Annual Resident Assistant Banquet

• As advisor to the Resident Assistant Council (RAC), I was responsible for spearheading the annual Resident Assistant banquet. I led a student committee to plan an event for between 50 and 60 people. I was the primary person responsible for the following:Managing the event's budget in all areas
• Selecting a caterer, planning a menu
• Reserving an appropriate space on campus, coordinating with the support staff for the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students to ensure their attendance
• Choosing a theme, purchasing and organizing decorations
• Developing and presenting an awards ceremony
  • Serious departmental awards for best program in several categories plus new and returning Resident Assistants of the Year
  • Informal honorary awards awarded by peers, such as Best Smile or Most Likely to Marry Ryan Gosling
• Selecting prizes for award winners and favors for all student attendees

Time Frame

I planned this project throughout the Spring 2012 semester. The event was held on May 4, 2012.

Collaboration

I reported to an Associate Director of Residence Life, who provided general oversight of the project. I supervised a team of seven Resident Assistants who worked on planning, selected informal award winners, and assisted with setup and tear down.

Fun Fact

On the day of the banquet, one of my residents reported that he might have bed bugs. I was able to diagnose the problem, get pest control into the student's room to begin treatment, and complete setup for the banquet without a hitch!