Partnering with MPAC

The Minnesota Programs and Activities Council (MPAC), composed of students attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, is intended to further the cultural, educational, social, entertainment and recreational needs of the students of this campus community. MPAC is responsible for initiating, developing, and implementing a comprehensive and diverse activities program which anticipates and responds to the needs of the students and campus community of the University of Minnesota.

In order to serve the campus community, the Minnesota Programs and Activities Council of Student Unions & Activities actively seeks to work in partnership with other entities to provide activities and events for the University of Minnesota students and the University community.

Definition:

Partnerships can be several types of events that incorporate an equitable exchange from participating organizations. Examples include:

1. Joint events with the Minnesota Programs and Activities Council programming committees
2. Joint events with other University departments, Campus Life Programs or Registered Student Organizations
3. Joint events with non-University entities
4. Co-productions with outside entertainment promoters
5. Ongoing partnerships to institute workshops, series', or thematic programming

Partnership Guidelines:

Because Minnesota Programs and Activities Council programming committees are funded by student services fee money and revenue generated by Student Unions & Activities, any commitment of funds is subject to departmental and University guidelines. In addition to funds, Student Unions & Activities and the Minnesota Programs and Activities Council names and logos have value and may not be used without exchanged value and prior approval.

1. University of Minnesota students must be the primary beneficiaries of events funded or partially funded by student fee money. Therefore, partnership proposals cannot involve fund-raising programs for charities or other non-profit organizations.
2. There must be active student involvement by the Minnesota Programs and Activities Council in the decision-making process and event implementation. This means that MPAC program committees will not partner on events merely to waive room rental fees or provide funding or marketing for events without participation in the planning process.

Partnership Agreement Procedure:

1. Initiate contact with MPAC at least 8 weeks before targeted event date(s). To propose a partnership visit http://www.sua.umn.edu/events/mpac/partnering/ to complete a proposal form.
   1. Prospective partner contacts MPAC to request collaboration on an event.
   2. Prospective partner is directed to the appropriate programming committee.
2. MPAC programming chair contacts prospective partner to initiate collaboration on an event if guidelines are met.
3. A final decision will be made within two weeks of request depending on whether or not the above-mentioned requirements have been satisfied.
4. MPAC programming chair and partner(s) meet to review event details, assign event duties, determine event budget, and complete partnership agreement.
5. Terms of partnership are agreed upon in writing by members of MPAC committee, partnering organization, and SUA staff.
6. MPAC Advisor reviews drafted partnership agreement.
7. The MPAC programming chair distributes official agreement for signatures from all parties.
8. Agreement is returned to MPAC Advisor. MPAC Advisor reviews, initials, and submits agreement to the Assistant Director of Student Activities, who is authorized to sign for all partnership agreements.
9. Two weeks after the event, the MPAC programming chair and MPAC Advisor meet with the partnering organization(s) to evaluate the event and resolve financial details.

Before You Propose a Partnership:

1. Check University of Minnesota Events Calendar http://events.umn.edu/ and the Student Unions & Activities Events Calendar http://www.sua.umn.edu/events/calendar/ for other activities that might conflict with your potential programming idea.
2. Designate a point person from your organization to contact MPAC at least 8 weeks in advance of targeted event date and maintain communication throughout the process.