests is Friday, May 10th at 5:00pm. This is to ensure we are able to meet the additional internal closing deadlines established by the university. All transaction requests must be submitted to the Student Activities office by this time. This deadline covers all deposits, reimbursements, check requests, purchase orders, payments to individuals, and Tartan card transactions.
Groups that need to spend money past this deadline must request authorization beforehand from the Student Activities office. These requests must also be received by May 10th and contain specifics on what is being purchased and why it needs to take place after the spending cutoff. Payment requests received after May 10th without prior authorization will not be processed. If you have any questions about this policy or if you have summer spending planned, contact Abigail Fasulo at afasulo@andrew.cmu.edu.
Requests for surplus funds to be rolled over into next year's budget must be made to the Student Body Vice President for Finance (SBVPF) in late May/early June. Similarly, requests for debt forgiveness will also be made to the SBVPF. Please note that this applies only to JFC funded organizations. Organization accounts that receive no funding from the JFC automatically roll over into the next fiscal year. The SBVPF will be contacting organizations shortly with a specific process and timeline regarding the rollover request and debt forgiveness process. Any questions can be directed to the SBVPF at sbvpf@andrew.cmu.edu.
FISCAL CLOSE CONTACTS:
It is imperative that Student Activities be able to contact organization members that are responsible for financial decisions during the month of June. Please make sure that your contact information in The Bridge is up to date using this link.
Each organization must have a Summer Contact person designated who is best able to answer any questions about your organizations financial transactions. Please complete the Fiscal 2013 Summer Contact Information Form on The Bridge as soon as possible to ensure we have this contact information prior to fiscal close. To access the form, you must COPY AND PASTE this link into your web browser: https://thebridge.cmu.edu/form/start/21691
SUMMER SPENDING:
Organizations hoping to summer spend must provide a valid reason for needing to spend past the May 10th cutoff date. Summer spending means spending between May 10th and June 7th. All university books and accounts are closed starting the final weeks of June, meaning spending across campus is frozen. Your account will be available for spending again in late July.
If you would like to request summer spending you will need to submit the following information for consideration to Abigail Fasulo by 5/10/13.
• Reason for summer spending
• An overview of what your summer spending entails (what you are trying to do and why)
• Timeline for specific events and purchases (i.e. dates)
• Number of suppliers intending to purchase from
• Total amount intending to spend
***Please note that spending for orientations in August is NOT considered summer spending***
CRITICAL DONATION/DONOR INFORMATION:
It has been brought to our attention that some sensitive information regarding “Anonymous” donors is appearing in our Financial System, which can be viewed by Authorized Signers in The Bridge. Donors who request to be “Anonymous” do not wish to have their names released and therefore do not require a Thank You.
We are currently working with Advancement to determine how best to correct this issue, but in the meantime it is imperative that you refrain from releasing information about your donors in conversation, in writing or in printed materials. We recognize that many of you want to acknowledge your donors via a Thank You, however. Therefore, you need to contact Niccole Atwell (atwell@andrew.cmu.edu ) in University Advancement for a list of donors you are able to publicly acknowledge.
TIPS FOR STAYING ON TOP OF YOUR FINANCES:
We realize that Spring is an exceptionally busy time for student organization activity, with finals fast on the heels of Spring Carnival and spending cutoff shortly after that! Therefore here are important tips to ensure that you are able to stay on top of your organization’s finances throughout.
1. Tighten up your internal tracking controls: Be sure to log every payment request, reimbursement, JE request, on campus purchase, Tartan Card purchase, deposit and expected incoming transfer immediately before submitting it to the office for processing.
2. Remind all organization members to submit reimbursement receipts immediately after purchasing. This may seem like a minor thing, but the faster you are submitting reimbursements for processing, the more accurate your account balance will be. This helps to inform important closing decisions and rollover/debt forgiveness requests to ensure your organization begins the new fiscal year in a strong position.
3. Submit any cash box requests via email to Tiffany Priester at least 2 business days prior to pick up. This time of year has many groups requesting cash boxes, and unfortunately we’re not always able to accommodate all requests due to the limited number of cash boxes and starter cash we have available. Cash boxes and starter cash requests are approved on a first come, first serve basis.
If you have any questions about transactions that have yet to hit your account, please contact Abigail Fasulo.
Week of April 15, 2013
1. First Annual Student Organization Award Recognition (SOAR)
The Office of Student Activities would like to present the first Annual Student Organization Award Recognition (SOAR) honors to recognize Student Government Recognized Student Organizations, officers/members, and advisors at Carnegie Mellon University. During the reception to be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 5pm in Danforth Lounge, Student Activities will present awards and recognition for outstanding achievements in the following categories:
Outstanding Student Organization
Outstanding Student Organization Program
Outstanding Student Organization Leader
Outstanding Student Organization Advisor
For award descriptions and how to submit a nomination please visit: www.cmu.edu/studentactivities/info/soar/index.html
2. STUDENT LEADERS NEEDED FOR SLEEPING BAG WEEKEND
Think back to when you received your CMU Fat Letter? What influenced you to choose Carnegie Mellon?
Greetings from the Office of Admission! Hosting 175 high school seniors on a Sunday night is a big undertaking and we really need your help with hosting for the April SBW: April 14-15.
As we prepare to enter our busiest month of the year, we graciously request your help as an Overnight Ambassador during the month of April, particularly for the April Sleeping Bag Weekend. As you may know, the month of April is an exciting time of year for our office. It is a time when we invite ADMITTED students to visit campus as they finalize their university search and decision. Admitted students want to have a true-to-life college experience, so if you have preparations for Carnival or a group meeting, you can bring the admitted student with you!
Hosting Is Easy! Please visit the following website, enter your Andrew ID and password, and REGISTER TODAY:
https://webapp.as.cmu.edu/ntia/host
• We are looking for current students to host during the April Sleeping Bag Weekend: April 14-15, 2012
Thank you! The Office of Admission wouldn't be able to put on Sleeping Bag Weekend events without your help!
3. Join the Late Night page on The Bridge to receive updates about upcoming events and proposal submission deadlines!
January 2013
Week of January 14, 2013
1. Winter Gala: CITYSCAPES
Friday, January 18
9pm-1am -- University Center
Join the Division of Student Affairs as we host the 11th Annual Winter Gala –highlighting 10 different cities from around the world . Gamble in the Monte Carlo Casino, surf Sydney’s waves on the Robo Surfer, test your skills on Cape Town’s Mechanical Great White Shark Attack, or simply relax at the Parisian coffee shop! Visit all 10 rooms and be eligible for the Grand Prize totaling over $250! You won’t want to miss this FREE event. Tell your friends!
2. Tartan Olympics
Saturday, January 26
6pm-9pm – University Center
Get your team together for the 5th annual Tartan Olympics and have a chance to win $500 for your student organization (or a charity of your choice). Are you the best at dodgeball, karaoke, or trivia? Know someone who can devour the competition in an eating contest? Register your team today for this evening of guaranteed fun sponsored by the Athletics Department.
Here is a link to the registration form: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHNOb1hacFo0VlZJczVCSC01TndNN0E6MQ#gid=0
3. Applications for Funding
The Andrew Carnegie Society of Scholars and Holleran Scholars invite recognized student organizations to apply for funding
for a project or program that will increase the sense of community on Carnegie Mellon’s Campus. Community building on
campus could include instilling pride and spirit on campus, bringing together students from the different colleges on campus
or anything else that would allow students to develop a stronger tie to campus.
Applications can be found at: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/StudentActivities/index.html
4. December 2012 Financial information has been imported to The Bridge and should be reflected in your accounts. Please contact us with any issues or questions!
5. Authorized Signers Training – For New Organizations and Officer Transitions
Spring Authorized Signer trainings are primarily for new organizations and those undergoing officer transitions. All student organizations recognized by Student Government, that have accounts held in the Office of Student Activities, should have up to two Authorized Signers. The purpose of this training is to go into more detail regarding the financial processes and procedures for accessing and spending your student organization monies.
Authorized Signer training is mandatory for all student organization Authorized Signers. Please register for a session so that we may gain a clear picture of which groups plan to attend.
*Organizations may not access their accounts until they have at least one Authorized Signer
To register to attend one of the Authorized Signer Training sessions, please visit The Bridge by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/11344
Meeting Dates and Locations:
Thursday, January 24 | 5:00-7:00 p.m. | DH A302
Friday, January 25| 4:30-6:30 p.m. | MM A14
6. NEW Authorized Signer Quiz
We have implemented an Authorized Signer Quiz this academic year. All students who attend Authorized Signer training must take and obtain a passing score of 90% at minimum, in order to become an official Authorized Signer. The students who served as an Authorized Signer for their organization last fiscal year, may opt to take this quiz in lieu of training. In order to exempt training, you must meet the following criteria:
• Served as an Authorized Signer for an organization in the past year
• Must take and receive notification of passing the quiz no later than Wednesday, January 23rd
• Must score 92% or above in order to pass (i.e. answer 25 out of 27 questions correctly)
*If you meet the above criteria email Tiffany Priester (twilder@andrew.cmu.edu ) no later than Friday, January 18th to be registered on Blackboard for the Authorized Signer Quiz.
Only after you have received notification that you have passed will you be updated in The Bridge as an official Authorized Signer for your organization.
7. Reimbursement Forms
**Please note that individuals receiving reimbursements must now indicate whether they are a United States Citizen or a United States Taxing Resident. This is a result of the FCPA Protocol found here: http://www.cmu.edu/ogc/fcpa/
NEW Direct Deposit Form for Reimbursements
We are excited to announce that Accounts Payable has developed a new direct deposit form that does not require a blank check to be attached. For those students who purchase a great deal out of pocket, this option provides a more efficient solution to receiving your reimbursement funds electronically, as Accounts Payable does electronic payments more frequently than paper check payments. With the R12 Financial Upgrade last Spring, the address listed on the reimbursement form must match the address listed for the individual in the university system. We’ve had issues with students moving and Accounts Payable not being able to mail checks to the new address listed on the reimbursement form. Therefore, an additional benefit of direct deposit is that regardless of whether a student moves, he or she will receive his/her reimbursement payment without delay, as the bank account information remains the same.
If you are interested the form can be accessed through this link: http://www.cmu.edu/finance/forms/files/EFT_req.pdf.
Please feel free to email Abigail Fasulo (afasulo@andrew.cmu.edu) with any questions regarding this form
October 2012
Week of October 8, 2012
Interested in your organization hosting a Late Night event?
Spots are still open for Late Night this fall!!
October 27th would be a great time to plan a Halloween themed Late Night event!
& 30th are also open for any organization that is interested in hosting an event.
In order to reserve a Late Night spot, please log onto the Bridge and become a member of the Late Night page.
Fill out the Late Night Proposal form, found under the forms tab.
Not sure what exactly a Late Night event is? Explore the Bridge Late Night profile, as well as the Late Night Student Planning Checklist (found under documents).
Please forward any questions to Sarah Fiore (sfiore@andrew.cmu.edu).
PACE - Organization service opportunities for non-service orgs
Hello, My name is Emily Feenstra and I am a student intern this semester for PACE (Partners Allied in Civic Engagement). PACE is an initiative between Student Activities and Student Life to connect efforts in community service, philanthropy, and advocacy on our campus. I am reaching out to you, as the leader of a student organization, to let you know what PACE is and offer our assistance.
If your organization is interested in working more in the community, or simply volunteering once for member bonding, we are more than happy to help you find the right opportunity. For example, Family House, a nearby community organization, provides temporary housing for families that travel to Pittsburgh to receive medical care. Family House is looking for small groups of people to bake cookies, make appetizers, or even host a Asian food night for residents! If you are interested in planning a service opportunity specifically for your organization or connecting with service opportunities already available, please email me at efeenstr@andrew.cmu.edu.
Blood Drive Hosts Needed
Organization hosts are needed to support blood drives for the Central Blood Bank and American Red Cross. Hosts schedule donors, publicize the drive on-campus, and assist at the drive by checking donors in and distributing snacks once the donation is complete. Email Liz at eav@andrew.cmu.edu to secure the blood drive your organization would like to host.
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Monday , October 29, 2012
Drive Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Peter, Wright
CENTRAL BLOOD BANK: Wednesday, December 10, 2012
Drive Hours: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, Rangos 3
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Drive Hours:10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Rangos 1
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Drive Hours: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Rangos 1
Bhangra in the Burgh Student Service Grant
Bhangra in the Burgh, after a very successful show last year is proud to present one of its newest initiatives - the Bhangra in the Burgh Student Service Grant. As we owe our success over the past 5 years primarily to the support of all the students, departments and organizations on campus, we recognized the need for us to give back to the campus community. The main purpose of this initiative is to foster service projects created/led by students here at CMU and empower students with the monetary resources to facilitate a positive change.
In its first year, with 25% of show proceeds being offered, the amount in the grant this year is $2800. If your organization is involved in community and social change and you are looking for funds to facilitate your projects, we ask you to apply for the grant before the deadline of October 21st, 2012. The grant application and details can be found here - http://www.filedropper.com/finalbibgrantc
We look forward to receiving your application!
September 2012
Week of September 10, 2012
Carnegie Clan Chili Cook-Off: Team Sign-Up
Carnegie Clan is hosting its annual Chili Cook-Off Competition Saturday, October 6th from noon to 2:30pm during Céilidh weekend. The cook-off is an event where Carnegie Clan gives out free mugs, free tshirts and free chili! Each team that participates in the competition will need to make at least two quarts of chili that will be judged on its taste by all students and alumni who attend the event. Four prizes will be awarded including People's Choice. If you are interested in more details or signing up a team, please email Rachel Bordin at rbordin@andrew.cmu.edu with a team name and any questions. Teams can have as many members as you would like. Please sign up your teams by Wednesday, September 26th.
Call for Booth Chairs
Carnegie Mellon University's 99th Spring Carnival is right around the corner and Carnival Committee is already beginning the planning. We are looking for organizations who would like to participate in booth this spring. If your organization is interested please send your booth chairs’ names and emails to sc0v@andrew.cmu.edu by September the 17th and mark your calendars for the first mandatory booth meeting where the Carnival theme will be voted on Tuesday ,September 25th at 5:30 in DH 2315.
Student Organization Success Series: Upcoming Workshops
Please search in Events on The Bridge (thebridge.cmu.edu) and RSVP through the event at least two business days before the workshop.
Driving Your Organization
Friday, September 14th | Noon—1pm | Dowd, UC
Presenter: Tim Leonard, Coordinator of Student Activities
As a leader of your organization, setting the tone and getting off on the right foot for your group can make all the difference. What you do now can help make your group stronger throughout the semester and make it easier to troubleshoot through the issues. Come to this brown bag lunch discussion on learn what tips and tools will help you, as well as learn from other student leader successes and challenges.
DJs, Speakers, & Comedians Oh My!
Tuesday, September 18th | 5-6pm | Wright, UC
Presenter: Ben Davis, Coordinator of Student Activities
From sending out a bid to negotiating a contract to figuring out what a rider entails… Come learn the best practices for contracting an individual or a group.
Trains, Planes & Automobiles
Friday, September 28th | Noon-1pm | Dowd, UC
Presenter: Tiffany Priester, Student Activities Financial Assistant
Does your group plan to travel this year? Whether it is a car or bus rental across the state or plane ride to Florida or Honduras, please come find out how the Office of Student Activities can help you in this brown bag session. Tiffany will walk through best practices as it relates to trip reservations, preferred vendors, and financial payment options available to your group.
Student Organization Leadership Training: Last two sessions!
There are only two more Student Organization Leadership training sessions left.
Tuesday, September 11 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. MM A14
Wednesday, September 12 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. MM A14
At least one member from each organization should attend one of these sessions. This is mandatory and will provide relevant information to get your organization on the right foot for the year. Please register for the training session that you are attending by copying and pasting the following link into your browser: https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/11353
Late Night Fall Schedule & Open Spots
Want to find out which student organizations are hosting Late Night events this semester?
Become a member of the Late Night page on The Bridge and view the full Late Night schedule for the fall semester! Also find out how your organization can host a Late Night event. There are still a few spots open for the fall semester; November 16th, 17th, & 30th. Submit a proposal today on The Bridge!
http://thebridge.cmu.edu/organization/latenight
Student Organization Authorized Signers Training: Last scheduled session
All student organizations recognized by Student Government, that have accounts held in the Office of Student Activities, should have up to two Authorized Signers. The purpose of this training is to go into more detail regarding the financial processes and procedures for accessing and spending your student organization monies.
Authorized Signer training is mandatory for all student organization Authorized Signers. This year, the office is requesting that individuals register for this session in order to gain a clear picture of which groups attend and to gather Authorized Signer information for our office's use.
*Organizations may not begin spending until they have at least one Authorized Signer
To register to attend the last scheduled Authorized Signer Training session, please visit The Bridge by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/11344
Meeting Date and Location:
Wednesday, September 12 | 4:30-7:30 p.m. | MM A14
August 2012
Week of August 27, 2012
Greetings Student Organization Leaders!
The staff from the Office of Student Activities is excited to welcome you back to a new academic year and look forward to working with you in support of the many phenomenal student initiatives that contribute to the student experience on the Carnegie Mellon campus. Please read on for some important updates and information about kicking off the fall semester.
UPDATES & NEWS
Staffing
Please join us in welcoming Tim Leonard to Student Activities. With his Masters degree in Student Affairs Administration and Student Activities experience at Williams College, Tim is already a great addition to the office. He will be working with Winter Gala, Senior Events, Pittsburgh Connections, and club sports, in addition to supporting his direct advisees and assisting with ad hoc advising.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION IMPORTANT DATES
Student Organization Leadership Training
This mandatory training session for student government recognized organizations is held multiple times at the beginning of fall semesters. In addition to updating student organizations on important processes and procedures, there will be information on successfully navigating The Bridge as a student leader.
Space will be limited at each session, so we ask that you RSVP by copying and pasting the following link: https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/11353 to reserve your place. We highly recommend several individuals from your organization attend. Please have each person RSVP individually and within two business days of the session.
Meeting Dates and Locations:
Thursday, September 6|4:30 - 6pm|MM A14
Monday, September 10|7:30 - 9pm|DH 1212
Tuesday, September 11|4:30 - 6pm|MM A14
Wednesday, September 12|7:30 - 9pm|MM A14
Financial Updates & News
Student Organization Authorized Signers Training
All student organizations recognized by Student Government, that have accounts held in the Office of Student Activities, should have up to two Authorized Signers. The purpose of this training is to go into more detail regarding the financial processes and procedures for accessing and spending your student organization monies. Authorized Signer training is mandatory for all student organization Authorized Signers. This year, the office is requesting that individuals register for this session in order to gain a clear picture of which groups attend and to gather Authorized Signer information for our office's use.
*Organizations may not begin spending until they have at least one Authorized Signer
To register to attend one of the Authorized Signer Training sessions, please visit The Bridge by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser: https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/11344
Meeting Dates and Locations:
Tuesday, September 4 | 4:30-7:30pm|UC Rangos 1
Thursday, September 6 | 6:00-9:00p.m|DH 1212
Monday, September 10 |4:30-7:30pm|DH 2210
Wednesday, September 12 |4:30-7:30pm|MM A14
NEW Authorized Signer Quiz
We are implementing an Authorized Signer Quiz this academic year. All students who attend Authorized Signer training must take and obtain a passing score of 90% at minimum, in order to become an official Authorized Signer. The students who served as Authorized Signers for an organization this past fiscal year may opt to take this quiz in lieu of training. In order to exempt training, you must meet the following criteria:
• Served as an Authorized Signer for an organization in the past year
• Must take and receive notification of passing the quiz no later than Friday, September 7th
• Must score 90% or above in order to pass (i.e. answer 26 out of 29 questions correctly)
*If you meet the above criteria email Tiffany Priester (twilder@andrew.cmu.edu ) no later than Friday, August 31st to be registered on Blackboard for the Authorized Signer Quiz.
Only after you have received notification that you have passed will you be updated in The Bridge as an official Authorized Signer for your organization.
University Credit Cards
Student organizations can apply for a Tartan Trust Card (TTC) to purchase university-related expenses specific to the needs of their student organization. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• The organization must have an advisor/supervisor of record that is a university faculty or staff member willing to assume responsibility for the advisement and justification of purchases.
• The intended student card holder is capable of being entered into the University’s payroll system.
• The organization must have an established account with the university and an oracle string.
• Intended Card Holder must be available for training on Wednesday, September, 26th from 4:30-6:30 pm in UC Pake.
Applications will be available on The Bridge starting Wednesday, August 29, 2012 and are due by 6 p.m. on September 14th, 2012. Late applications will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding the student organization TTC program, please see Abigail Fasulo in the Office of Student Activities. https://cmu.collegiatelink.net/form/start/12084 (Please note that this link must be copy and pasted into your browser in order to work).
NEW Direct Deposit Form for Reimbursements
We are excited to announce that Accounts Payable has developed a new direct deposit form that does not require a blank check to be attached.
For those students who purchase a great deal out of pocket, this option provides a more efficient solution to receiving your reimbursement funds electronically, as Accounts Payable does electronic payments more frequently than paper check payments. With the R12 Financial Upgrade last Spring, the address listed on the reimbursement form must now match the address listed for the individual in the university system. We’ve had issues with students moving and Accounts Payable not being able to mail checks to the new address listed on the reimbursement form. Therefore, an additional benefit of direct deposit is that regardless of whether a student moves, he or she will receive his/her reimbursement payment without delay, as the bank account information remains the same.
If you are interested the form can be accessed through this link: http://www.cmu.edu/finance/forms/files/EFT_req.pdf . Please feel free to email Abigail Fasulo (afasulo@andrew.cmu.edu) with any questions regarding this form.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT , PROMOTION & RESOURCES
Space Access
Organizations with space in the University Center, East Campus Garage, the Frame Gallery, and/or the Margaret Morrison storefronts must designate one or two Keycard Administrators within their organization to facilitate and manage member access to their assigned spaces. To manage and facilitate access to your space(s) has moved from OrgTracker to The Bridge. To obtain more information and instruction on this process, please visit http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/studentactivities/info/space/access.html.
UC 3rd Floor Copier
The University Center Allocations Board (UCAB) was able to recently purchase a refurbished copier for all recognized student organizations to have access to on the 3rd floor of the UC (after exiting the elevator head left down the hallway and then left again after the ladies bathroom). Copies are $.05 and will be billed to your student organization account on a monthly basis. Many of our organizations utilized the old copier and received a specific organization copy code. If you do not recall your copy code, then please head down to the Office of Student Activities. If your organization does not have an assigned copy code, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://thebridge.cmu.edu/form/start/12970 to request one.
Blood Drive Hosts Needed
Organization hosts are needed to support blood drives for the Central Blood Bank and American Red Cross. Hosts schedule donors, publicize the drive on-campus, and assist at the drive by checking donors in and distributing snacks once the donation is complete. For a list of available dates or sign-up as a hosting organization, email Liz at eav@andrew.cmu.edu. **There is a particular need for 1-2 host organizations for a drive supporting the AMERICAN RED CROSS: Monday, September 17, 2012 and another supporting the CENTRAL BLOOD BANK: Wednesday, December 10, 2012.
We look forward to seeing you at the Activities Fair and Training Sessions soon. As always, please don't hesitate to get in touch with any of us so we can best serve your organization.
Best of luck as you begin the semester,
Liz, Kaycee, Ben, Tim, Abigail, Tiffany, & Dawn
The Student Activities Team
Week of August 20, 2012
1. The Bridge First Time Recognized Student Organizations Registration Reminder
2. Registration Incentive
3. Activities Fair Registration
4. Student Organization Space Request Form & Keycard Admin Instructions
5. Financial News
6. The Bridge: Creating an Event Tip and Linking to Facebook
7. The Bridge’s Student Leader User Guide
____________________________________________________________
The Bridge First Time Recognized Student Organizations Registration Reminder
All Student Government recognized student organizations should complete the registration process in The Bridge by going to thebridge.cmu.edu. OrgTracker will no longer be used as the organization management platform. Log in with your andrew ID in the top right corner of the site and navigate to your organization’s page either by using the search feature or clicking on the appropriate letter on the ‘organizations’ tab. Click the ‘register your organization’ button to complete this short process.
Please refer to the Student Organization Announcement sent out the week of July 20th regarding an introduction to The Bridge (http://www.cmu.edu/studentactivities/announcements/index.html).
Registration Incentive
While we feel you will find The Bridge to be an amazing site and a great way to get the word out about your organization and events, we thought we would give you an extra incentive to have your profile looking its best by the Activities Fair. Groups who complete their profile (including updated profile description, one news story, and at least one photograph in your photo gallery) by September 4th can submit their groups Bridge URL to Ben Davis (bendavis@andrew.cmu.edu). The names of all of those groups will be put into a random drawing with the winner getting $200.00 for their organization from Student Activities.
It couldn’t get any easier to make $200 for your organization, so we look forward to seeing all the wonderful student group profiles you will submit!
Activities Fair Registration
Activities Fair registration is open! The Activities Fair will be held on Wed, Sept 5th from 4:30-6:30pm on the CFA Lawn (rain location: Wiegand Gym). The link to the Activities Fair registration form is available on the last page of the First Time Recognized Student Organization Registration form. Your Activities Fair registration will not be valid until you have submitted the First Time Recognized Student Organization Registration form in The Bridge. If your organization has already submitted the registration form and do not have the Activities Fair link, then the individual who submitted the form can go to “My Involvements” (located in the top menu bar) and click on “Submissions” and access the form there.
Student Organization Space Request Form & Keycard Admin Instructions
Organizations with space in the University Center, East Campus Garage, the Frame Gallery, and/or the Margaret Morrison storefronts must designate one or two Keycard Administrators within their organization to facilitate and manage member access to their assigned spaces.
Organization members or Keycard Administrator(s) (on behalf of members) will have the functionality to request access through the Student Organization Space Access Request form that is located in the organization’s form section in The Bridge. Please visit http://www.cmu.edu/studentactivities/info/space/access.html to obtain instructions and more information.
Financial News
We are excited to announce a higher level of financial functionality made possible through The Bridge. All organizations will have access to a Finance section that will house both their organization and gift account information. Select members of organization leadership will have access to this module in order to track and verify monthly financial transactions. Starting this Fall, we will be importing financial data, every other week, directly from the university’s financial system into The Bridge. This innovation will provide student leaders with more regular access to account data and real time transactions within their accounts. More detailed information will be provided during Authorized Signer Training.
The Bridge: Creating an Event Tip and Linking to Facebook
When you create an event through your organization on The Bridge, please make sure that your title is specific. Our office has seen a lot of “General Body Meetings,” but students will need to click on the event to see who is hosting that meeting. It might be helpful to add your organization name to the event title in these cases. Also, make sure the flier you attach to your event (and will be posted on The Bridge flier board is simple and to the point. Individuals will be able to click on the flier to obtain more information. It does not have to be the same flier that you are posting on bulletin boards that will have lots of information on it.
You will have the ability to add your organization’s Facebook wall feed to your Bridge Organization profile. Please note that “Pages” are the only feeds that will properly sync to The Bridge. You may have noticed that “Group” pages will show an error on your organization profile.
The Bridge: Student Leader User Guide
Each organization has its own site where members can collaborate in discussion posts, events, photos, and other online features. As a student leader, you control the majority of these features. If you are interested in more information functionality and modification of your profiles and settings, then please visit: http://www.cmu.edu/studentactivities/info/userguide/index.html
Week of July 30, 2012
1. Transition from OrgTracker to The Bridge: August 8th access to first-year students
2. Activities Fair Registration
3. Blood Drive Hosts Needed
4. Late Night Hosts Needed
Transition from OrgTracker to ‘The Bridge’
With the help of a committee of student leaders, a new organization management platform has been selected to replace OrgTracker and eventually, BudgetTracker. The Bridge has increased functionality for student leaders, organization members, and your average CMU community member. The Bridge is going to serve as the comprehensive involvement tool on campus, now including Greek Life, house communities, annual campus programs, campus departments that provide significant programming for students, and of course, student organizations! Any individual with an active andrew ID can log into the system with their andrew ID and password, creating a user profile. Organizations will have their own profiles that will act as the ‘face’ of the organization and allow you to advertise your group and your events more effectively. Functionality in the system includes roster management, communication tools (including an opt-in texting functionality), integration with social media, creating and advertising events through the campus flyerboard, uploading documents and pictures, and (soon to come!) managing your finances. The Bridge will be student organizations one stop shop for your organization business!
We have imported much of your organization’s information from OrgTracker, but to have the most robust profile, you will need to complete the First Time Recognized Student Organization Registration process. On Wednesday, August 8th we will be launching the site to FIRST YEAR STUDENTS. The Bridge will be rolled out to upperclassmen at the start of the academic year. Because first years will be consistently sent to The Bridge through Orientation and their house communities, we want to make sure student organizations are well represented so that first years can begin exploring all of their options prior to moving in and long before the Activities Fair. It is in your organization’s best interest to complete the registration process prior to first years having access to The Bridge.
**To complete the registration process in The Bridge, go to cmu.collegiatelink.net (a vanity URL will replace this shortly). Log in with your andrew ID in the top right corner of the site and navigate to your organization’s page either by using the search feature or clicking on the appropriate letter on the ‘organizations’ tab. Click the ‘register your organization’ button to complete this short process.
Please note that the site, including the branding of the site, will continue to evolve until we officially launch to the whole campus. A student leader user guide is attached to this email to help you make the most of the functionality in The Bridge. Trainings will be held throughout the fall semester as well.
Activities Fair Registration
Activities Fair registration is now open! The Activities Fair will be held on Wed, Sept 5th from 4:30-6:30pm on the CFA Lawn (rain location: Wiegand Gym). The link to the Activities Fair registration form is available as the final step of the First Time Recognized Student Organization Registration process. Your Activities Fair registration will not be valid until you have completed the First Time Recognized Student Organization Registration process in The Bridge.
Blood Drive Hosts Needed
Organization hosts are needed to support blood drives for the Central Blood Bank and American Red Cross. Hosts schedule donors, publicize the drive on-campus, and assist at the drive by checking donors in and distributing snacks once the donation is complete. Email Liz at eav@andrew.cmu.edu to secure the blood drive your organization would like to host.
Central Blood Bank: Friday, August 31, 2012
American Red Cross: Monday, September 17, 2012
Central Blood Bank: Thursday, October 25, 2012
American Red Cross: Monday, November 12, 2012
Central Blood Bank: Wednesday, December 10, 2012
American Red Cross: Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Central Blood Bank: Thursday, February 14, 2013
American Red Cross: Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Central Blood Bank: Thursday, March 28, 2013
American Red Cross: Friday, April 12, 2013
Central Blood Bank: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Late Night Hosts Needed
Interested in a hosting a Late Night event this fall? Looking for a way to market your organization to the incoming first-years? We are still in need of hosts on Saturday, Sept 1 and Saturday, Sept 8. Host organizations will receive funding from the Late Night budget to support their event. If interested, visit the Late Night website to submit a proposal.
http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/StudentActivities/latenight/hosting.html
