



WELCOME LETTER
Welcome Letter from Your President
WHAT IS BUSU?
• Mission
• Vision
• Values
• The Importance & Benefits of Clubs
• Club System
WHAT ARE BUSU CLUBS?
• Club Pillars
• Perks of Running a Club
• Club Contacts
RESOURCES
• Creating a Strong Team
• Funding
• Budget and Funding Presentations
• Event Planning
• ExperienceBU
• Clubs Training
• Social Media Guide
RATIFICATION
ELECTIONS
EVENTS
• Risk Management
• Contact Information
• Event Time Frames
• Events with Food
• Fundraising
• Partnerships
CLUB PAGES
POLICIES
YEAR AT A GLANCE
Hello and welcome to the world of BUSU Clubs! The Brock University Students’ Union is so happy to embark on this journey with you to help you get the most out of your Brock experience!
BUSU Clubs is home to over 100+ student run clubs. Clubs are an essential component of Brock student life and one of the most important services provided by BUSU. As a member of our clubs’ community, you will have access to services including bookings, funding, graphic design and many more!
The BUSU Clubs team has created this handbook to assist you in navigating and understanding the policies and procedures surrounding clubs. Returning and new clubs will find this handbook useful as it contains information on the BUSU Clubs policies, event planning, risk management (SERMA) and other BUSU services.
We thank you for your dedication to BUSU clubs and we are looking forward to embarking on this journey with you.
Sincerely,
The BUSU Clubs Team
Dear Clubs and Societies,
Welcome to a new and exciting academic year at Brock University! On behalf of the Brock University Students' Union (BUSU), my heartfelt welcome to all new and returning club members and leaders to our community.
Clubs and societies are the lifeline of student life at Brock, providing students with several opportunities for personal growth, community building, and unforgettable experiences. Different students have distinct reasons for joining a club, whether it's to pursue a passion, make friends, or gain transferable skills. Regardless of the motivation, BUSU is here to support you throughout the process, ensuring you take away memorable experiences.
I began my journey with BUSU by joining a club and eventually went on to start a new one. This rollercoaster of fun and learning has taken me a long way here at Brock, helping me develop as an individual. I encourage you all to dive in, get involved, and make the most of the incredible opportunities available to you through BUSU clubs.
This handbook is designed to be your treasure for everything related to club operations. Our goal continues to empower you with the resources and knowledge you need to facilitate and thrive.
Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. Let's make this year one of the best yet!
From,
Anusha Pahuja
The Brock University Students' Union (BUSU) is a student-powered not-for-profit organization that represents the over 17,000 undergraduate students at Brock University.
BUSU is student led and student run with a student Board of Directors, appointed student executives, a student council and over 200+ student jobs. Along with full-time staff and part-time student staff in various roles, BUSU aims to serve it's members by providing a variety of services such as transit, health and dental, events, food services, advocacy campaigns and, best of all, clubs, to make the best student experience possible. For more information, please visit brockbusu.ca.
To foster an ever-improving Student Experience that is transformational, enriching, and empowering. Our singular focus at BUSU is to create the best student experience ever. However, the word best leaves us undefined, so we will instead improve the student experience every day to achieve being the best. The student experience encompasses the personal, social, and educational journey we all go through at Brock.
To cultivate a generation of students that intently shape our world. The ultimate work of BUSU is the realization of our vision. All our efforts, objectives, and resources aim to foster generations of students with the mindset, skillset, and tools to be transformative global citizens. During their time at Brock and much after, students continue to intently create a positive impact on the world that echoes into future generations.
We are diverse, inclusive, & equitable. We understand that people have unique lived experiences, seeing and thinking about the world through different intersectional lenses. We’re leaders. We set the pace, stand up for what we believe, and won’t settle for mediocrity. We’re accountable. Trust us to be transparent and always prioritize the needs of students. We’re fun. Expect us to bring the excitement and show up with enthusiasm every day. We’re here to do good. We do the right things for the right reasons and uphold the highest of integrity.
Clubs and organizations are formed based on leisure and recreational interest. Students may wish to pursue membership in these types of clubs for personal enjoyment, as well as an opportunity to meet people with the same interest.
Networking Opportunities:
Networking allows a student to meet other students and professionals who share similar goals and interests. Students can also gain knowledge and tools that will help them achieve their current and future interests and ambitions.
2.
Participating in clubs can provide you with useful expertise in implementing procedures and regulations. These systems aid in the comprehension of organizational structure as well as the development of these crucial skills.
3.
Resume Builder
Being in a club is great experience to put on your resume. After your graduation, when you apply for jobs, you will stand out amongst your peers.
Teamwork
Being a member of a club teaches you how to work within a team by putting you in scenarios where you must both accept and give guidance. Joining a club can help you expand your network while also teaching you valuable skills.
Joining student clubs allows you to meet a diverse group of people, allowing you to broaden your horizons and interests. It promotes personal growth by encouraging conversation and the exploration of various interests. 5.
The club system is comprised of full-time staff, student staff, BUS-AC members and Student-at-Large members who all work together to manage the club system to ensure success for all clubs.
The Clubs team is comprised of the Clubs Manager, Clubs Administrator, Clubs Coordinator, and Vice President and Student Services.
They run the day-to-day operations of clubs, managing club activities, finances, event planning, bookings, and training for club leaders.
The Clubs Advisory Commitee (CAC) oversees club ratification, funding, and disciplinary hearings for clubs. CAC is guided by the rules and policies under the Clubs 500 and 501 policy that all clubs are expected to follow and adhere to. CAC also assists in planning club events, including the year-end training week and banquet.
To read more about the club policies, please visit www.brockbusu.ca/clubs
BUSU Clubs are student run groups overseen by the BUSU Clubs team. As a student run organization, we empower club leaders to create and build programming for students based on your club’s interests, goals and, providing fun and engaging experiences.
BUSU provides training, resources, funding, and perks for club leaders to use to successfully run their club. With over 100+ student clubs ranging from academics to general interests, there is something for everyone to get involved in.
if you want to join or start your own club, visit the BUSU website and learn how to get involved at
brockbusu.ca/clubs/create/
We have 9 club pillars that identify areas of interests for students. To see a full list of BUSU Clubs, please visit the BUSU Clubs Directory.
1.
Club funding is accessible to BUSU ratified clubs. All undergraduate students pay into a Clubs Levy which provides funds for clubs to access throughout the school year.
FUNDING FOR CLUBS ENCOMPASSES:
• How to access funding
• Timeframe for funding requests, approvals
For information on how to request for funding, please visit the BUSU website at brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/funding/
Have a Question?
Email the Clubs Administrator at clubsadmin@brockbusu.ca
2.
PRINT AND DESIGN
Digital and print media is a great way to promote your club, recruit members and advertise for events.
SOME ITEMS CLUBS CAN UTILIZE TO PROMOTE YOUR CLUB ARE:
• Club logo
• Club banner
• Posters
All clubs are entitled to 250 free poster prints a year. Posters can be used to advertise your club or promote an event! Please visit brocku.ca/student-life-success/main/campus-promotions/ to learn about the rules surrounding poster promotions on campus.
LOGOS, BANNERS AND DESIGN
Clubs have free access to the Clubs team who can assist with digital design, poster design/print, logo design and banner design/print.
Each club is entitled to one (1) printed banner as part of their ratification. Replacement banners can be purchased for a fee at the club’s expense.
Visit the BUSU website to learn more about accessing printing and design perks at brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/marketing/
Have a Question?
Email the Clubs Administrator at clubsadmin@brockbusu.ca
As a club, you can use BUSU spaces for free! Spaces are used for club promotion, meetings and/or events. 3.
• Union Station Food Court
• The Club House: Thistle 252A beside the Scotiabank
• Tabling: Set up outside of Union Station or Advocacy Corner
As a BUSU club, you also have access to book rooms on campus such as lecture halls, seminar rooms, theatres and tabling areas.
Please note, a space on campus must be booked and confirmed before submitting a SERMA form on ExperienceBU.
Visit the BUSU website to learn more about accessing BUSU and Brock space at brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
BUSU works with many community partners to provide a variety of services available to students. Please visit the BUSU website to learn about community spaces that are available to clubs to book for meetings and events.
BUSU website: brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
5.
Clubs are allowed one (1) locker free of charge to house their club items on campus. Please visit the BUSU office to learn how to access this perk.
BUSU website: brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/resources/
Clubs can create one (1) promo video for free with the help from BrockTV. Please visit the BUSU office to learn how to access this perk. 6.
BUSU website: brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/resources/
The BUSU Instagram is your social media hub for all things BUSU Clubs. Follow BUSU on Instagram @brockbusu to stay up to date on the latest club news!
To learn more about marketing opportunities please visit brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/marketing/
Club activities help develop skills that are required in the next steps of a student’s career journey.
Brock’s co-curricular record (CCR) provides students with a platform to document experiences, reflect and develop a deeper understanding of skills and competencies which offers a competitive advantage when engaging in recruitment activities. 8.
View your co-curricular record on careerzone.brocku.ca
Club Leaders – did you know that you can document the work you do to plan events and activities for your club. Is your club involved in volunteering, community events, professional development, case competitions and/or conferences?
Talk to the CCR team in Career Education to learn how we can track these activities for your membership. Email the CCR team at ccr@brocku.ca
The CWC represents a guide to help you identify and navigate the wide range of co-curricular and extra-curricular experiences and opportunities available at Brock and offers structure to these experiences so that you can maximize both your personal development and your Brock experience.
To learn more about the CWC, please visit brocku.ca/experiencebu/co-curriculum
clubsmgr@brockbusu.ca
EMAIL THE CLUBS MANAGER FOR: CLUBS MANAGER
• Questions about event planning and risk management
• The ratification, election, club training and transition process
• Questions about club policies and rules
• Updates on the BUSU website (Clubs Page and Clubs Directory)
• Inquiries about starting and managing a club
Clubs@brokbusu.ca
EMAIL THE CLUBS COORDINATOR FOR: CLUBS COORDINATOR
• All inquiries pertaining to clubs (first point of contact)
• Clubs Portal and ExperienceBU questions
• Speciality room bookings like Pond Inlet
Clubsadmin@brockbusu.ca
EMAIL THE CLUBS ADMINISTRATOR: CLUBS ADMINISTRATOR
• Questions surrounding the club funding process
• Inquiries about club financial management
• Questions about your Scotiabank club account
• Design assistance such as logos, posters, banners, etc.
serma@brocku.ca
EMAIL THE SERMA FOR: SERMA (RISK MANAGEMENT)
• All inquiries pertaining to risk management of events and club activities
• Questions about the approval process
• Rules, policies and waivers surrounding club events
vpss@brockbusu.ca
EMAIL THE VPSS FOR: VICE PRESIDENT, STUDENT SERVICES
• All inquiries pertaining to CAC (funding and approvals)
• Club event partnership with BUSU
• General club support
jantony@brockbusu.ca
EMAIL THE BROCKTV FOR: BROCKTV
• Video creation for clubs (see club perks for details)
experiencebu@brocku.ca
EMAIL EXPERIENCEBU FOR: EXPERIENCEBU
• All inquiries pertaining to ExperienceBU personal and club use
• Questions about page management and functionality of ExperienceBU
The Clubs team is here to support you through your club journey with resources and tools for all club leaders.
Visit the BUSU website for the latest resource materials and training for clubs.
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/
Creating a strong team will set the foundation of group work and success within your club. Adapting your leadership style and learning about your club members will ensure club goals are met.
Lynda.com is a great resource for clubs as it provides hundreds of professional development presentations such as Communication with Teams, Think Like a Leader, Inclusive Leadership, Managing Stress and many more. Please use your Brock ID to access the presentations.
2.
When creating goals be sure to keep in mind the mandate of the club as well as the perspective of club members. Some goals can be geared toward specific events, campaigns, and recruitment.
WHEN DISCUSSING GOALS WITH YOUR EXECUTIVE TEAM INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
• How will we measure club success?
• Are these goals achievable?
• What is our general expectation of the year?
3.
Looking for ways to better your team? Perhaps initiate personality quizzes such as the 16 Personalities or the Four Tendencies. Here you will learn personality traits of your executive team as well as yourself. It’s a great strategy to get the executive team rolling!
16personalities.com quiz.gretchenrubin.com
4.
Upon your executive team adjourning and welcoming the new set of executives at the end of the school term, it is important to pass on all documents and resources that the new club leaders will need to continue the success of the club.
SOME IMPORTANT ITEMS TO TRANSITION ARE:
• Email account information
• Social media login
• Membership lists
• Access to ExperienceBU club page management
All these items are listed in a Transition Document available on the BUSU website. See the BUSU website for more details at Be sure to review your goals once a semester to ensure your club in on track for success!
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/ratificationandelections/
Funding is available for clubs to use for their initiatives and activities throughout the school year. To access funding please follow the steps below.
See the BUSU website for more details at
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/funding/
1.
Submit a budget and presentation using the Funding Request Form on the BUSU website (30 days in advance before you need to use approved funds).
Creating a plan and a budget for your club will ensure its success. By submitting a funding request early, your club will set up a solid foundation for event/meeting planning. The Clubs Advisory Committee reviews funding requests on a weekly basis.
3.
2. Attend a CAC presentation.
4. Wait for confirmation from the Clubs Coordinator on a presentation date.
The Clubs Administrator will send over an approval via email 1-3 business days after your presentation. Upon approval, your club will receive the approved funds within 15 business days in the clubs Scotiabank account.
Your club is responsible for keeping track of all financial matters. Be sure to keep accurate records for your executive team.
To access the Funding Request Form and the Budget/ Presentation template, please visit the BUSU website page brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/funding
Please note, clubs are allowed to present to CAC once a semester or once for the academic year. Be sure to plan your events and finances ahead of time (30 days in advance) to receive a timely response from CAC.
Event planning is fun and exciting for clubs. It gives your club a chance to bring awareness to the Brock community, make new friends and recruit club members. Depending on the scope and size of your event, clubs will need to prepare ahead of time to ensure event success.
Visit the BUSU website for event planning templates and resources for clubs.
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
Be familiar with the Clubs Portal on ExperienceBU as it is a resource hub exclusive to club leaders. ExperienceBU is used for The Student Event Risk Management and Approval (SERMA). This process has been established to create an awareness of planning/safety issues and to protect both the attendees and the organizers of the event.
All ratified BUSU clubs must adhere to the SERMA process to use University resources and to conduct/promote events and activities as a BUSU club.
To learn and watch how to navigate through ExperienceBU, please visit Brock Student Life and Success at youtube.com/user/BrockSLCE
Every March, the Clubs team provides clubs leaders with training on how to run a club at the Club Summit Training. The Club Summit Training is designed to engage club leaders in areas of training that will aid in the successful execution of club activities for the next school year. Clubs Summit Training is mandatory for all clubs who want to re-ratify for the next school year.
Club ratification is the official signing agreement between the Brock University Students’ Union and the club. Each year, there are two periods where clubs can ratify to become and official BUSU club.
All clubs must review the Clubs Handbook, Clubs 500 and 501 Policy prior to ratification and must meet the minimum criteria to be a ratified or re-ratified club:
1.
Have a minimum of 3 executives (president, vice president and treasurer)
3.
2. 80% of club membership must be current Brock University students
A minimum of 10 members (including the 3 executives)
Please visit the BUSU website to learn about the ratification process for existing clubs.
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/ratificationandelections/
Executive members must be undergraduate students (or graduate students if identified as a Graduate Student club)
Adhere to the rules and regulations in the Clubs 500 and 501 Policy
Like BUSU elections, club elections occur every year in February to elect the next set of executives for your club.
Club elections are held to ensure that members are democratically elected to positions that are required to operate the club. Correctly running an election allows the members to vote in the students they believe are best suited to the role, which can result in the club operating more professionally and remaining active and engaging on campus.
Elections are also important for longevity of the club. Having an annual election will ensure that your club will be able to grow and prosper after you finish your time at Brock.
To learn more about the election process and the rules surrounding club elections, please visit the BUSU website at
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/ratificationandelections/
Events play a large part in enhancing the student experience. As club leaders, you have the opportunity to create events that cater to your club that benefit all Brock students.
The Clubs team is here to support your club from brainstorming event ideas to event execution.
To learn more about the event planning process, please visit
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
Risk management is the process of planning, leading, organizing and controlling your activities to minimize risks, including injury or harm to students, event participants, or property.
Risk Management is your responsibility as a student organization. You are expected to plan your events in advance and to consider and understand all associated risks with your event and take steps to prevent or mitigate them. You are also responsible for ensuring you adhere to Brock University policies.
Brock University strives to strike a balance between providing space for meaningful, fun, engaging and inclusive activities, and ensuring that the potential for harm to students is low. The Student Event Risk Management and Approval (SERMA) process has been established to create an awareness of planning/safety issues and to protect both the attendees and the organizers of the event.
All students and student clubs must adhere to the SERMA process to use University resources and to conduct/promote events and activities as a student organization.
*SERMA must be completed 10-21 days in advance prior to your event/meeting. Events/meetings cannot be advertised until SERMA approval is received.
Visit the SERMA website to learn about the rules and policies surrounding student activities. SERMA website:
brocku.ca/experiencebu/serma/*
The risk management process for clubs is built right inside your club ExperienceBU page. Each time you create an event in ExperienceBU, your club will be guided through the SERMA process in the event creation form.
1. Click on Create Event 4.
In the top right, click on the ‘waffle’ icon, which will bring up the Explore/Manage menu and click on Manage
As you complete the event submission on ExperienceBU, not only will you be submitting your event for approval through the required channels, but your event will also be advertised on ExperienceBU. 5. Click on your club/group under My Memberships
2. From the organization menu (at the top left of the page), click on Events 3.
If you do not receive event approval, your event cannot move forward.
Failure to adhere to the SERMA process, including a failure to properly risk manage your event, promoting your event prior to approval, or holding an event without approval, is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and as such can result in a Class A offence notice, possible de-ratification and/or charges under the Student Code of Conduct.
Upon approval of your event, your club can promote it through social media, email marketing or through approved posters on campus.
Have a question about risk management, policies, rules and approvals?
Email or visit the SERMA website at serma@brocku.ca brocku.ca/experiencebu/serma/
Below is contact information of departments on campus who may aide in the event planning process for your club. Be sure to specify what club you belong to and provide as much detail as possible for your inquiry.
BROCK UNIVERSITY CONTACTS
ROOM AND TABLE BOOKINGS
WALKER COMPLEX BOOKINGS
CATERING SERVICES
AV SERVICES
POSTER APPROVALS
BUSU CONTACTS
Visit the BUSU Website – Fill out the Room Bookings Form
brocku.ca/recreation/facility-rental-form/
brocku.ca/experiencebu/serma/
brocku.ca/conference-services/event/catering-services/
brocku.ca/information-technology/info/audio-visual-services/
brocku.ca/student-life-success/main/campus-promotions/
UNION STATION BOOKINGS
TABLE BOOKINGS
CLUB HOUSE BOOKINGS
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/clubevents/
If you are planning an event for your club, please keep in mind the time frames needed to use the services provided by Brock and BUSU.
SERMA SUBMISSION
BROCK ROOM BOOKINGS
BROCK AND BUSU TABLE BOOKINGS
BROCK AND BUSU EVENT SPACE
BROCK AV SERVICES
BROCK CATERING
BUSU POSTER PRINTING
CAC FUNDING REQUESTS
Minimum 10-21 days in advance (4-10 days for virtual events)
Events outside of the Niagara Region (28 days in advance)
10-21 days in advance
10-21 days in advance
10-21 days in advance
21 days in advance
21 days in advance
7 days in advance
Minimum 10-21 days in advance
Please visit the SERMA website to read about the rules and policies surrounding catering and food on campus for events. SERMA website: brocku.ca/experiencebu/serma/
BUSU Event Space
If you are using BUSU space for your event (Union Station or The Club House), please email clubsmgr@brockbusu.ca to inquire about the foods that can be approved for serving at your event.
Looking to generate funds for your club? Try fundraising! Many clubs have great success with fundraising for their club or charity. Please be sure to connect with SERMA and the Clubs Manager for fundraising approvals or recommendations.
The Food First program is a collaboration between BUSU and the Graduate Student Association (GSA), with support from Brock University departments. This program provides assistance to students facing food security issues, such as grocery support, free food events and resources on money-saving and budgeting.
The program operates on community support and spends upwards of $60,000 each year. When considering a fundraiser within your club, think of the Food First program. All your support goes directly back to supporting Brock students like you.
Canned food drives or a food sale are great examples on how to fundraise for the Food First program.
For more information visit brockbusu.ca/clubs/toolbox/fundraising
CONTACT INFORMATION:
SERMA: serma@brocku.ca
Clubs Manager: clubsmgr@brockbusu.ca
Partnerships is another great way to raise funds for your club. Below are some tips and tricks to assist you when seeking partnerships. Understand what you have to offer
Create a wish list of partners, once created send to the Clubs Manager
Visit our club pages to find the latest updates and resources regarding clubs.
On our website, you will find detailed documents, access to important forms such as room bookings and funding request forms, resources and instructions that will help new and experienced club members to successfully run their club. The website also has links to emails for all BUSU ratified clubs on the Clubs Directory.
If you are looking to start a club, our website has a step-by-step guide on how to get started.
Website: brockbusu.ca/clubs/
ExperienceBU is exclusive to Brock students where you can manage your club ExperienceBU page. Your club page is used to manage events, your club membership and more! From your personal ExperienceBU account, you can manage your club page and join the Clubs Portal.
Clubs Portal: experiencebu.brocku.ca/organization/busuclubs
All clubs must abide by the BUSU and Brock University policies. Below are specific policies clubs should be familiar with. All the policies listed are available for viewing on the BUSU website.
BUSU website: brockbusu.ca/clubs/
Brock University website: brocku.ca/policies/
The Clubs year runs from May 1 – April 30.
Club Strategic Planning – Start to decide on the events and programs you would like to run during the upcoming year. BUSU’s office is open all year round and we would love to help! Think of what you will need from BUSU for the year (funding, supplies, etc.). Requests for funding for the Fall semester will open in September after Fall Presidents meeting.
Community Fair – The main club event of the year. Your opportunity to advertise your club to the 4,000 first year students. Sign up for the Clubs Fair will be in the summer months.
Fall President Meeting – All club presidents are required to attend an information session in September. We will review what to expect for the upcoming year.
Fall Treasurer Training - All club treasurers are required to attend this session in September. We will review budgeting, revenue tracking, and so much more
Clubs Week – Clubs week is built to help promote clubs across campus. Sign up for Clubs Week will start in the Fall semester.
Fall Ratification – The ratification period for new clubs will be open for 3 weeks. Upon approval, the club is considered ratified for the academic year.
Last Call for Funding – Clubs who want to request for funding for club activities have until mid-December to submit a budget and presentation.
Exams/Holiday Break – Club activities and funding to resume in the Winter term.
Frost Week Clubs Fair – An additional mini Clubs Fair to help new clubs advertise.
Winter President Meeting – All club presidents are required to attend an information session in January to prepare for club election season.
Executive Elections Open – Each year clubs are required to elect their executive members for the upcoming year. For more information on club elections, please see the Clubs 500 Policy.
Executive Elections Close – All club elections must conclude before March 1.
Clubs Summit Training – Several days of training for all newly elected club executives. Attendance is mandatory for all existing clubs.
Winter Ratification – The ratification period for all new and existing clubs will be open for 3 weeks. Upon approval, the club is considered ratified for the upcoming school year (official start date is May 1).
Last Call for Funding – Clubs who want to request for funding for club activities have until early April to submit a budget and presentation.
Clubs Year End Dinner – End of year celebration and awards show! An opportunity to thank the clubs for their dedication to BUSU and the student experience.
Exams/End of School Year – Club activities to resume in the Fall term.