PROSPECTIVE 2011‐2012 POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERS
We are delighted by your interest in serving on the Policy Council of the University of Virginia Black Law Students Association (UVA BLSA). The Policy Council, UVA BLSA’s governing body, is entrusted with maintaining the organization’s tradition of excellence through innovative programming and service. As we can personally attest, Policy Council service is a wonderful opportunity to give back to BLSA, the law school, and the greater community. Its challenging work also provides for an incredibly rewarding leadership experience. This guide contains a brief description of each Policy Council member’s primary responsibilities and event planning commitment. For a comprehensive picture, please do not hesitate to reach out to the BLSA member currently serving in the role. We encourage each of you to consider serving on Policy Council and hope that you’ll consider us a resource both pre‐ and post‐election.
University of Virginia
Black Law Students Association
2010‐2011 Policy Council
UVA BLSA 2011 Election Guide | 1
POSITION GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE TEAM
PRESIDENT………………………………………………….3 VICE PRESIDENT………………………………………….. 4 SECRETARY…………………………………………………5 TREASURER…………………………………………………5
PROGRAMMING TEAM
ACADEMIC CHAIR…….……………………………………6 CAREER SERVICES CHAIR…………………………………7 FIRM RELATIONS CHAIR…………………………….……8 ISSUES & CONCERNS CHAIR………………………..……9 SOCIAL………………………………………….…………10 COMMUNITY SERVICE CHAIR……………………………11 ADMISSIONS CHAIR………………………………………13 ALUMNI RELATIONS CHAIR…………………………..…14 HISTORIAN………………………………………..………15 APPOINTED POSITIONS PUBLIC RELATIONS CHAIR………………………………15
PARLIAMENTARIAN
NEXT STEPS ELECTION TIMELINE……………………………….…….16
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President
Nicole Hrusovsky nah3sn@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities
Events
Internal Management • Oversee development and execution of vision and programming • Manage Policy Council and serve as ex‐officio member of all committees • Lead all Policy Council and General Body Meetings External Relations • Serve as chapter representative at events and conferences (e.g., NBLSA events) • Facilitate and maintain productive and mutually beneficial relationships with administrators, faculty, and other student organizations • Assist Firm Relations Chair with law firm fundraising efforts
April
Policy Council Vision Planning Meeting
April
Policy Council Programming Meeting
August
MABLSA Chapter Leadership Retreat
September
Policy Council Meeting
September
General Body Meeting
September
Charles Hamilton Houston Leadership Retreat
October
Policy Council Meeting
October
General Body Meeting
October
2009 Election Protection Training
November
2009 Election Protection: Mobile Volunteer Corps
November
Policy Council Meeting
November
General Body Meeting
January
Policy Council Meeting
February
UVA BLSA @ MABLSA Regional Convention
March
General Body Meeting & Elections
March
40th Anniversary Alumni Weekend Plannng
March
UVA BLSA @ NBLSA National Convention
March
Installation of 2010‐2011 Policy Council Officers
March/April 40th Anniversary BLSA Alumni Weekend
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Vice President
Amanda Gray alg2b@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Oversee competition teams (e.g., mock trial, moot court, .etc) • Provide day‐to‐day oversight for the following internally‐ focused Policy Council Members: o First‐Year Representative o Education Chair o Career Services Chair o Issues & Concerns Chair o Social Chair • Assist the President in the execution of his or her responsibilities
Events August
MABLSA Chapter Leadership Retreat
September
Policy Council Meeting
September
General Body Meeting
September
Mock Trial/Moot Court Interest Meetings
October
Policy Council Meeting
October
General Body Meeting
November
Policy Council Meeting
November
General Body Meeting
January
Policy Council Meeting
January
International Negotiations Competition (INC) Interest Meeting
February
UVA BLSA @ MABLSA Regional Convention
March
General Body Meeting & Elections
March
40th Anniversary Alumni Weekend Planning
March
UVA BLSA @ NBLSA National Convention
March
Installation of 2010‐2011 Policy Council Officers
April
Awards Banquet
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Secretary
Tamiesha Robinson tcr3cd@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities
Events
• Send BLSA Announcement emails and manage the BLSA calendar • Take minutes at general body and policy council meetings • Maintain membership roster and event attendance records • Maintain email and written correspondence • Assist with program logistics
None officially. However, this role is expected to assist as needed with setup for all BLSA events.
Treasurer Ashley Brown acb4bd@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities
Events
• Develop reimbursement policy and budget • Accountable for chapter reimbursements and/or funding from non‐donor third parties (e.g., Student Activities Fund, Law School Foundation) • Responsible for chapter accounting and final reporting including year‐end projections, monthly bank statement reconciliations, accounts payable (e.g., reimbursements, vendors) and accounts receivable (e.g., firm donations)
None officially. However, this role is expected to assist as needed with setup for all BLSA events.
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Academic Chair
Daniel Watkins danielwatkins@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Organize academic preparation events such as: o Course Previews o 1L Exam Review Sessions o LEEWS o Journal & Dillard Tryout Sessions • Plan and execute fall faculty reception • Solicit and organize donations to the BLSA library and TWEN Course Outlines page • Serve as a resource for members’ academic questions and concerns • Serve as the programming lead for Black History Month events and activities
Events
September
Law School Academic Success Workshop
September
Student‐Faculty Reception
November
Law Review Exam Taking Sessions
November
Exam Writing Sessions with Williams Mullen
November
UVA BLSA @ Law Exam Essay Writing System (LEEWS)
November
1L/2L/3L Course Reviews
December
1L/2L/3L Course Reviews
February
Black History Month Events
February
Support Black Business w/Arch’s, Mel’s
February
Griot Night
February
Dance Event at Dance Fit Studios
February
Journal Tryout Session
April
2L/3L Course Reviews
April
1L Course Reviews
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Career Services Chair
Chris Wimbush ckw5pq@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Develop the following tools/resources to help facilitate the job search process: o Resumes and Cover Letter Guides o Brown Bag Lunches o Panels o Presentations o 1 on 1 Guidance • Oversee the 1L mock interviewing program • Collaborate with the Firm Relations Chair on all diversity receptions
Events
August
“The Evolution of the Law Firm Model” Employer Panel
August
Fall 2L Diversity Reception
September
Dress for Success Event at Banana Republic
September
Exploring Your Career Options: The Public Service Job Search
September
Meet and Eat with Career Service Office
September
Meet and Eat with Public Service Center
October
Career Advisors Program (CAP) Kickoff: Resume Guide Release
November
CAP: 1L Resume Review Workshop
November
CAP: Networking 101 Presentation & Mock Reception
December
Winter 1L Law Firm Mock Interview & Diversity Reception
February
Guerilla Tactics to Find the Legal Job of Your Dreams: Kimm Walton
February
UVA BLSA @ “Charting Your Legal Future” Career Conference
February
D.C. Roadshow
March
Spring 1L Diversity Reception
April
Preparing to Practice this Summer (Panel)
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Firm Relations Chair
David Smith dbs2ym@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Oversee all aspects of fundraising including potential donor selection, donor solicitation, and ongoing relationship management from the following sources: o The Partner Firm Program o Other Corporate/Firm Donors o Individual Donors • Develop and execute additional fundraising initiatives as needed (e.g., bake sales, exam‐grams, etc.) • Organize diversity receptions in collaboration with the Career Services Chair • Facilitate and enhance relationships with law firm representatives
Events
June/July
July August
Release Programming Abstract to potential Partner Firms Phone or onsite meetings with potential Partner Firms – Finalize Funding Fall 2L Diversity Reception
December
Winter 1L Law Firm Mock Interview & Diversity Reception
February
Public Service reception
March
Spring 1L Diversity Reception
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Issues & Concerns Chair
Melissa Samuels mas2ec@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Oversee mentor‐mentee program • Relay concerns of general body to policy council • Assist President with public statements regarding law school issues • Assist Vice President with the election process
Events
August
1L Orientation & 1L Survival Guide
November
Mentor‐Mentee Bowling
November
Study Break for All Classes (in conjunction with Social Chair)
February
Election Committee End of the year mentor/mentee celebration
April
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Social Chair
D. Ikenna Adams dia9je@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Plan and execute yearend Awards Banquet • Organize social events such as parties, bowling nights, dinners, and game nights for members • Collaborate with other graduates student organizations on events (e.g., BGPSO, SNMA, BBSF) • Serve as a planning resource for 1L Representative
Events
August
BLSA Welcome Back Pool Party
August
BLSA Softball Team –Panthers Halloween Party
October November December
Holiday Party with BGPSO and BBSF Study Break
March
2L Class Event
March
3L Class Event
April April
Picnic Awards Banquet
May
Study Break
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Community Service
Marina Warner maw9u@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Plan and execute activities that will foster awareness of local, national, and international issues affecting the African Diaspora • Develop community service theme(s) and plan and organize corresponding events • Incorporate, to the extent possible, NBLSA’s community service initiatives • Oversee UVA BLSA’s scholarship program • Plan and execute, in collaboration with the Firm Relations Chair, the Public Service Reception
Events
September
Dress for Success Clothing Drive
October
Volunteer at The Haven homeless shelter (Community Service Week)
October
Volunteer at the Salvation Army (Community Service Week)
October
Habitat for Humanity (Founders Day of Service)
November
Adopt‐A‐Family Thanksgiving Dinner
December
World AIDS Day Event
January
International Service Trip to Haiti
January
Policy Council MLK Day of Service
February
Public Service Reception
February March
Oliver Hill Scholarship Winners Announced UVA Public Service Fellowship Applications Due
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Admissions
Catherine McCord cm2yd@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Work in conjunction with the Admissions Office to implement the following recruitment programs: o Discover Law Days o Admitted Student Days o Admitted Student Network o Admitted Student Receptions • Plan and execute or participate in minority outreach efforts such as: o Consider Law Day o BLSA on the Road o Law Fairs o MABLSA Law Camps • Develop new programs and outreach efforts as needed
Events
April/May September
UVA Admissions Panel
October
Tidewater Admissions Event at Hampton University
October
UVA BLSA @ MABLSA Richmond Law Camp
October
UVA BLSA @ MABLSA DC Law Camp
October
UVA BLSA @ Howard University’s Mid‐Atlantic Pre‐Law Conference Howard University
November
Consider UVA Law Day (College Edition)
February
DC Admitted Students Reception
February
Discover Law Day (High School Edition)
March
Online Admissions Chat
March
Admitted Students Day
March
DC Admitted Students Reception
March
NYC Admitted Students Reception
April
Admitted Students Day
UVA Admissions Panel
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Alumni Relations Chair
Jessica Lee jml3fw@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Maintain contact with BLSA alumni through o printed materials o social media o e‐mails • Serve as the logistical liaison to the BLSA Alumni Advisory Council • Serve as the Policy Council liaison for the biennial Black Alumni Weekend Steering Committee • Work in conjunction with the Firm Relations Chair to plan and execute the 1L Alumni Dinner
Events
November
1L Alumni Dinner at Savour Restaurant
November
Fall Alumni Newsletter Released
February
Alumni Advisory Council Meeting
March
UVA BLSA 40th Anniversary Reunion
April
Spring Alumni Newsletter Released
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Historian
Samba Silla ss2ap@virginia.edu
Primary Responsibilities • Serve as primary photographer for group and Policy Council photos • Coordinate photography at all BLSA events • Oversee production of annual scrapbook
Events None officially. However, this role is expected to assist as needed with setup for all BLSA events.
Public Relations Chair*
Primary Responsibilities • Serve as primary designer for all BLSA marketing and other printed material such as: o UVA BLSA Website o Banner o Fellowship Guide • Ensures design consistency (e.g., color matching, style, fonts, .etc) for all materials using the UVA BLSA logo
*Appointed position. Remained unfilled for the 2010‐2011 year.
Events None officially. However, this role is expected to assist as needed with setup for all BLSA events.
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Next Steps
Election Timeline
Key Guidelines
Nomination Meeting
• Policy Council positions and the ability to vote in BLSA elections are only available to current dues‐paying members. • You may run for more than one position. Ultimately; however, you may only hold one office. • Campaigning may not occur until after the nomination meeting has taken place. • The nomination period runs from the nomination meeting until the election meeting. An up‐to‐date online roster of candidates will be maintained throughout this time. • Dues paying members who are not able to be in attendance at the election meeting may vote via proxy per Section 6 of the UVA BLSA Constitution.
Monday | February 21 | noon | WB 126 NOMINATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 5 MINUTES AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE ELECTION MEETING ON MARCH 1ST. If you would like to nominate a person for office during the period after the nominations meeting, please nominate them by sending an email to Amanda Gray at alg2b@virginia.edu. Amanda will contact the nominee to ask them if they will accept or decline the nomination. The nominee will have 24 hours to accept or decline the nomination. Nominations will be received from the floor during the first 5 minutes of the election meeting.
Candidate Statements Due Friday| February 25 | midnight If you are nominated for a position at the nomination meeting on February st 21 , you must turn in a 1‐2 paragraph statement of interest for the position(s) that you are running for. If you are nominated for a position after this date, you should turn in a statement of interest within 24 hours of accepting your nomination.
Policy Council Elections Tuesday | March 1 | 6:15 pm | WB 126
We cordially invite all members to join us for the 2010 Policy Council Elections. Candidates will have the opportunity to field questions about their candidate statements prior to the official vote. The election will begin promptly at 6:15 pm and nominations will be received from the floor until 6:20 pm when the nomination period will officially be closed.
Installation of New Officers
Monday| March 22 | noon
The 2011‐2012 Policy Council officially assume their responsibilities on this date. Transition materials and further details on year‐end responsibilities will be provided at this time.
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