Student Org Advantages and Rewards Program : Student Activities

Involvement

Student Org Advantages and Rewards Program

SOAR Web Banner Program Menu:

About SOAR
- Opt-In
How it works
Point-Worthy Tasks
Rewards
Top 20 Standings
Contact Us
FAQ

About SOAR

Strengthen your organization while earning rewards!

The Student Org Advantages and Rewards (SOAR) Program is designed to reward your organization for engaging in campus resources, services, and activities that support student organization success. In order to receive rewards, organizations will complete self-selected Tasks from a menu which are worth varying point values.

By completing tasks, your organization accrues points throughout the year which will lead to opportunities for rewards.

Milestone Rewards are unlocked throughout the year as the organization accrues more points and reaches certain point thresholds. Milestone Rewards are earned on a rolling basis for use during the current school year.
Marketplace Rewards are earned at the end of the year after the program ends and can be redeemed with the points your organization earned throughout the year. The program's Marketplace Month is scheduled for May 1-May 15 when Marketplace Reward selections are made. Marketplace Rewards are redeemed for use in the following school year.

All Tasks and Rewards are visible in the charts below.

For the pilot year of this program in 2023-2024, 150 student organizations are participating on a first-come, first served basis after opting in at the beginning of the school year. Only students listed as Primary Leader on the organization's Management System roster are able to opt-in, submit the Task Completion Form, or purchase/use rewards on behalf of the organization.

Join the Waitlist

How it works

Complete the opt-in form. Once opted in, the Primary Leader will be able to see the SOAR Online Portal in the Student Org Management System. Up to 150 organizations are accepted for 2023-2024. If the opt-in form is closed, the program is at capacity until next year.
View the Tasks and Rewards List to prioritize items that relate to your organization's goals and needs. Complete a Task within the program window of August 15-April 15.
The Primary Leader of the organization can log into the Student Org Management System's SOAR Online Portal to submit the Task Completion Form. The form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on April 15, 2024.
The Student Org Team will review submitted forms and approve points in the system. Automated emails will confirm when forms have been reviewed. The SOAR Online Portal will show a log of all submitted Task Completion Forms for the organization and their review status. If approved, points will immediately display in the portal for the organization's point total.
Milestone Rewards are unlocked at point thresholds, which are checked on a biweekly basis. If a Milestone Reward is unlocked, the Primary Leader and Advisor will receive an email from the Student Org Team with details on how to access the reward.
Reminders and announcements are communicated with all participating groups via email to the Primary Leader and Advisor. Top 20 standings are published roughly every two weeks.
The complete Marketplace Month procedures will be announced in April 2024 via email to participating groups. After the program window closes on April 15, organizations will be sent a final confirmation of their point total and detailed instructions for the Marketplace process. The Marketplace will run from May 1- May 15 and your organization will be able to select Rewards with points during this time. Additional rewards will only be offered to the organizations that have enough points to be in the Top 10 and Top 5 of all SOAR participating organizations.
Marketplace Rewards will be confirmed and issued by June 30, 2024 via email. Marketplace Rewards earned from 2023-2024 participation will be in effect as early as July 1, 2024 and must be used by June 30, 2025. Some Rewards will have specific terms of use including dates.

Tasks and Rewards

Just by being a member of the student organization community, you already have access to many benefits. Completing the annual registration requirements to attain active status qualifies you for these general benefits available to all registered student organizations:

Listing in online student organization directory
Opportunity to apply for Operating and Programming Funds
Annual $250 Resource Room line-of-credit
Access to on-campus meeting and event spaces at free or discounted rates
Opportunity to register for campus events such as the Student Involvement Fairs and Homecoming Parade
Access to free marketing services
Access to free technology services

Point-Worthy Tasks

Level 1: Basic 5 points each
Activity	Contingencies	Availability
Post a program to the Student Life Calendar	No maximum. Recurring events count as one submission	Continuous
Use the Space Request Tool to book meeting space	Can be earned once per booking window.	Continuous
Upload EIN Letter to the Student Org Management System	Counts once. Points are still earned if EIN letter was already uploaded. Must be completed by the Treasurer.	Continuous
Complete Clery Reporting in the Student Org Management System	Must be completed by the Primary Leader once annually during the registration window.	Registration Window
Complete Mid-Year Goal Update in the Student Org Management System	Must be completed by the Primary Leader outside of the registration window and can be earned once per listed goal.	Post-Registration
Apply for Leadership Awards	No maximum. Only counts for organizational awards and not individual awards.	Spring
Apply for KBK Office/Locker Space	Counts once. Must be completed by the Primary Leader	Spring
Level 2: Engaged 10 points each
Activity	Contingencies	Availability
Attend an OUAB or Signature Event	Counts up to three times. Minimum of three representatives attend (if roster <30); minimum 10% of membership (if roster >30).	Continuous
Secure a Beverage Donation	No maximum. Only counts for approved requests that are picked up.	Continuous
Host a meeting in the KBK Center	Counts once per semester.	Continuous
Host a table at the Student Involvement Fair	Counts once per fair (Fall and Spring).	Fall / Spring
Advisor attends appreciation event	Counts once per event (Advisor Breakfast / Advisor Lunch)	Fall / Spring
Attend Org Resource Night	Counts once per event. At least one representative attends.	Fall / Spring
Attend KBK Council event	Counts once per event. At least one representative attends.	Spring
Attend KBK Open House - Oct 3, 2023 from 5-7 p.m.	Counts once per event. At least one representative attends.	Fall
Attend a National Hazing Prevention Week program	No maximum. Counts once per event. Minimum of three representatives attend (if roster <30); minimum 10% of membership (if roster >30).	Fall
Attend Leadership Week program	No maximum. Counts once per event. Minimum of three representatives attend (if roster <30); minimum 10% of membership (if roster >30).	Fall
Level 3: Self-Guided 15 points each
Activity	Contingencies	Availability
Host a collaborative meeting or program with at least one other student organization	Counts up to three times. Must be distinct events where both organizations contribute to the planning process.	Continuous
Complete a constitution review using the guide	Once per year; A copy must be uploaded with the Task Completion Form.	Continuous
Host a CBSC Community Kit Conversation	Maximum three times per year; At least 50% of general body or 100% of officer team in attendance	Continuous
Complete an Advisor/Org Agreement	Once per year; A copy must be uploaded with the Task Completion Form	Continuous

Level 4: Facilitated 20 points each
Activity	Contingencies	Availability
Complete a meeting with a Student Org Coach	No maximum; At least one representative in attendance	Continuous
Complete a Risk Reduction Consultation	No maximum; At least one representative in attendance	Continuous
Request and host a Student Leadership Advocates workshop	No maximum; At least 50% of general body membership or 100% officer team in attendance	Continuous
Attend a Student Org Essentials Workshop	No maximum; At least one representative in attendance	Fall / Spring
Attend Officer Dinner	At least 2 officers attend	Spring

Level 5: Mobilized 25 points each
Activity	Contigencies	Availability
Complete the Programming Funds process	No maximum on number of events; Must go through the entire process, including submitting the audit.	Funding Windows
Volunteer as a group at a Single Day of Service (e.g., Community Commitment, MLK Jr. Day of Service, Local Service Trips)	No maximum; minimum of 3 representatives (if roster <30); minimum of 10% (if roster >30)	Fall / Spring
Attend BOLD Conference	Minimum of 3 representatives (if roster <30); minimum of 10% (if roster >30)	Fall
Participate in BuckeyeThon dance marathon as a group	Meet fundraising goal & attend Dance Marathon	Spring
Participate in Homecoming Parade - October 6, 2023	Build a float, perform, or walk in the parade/banner; Contingent on application and acceptance; Must register as a group	Fall

Rewards

Milestone Rewards Automatically earned upon meeting point threshold and awarded on a rolling basis.
Reward	Notes	Points
Recognition on Website	Listed as a participating org with link to directory	50 points
Resource Room Bonus	$25 credit added to Line of Credit; Will expire when org renews annual registration - does not carry over.	150 points
KBK Center Rotunda Feature	Featured in a rotating digital screen to all who enter the Ohio Union's Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service for a period of at least 4 weeks. The form to provide your organization's information can be found here.	175 points
Showcased at Officer Dinner	Org receives highlight at Spring 2024 annual Officer Dinner and featured in the print and digital materials (must be achieved by March 1, 2024).	200 points
Marketplace Rewards Selected by your organization during the Marketplace Window
Reward	Notes	Points
Resource Room Credit Conversion	Add to your existing Resource Room Line-of-Credit by opting to exchange points for dollars. Credit will be added in May and will be available for use until the organization goes through its next annual registration process and unused credit expires. Email csls@osu.edu with questions.	5 points/$1
Get Involved Feature	Featured for all new first-year students in the 2024-2025 Get Involved materials. Only student organizations with this recognition are being featured in the Get Involved materials, making your organization one of few who are referred to by name to incoming first year students. Your organization's name will be included with a custom link to your organization's directory listing.	30 points
Table at the Ohio Union	Student Activities will pay for tabling invoice on the Plaza or in the Great Hall. Contingent upon organization following the reservation process and turning in invoice within 30 days. Payment will only cover tabling fee - additional optional services such as catering must be paid by the organization. Max 3.	60 points
KBK Center Poster Promotion	Advertise your organization in the KBK Center Lounge for one month. Includes poster print in the Resource Room ($20 value). Organization can keep the poster after it is removed. Max 1.	60 points
Group Movie Tickets	Student Activities will facilitate a group order of up to 40 tickets to Gateway Film Center. Cannot be used for special events or 3D films. Total point cost is per group order, which is the same regardless of number of members in your group. Participants must be Columbus campus students who are members of your organization. Max 2.	80 points
Priority Involvement Fair Participation	Pre-registered and guaranteed placement at both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Involvement Fairs. Fall benefits include: priority placement options provided (to be selected over the summer in collaboration with the SIF Planning Team) AND organization has guaranteed opportunity to participate in the fair set-up or tear-down fundraiser ($20/member, max $500 earned). Spring benefits include: Marketing highlight on the event's main slideshow. All benefits are contingent upon maintaining active registration, following Fair policies, and responding promptly to communication.	100 points
Mini Member Development Grant	$250 toward a developmental/team-building experience for your organization's members. $250 check will be provided via reimbursement. Must follow program requirements. Max 1. Cannot be combined with Top 10 reward, but may be spent separately.	250 points
Top 10 Rewards Only available to the ten organizations with the highest total number of points for the year
Reward	Notes	Points
Member Development Grant	$500 toward a developmental/team-building experience for your organization's members. $500 check will be provide via reimbursement. Must follow program requirements.	N/A
Leadership Luncheon	All presidents of the Top 10 organizations will be invited to an exclusive event to dine with Student Life leadership staff in early September, 2024. This event will serve as a semi-formal leadership connection among high-performing student organizations and a way for university leadership to recognize the efforts of these groups.	N/A
Rotunda Promotion	Top 10 organizations will be featured on the KBK Rotunda Screen in the Ohio Union during the beginning of the fall semester. Student Life Marketing will design special features to showcase top SOAR organizations to rotate on the entrace to the KBK Center for Student Leadership and Service's digital screens during a high-traffic part of the school year.	N/A
Top 5 Rewards Only available to the five organizations that have the highest total number of points for the year. In addition to the Top 10 Rewards.
Reward	Notes	Points
Dedicated Ohio Union Storage	The Top-5 participating organizations will have the opportunity to become a SOAR-sponsored KBK Center Tenant in the Ohio Union by having exclusive 24-hour access to a locker for organization storage for the 2024-2025 school year. Organizations who are already officer or locker tenants are not eligible for an additional locker.	N/A
Early Space Reservation Access Fall 2024	The Top 5 organizations will be eligible to request their meeting space and time for the Fall 2024 recurring organization meetings in the Ohio Union. Dance rooms are the only meeting space that is ineligible. This benefit is uniquely earlier because the window opens May 15, meaning groups will need to communicate with the Events and Conferences team to confirm space before the window opens. This is contingent upon meeting space availability/time for your needs and does not guarantee a reservation.	N/A
Sponsorship for 3 officers at LeaderShape	Reserved spot for up to 3 individuals to attend a 4-day overnight retreat called LeaderShape Institute during Winter Break 2024. LeaderShape will take place Saturday, December 14 - Tuesday, December 17 at YMCA Camp Wilson in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Participation is completely free. Participants must apply, though placement is guaranteed for SOAR-sponsored organizations.	N/A

Top 20 Standings for 2023-2024

Please view the top 20 organizations here.

Last updated April 18, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

How can my organization join this program?

For the 2023-2024 school year, participation was limited to 150 organizations for the pilot version of SOAR and the program has reached capacity. If there are organizations who un-enroll or are removed from the program, organizations will be invited on a first-come, first-served basis from the waitlist. You can put your organization's name on the waitlist and will be contacted if space becomes available for this school year.

The opt-in for the 2024-2025 school year will open August 1, 2024.

How is participation verified?

The Student Org Team will follow up on program participation at their discretion if there is a need to validate participation or attendance for any reason. The Student Org Team may contact the associated task facilitator to verify attendance or do additional outreach. Further documentation from the organization may be requested as well. Information collected on the Completed Task Form will be used to verify participation by default. It is recommended to be thorough on the form to prevent delays related to following-up on details or attendance.

Who can access and use the program's online portal?

Only students designated with Primary Leader access in the Student Organization Management System can utilize the program tracking features including the Task Competion Form, past participation logs, and monitoring point accrual. More than one student may have access, which can be designated on the organization's roster by selecting the checkbox to allow Primary Leader-level permission to the org's record.

Advisors may access the portal in a View-Only capacity.

Is the timeline flexible for the program?

The program's deadlines are fixed and will not be extended. Tasks must have occurred within the dates of August 15, 2023 - April 15, 2024. The Task Completion Forms must be submitted on or before April 15, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. in the Management System. Submissions are assessed and points are approved on a rolling basis, however all submissions are DUE on April 15 by 11:59 p.m. regardless of when the Task was completed during the program window.

Contact our team at csls@osu.edu if you have questions about program deadlines or are having trouble submitting the form.

Can I appeal a decision if my form is not approved?

Yes, an appeal to a decision must be submitted in writing to csls@osu.edu within 10 business days of receiving the decision email. An appeal must come from the Primary Leader including the details about what you are appealing (i.e, reference the submission you're appealing). Completed Task Forms are typically denied when information in the form is inaccurate or is lacking, if the task did not occur during the program window, and situations that may occur on a case-by-case basis. If you realize your form was denied for inaccurate or lacking information, you may simply resubmit a Completed Task Form with the correct information and skip the appeal process. The Student Org Team will serve as the authority on final decision-making.

Who can I contact for help?

The Student Org Team can be reached at csls@osu.edu.

What are attendance minimums?

Some Tasks have attendance requirements, which are specified in the Continengies column of the Task table above. The average student organization size is 30, although membership ranges from 5-500. To account for this range, attendance will be tracked based on percentage of total organization membership or based on the number of persons attending.

For organizations with 30 or more members, attendance will be based on percentage of total organization membership attending. For example, 10% or 50%.
For organizations with less than 30 members, attendance will be based on number of persons attending. For example, 3 or 6 members.

Your organization's roster size is shown in your online portal and when submitting the Task Completion Form. You may update your roster at any time in the Management System.

What are participation expectations?

Organizations who enrolled in the program between September 1-10 are expected to submit at least one Task Completion Form in the Management System by October 8, 2023. Organizations who do not submit for points on or before that date will be unenrolled from the program to create space for organizations from the waitlist. This policy is to ensure groups who are enrolled in this exclusive program are actively engaged.

It's also expected that organizations are submitting truthful and thorough information in the Task Completion Form. The SOAR Team reserves the right to follow-up on any details to ensure accuracy, which includes contacting departments or the organization's advisor.

Do points roll-over?

Points can only be accrued between August 15 - April 15 of a given school year. Points do not roll-over, but un-spent points after the marketplace process ends can be converted to Resource Room line-of-credit of up to $5 at a conversion of 5 points/$1. Points cannot be rounded up.

What happens if my org is Inactive?

Active organizations may fully participate in the program. Organizations in Pending status may participate in the program aside from redeeming a monetary reward. Organizations much attain Active status to be given any checks. Inactive organizations will be ineligible to accrue points, cash out on rewards, or utilize rewards while Inactive. If the organization can restore their Active status, they can resume participating in the program. Program deadlines and processes will not change due to an organization's status.

What if my organization does not use our rewards?

Marketplace Rewards will be available starting July 1 after the marketplace process ends in May. Some rewards are rolling access, while some will be contingent upon a specific process or timeline during that school year. These expectations will be communicated via email when confirming earned rewards, but it is the responsibility of the organization to meet those expectations. This means that rewards that lapse or are not utilized properly will not be re-issued.

Can I submit the same program under multiple Tasks?

If a Task overlaps in more than one area, the higher of the point values is what you can submit. For example, during National Hazing Prevention Week you may get 10 points per event your organization attends. Student Org Essentials (Fall 2023) also has a program as a part of that week's program line-up, but attending Student Org Essentials is worth more points. You would submit your Task under the Student Org Essentials to earn the points associated with the higher level Task, not both.