Purpose

“The purpose of a mascot is to symbolize school and community spirit used to enhance the tradition and emotions of its audience through exaggeration, characterization and entertainment” (Universal Cheerleaders Association).

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College’s Horse mascot, Onyx, represents the college as an ambassador and entertainer during events held on-campus and in the community. The mascot is generally accompanied by an “escort” who is responsible for controlling crowds and promoting fan interaction with the mascot.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm
• Creativity
• Physically capable of performing required stunts and activities
• Ability to positively interact well with children
• Responsibility
• Spontaneity
• Self-discipline
• To be an SMWC Mascot, a student must meet the following qualifications. If, at any time, a student does not meet these requirements, he/she may be terminated. If a student is removed from the Mascot Program for disciplinary reasons or voluntarily resigns, the student will be removed from the college payroll, and he/she will be ineligible to re-join the program.

Description of work:

• Have and enthusiastic and high energy at all times to keep the entertainment level high.
• Flexibility to work nights and weekends.
• Develop, create and execute skits to be performed games or events to enhance the experience.
• Preserve the identity of the mascot without deviating from established character including: body language/mannerisms, attitude, fan interaction, and college representation.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Administer costume maintenance as well as props on a daily basis.

Day-to-Day Duties

Please adhere to the following duties during your shift:

• Be presentable; Wear appropriate clothing during your shift.
• Check in with the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs or Designee
• Office must be presentable and organized.

• Must be enrolled as a part-time or full-time student (at least 6 undergraduate credits per semester) throughout affiliation with the Mascot Program.
• Must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA at all times. The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, will check progress at his/her discretion throughout each semester.
• Must have own vehicle for transportation to and from each events.
• Must be available to work specific evenings and Saturdays for events.