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SOACon brings student leaders, on-campus resources, off-campus vendors together

This year’s event, hosted by Student Organizations & Activities, hosted presentations, networking opportunities and food for student leaders.

On April 18, student organization leaders, representatives of on-campus resources and nearby vendors and nonprofits gathered at Norris University Center for SOACon.

Hosted by Student Organizations & Activities (SOA), SOACon propels student leaders into their positions so they can work toward making their organizations more successful. The event is open to all Â鶹´«Ã½ students but is catered specifically to organization leaders with a focus on networking opportunities and promoting on- and-off-campus resources. 

This is the second year SOA has hosted the conference. Last year’s event focused on breakout sessions, emphasizing learning for student leaders. This year’s theme is appreciation.

“We’re focused on meeting students where they need us and showing our appreciation for the role they play in their peers’ time at Â鶹´«Ã½,” said Joe Lattal, associate director, SOA. “We recognize the immense time and effort that leaders put into their student organizations, and this is one of the ways SOA can recognize their dedication to campus.”  

SOACon highlighted resources, including: Catalyzer, Â鶹´«Ã½’s crowdfunding platform; the Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO); Â鶹´«Ã½’s ombudsperson, who serves as a confidential resource for navigating student life; and several Norris Center resources. 

The event also brought in off-campus resources that student organizations might use to create merchandise and branding, such as 4imprint, Club Colors and Celebration Authority, an event-planning service with catering, rentable inflatables and carnival games and more. 

“Word-of-mouth will always be the primary way student organization leaders receive knowledge about how to navigate policies, resources and opportunities at Â鶹´«Ã½,” Lattal said. “SOA’s hope is that SOACon can bring more ‘resource literacy’ to the student organization community as a whole.” 

Students also enjoyed food, drinks and raffle prizes – including a four-pack of Cubs tickets – during the event.

Lattal highlighted SOACon as a chance for students to speak face-to-face with departments that may offer funding or assistance to student organizations, as well as vendors they may engage for merchandise and events. 

“Whether you are taking the torch from a well-established and managed student organization who is already connected to all the opportunities that exist or are a student starting a brand new organization who is still learning the whole landscape, SOA wants everyone to be equally prepared going into the new school year,” Lattal said.