SPIRE Leadership

SPIRE Student Advisory Board Leadership Positions:

SPIRE Student Board President

The President of the SPIRE Student Advisory Board is responsible for overseeing and supervising the student advisory board and also for helping to mentor and provide guidance/position development for all student advisory board members. They also play a key role in helping the SPIRE Directors develop and execute a vision for the program as a whole. Their responsibilities include:

• Helping to select new Advisory Board members
• Overseeing and supervising the Advisory Board members and weekly board meeting
• Planning an advisory board retreat in the fall semester
• Meeting regularly with the SPIRE Directors to provide updates and feedback on board decisions and programming/events.
• Aiding in the first-year cohort selection process (read applications and participate in interviews)
• Managing the SPIRE calendar
• Shows up and supports the board where necessary
• Plans the annual SPIRE GBM/Townhall
• Plans the annual SPIRE field trip

V.P. of Academic Affairs

The VP of Academic Affairs is responsible for developing and overseeing academic and professional development initiatives. Their responsibilities include: 

• Organizing and executing a mentor mixer/meet-up events in the fall and spring, including a first year-focused "How to Pick a Mentor" session.
• Matching first-year Fellows with mentors and providing ongoing support.
• Hosting at least two SPIRE speaker events per year.
• Facilitating upperclassmen chats and advice sessions during course registration periods.
• Planning two professional/academic development sessions per semester, with potential collaboration with the VP of First-Year Engagement for first-year programming.
• Organizing an official LinkedIn headshot update initiative in collaboration with first-year programming.
• Assisting with faculty mentor training sessions alongside the SPIRE Directors.

V.P. of First-Year Engagement

The VP of First-Year Engagement is responsible for recruiting, onboarding and supporting first-year students in SPIRE. Their responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing a marketing strategy for fall recruitment, including tabling and information sessions.
• Assisting in the cohort selection process for new members.
• Creating and distributing door signs for first-year students.
• Planning and executing the first-year welcome dinner, including goody bags, a speech, and an activity.
• Managing the first-year group chat for communication and engagement.
• Organizing a first-year retreat to foster bonding and connection (e.g., state fair, lock-in, etc.).
• Facilitating the Big/Little mentorship pairings and hosting a matching event.
• Creating opportunities for first-year bonding activities throughout the year.
• Implementing the SPIRE First-Year Fall Series, a three-part program covering key topics such as initial bonding, faculty connections, resume workshops, and other essential non-class topics.

V.P. of Social Programming

The VP of Social Engagement is responsible for planning and executing events that build community and engagement among members. Their responsibilities include:

• Organizing program wide on-campus events throughout the course of the semester:
  • Examples could include: a family weekend event, SPIRE fridays, a pickleball tournament, holiday events, a semi-formal, etc.
• Planning and executing quarterly off-campus activities, such as visits to a pumpkin patch, ice skating rink, farmers market, or a Bulls game.
• Coordinating the end-of-year party to celebrate the community’s achievements.
• Organizing and facilitating at least one community engagement event each semester:
  • Examples could include: volunteering at the Lemur Center, participating in a Campus Farm workday, and other service opportunities.

V.P. of Marketing and Communications

The VP of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and managing the program's marketing, branding, and communication efforts. This Includes management of the SPIRE social media accounts and creating event posters. The role invites creativity and artistry, while working to maintain consistency across promotional materials.
Their responsibilities include:

• Create all content for and manage social media accounts (currently Instagram and TikTok).
• Create and publicize all event fliers for all SPIRE events.
• Photograph all events and maintain an accessible photo album for the SPIRE community, as well as pick highlighted photos to send to the SPIRE Directors for the public album on the website.
• Create a branding kit/guide to maintain a level of consistency across media platforms.
• Streamline communication about the program to increase consistency across marketing events
  • This includes tabling, info sessions, ads, program pitches during Orientation Week, etc.
• Collaborate with VP of Academic Engagement to collect and maintain contact info from SPIRE alumni.

SPIRE LLC Leader 

LLC Leaders are responsible for fostering a welcoming and engaging community within the Living Learning Community (LLC). Their duties include:

• Assembling and distributing welcome goody bags for LLC members.
• Creating and managing the LLC GroupMe for communication.
• Designing and distributing semesterly door tags for residents.
• Planning and executing a welcome party, including decorating the common room.
• Organizing and hosting LLC wide events (a mixture of grab & go and interactive activities)
• Coordinating and carrying out the annual bench painting project.
• Designing and overseeing the production of LLC-specific merchandise.