CAC and Design

In my PR Publications course this semester we are learning many different types of design. One of our assignments is to create a business card and a letterhead for an organization we either want to work with in the future or already understand.

I chose OU’s Campus Activities Council for my organization because it is one I have closely worked with since my first year at OU. CAC’s mission, simply put, is “bringing campus to life.” The 14 events hosted by CAC want to give students an opportunity to learn and grow their leadership skills, an outlet to become involved on campus and the chance to meet new people. For this assignment I am going to be analyzing CAC’s resources, event planning processes and values.

CAC has several competitors, its main one being the Union Programming Board. This organization is led by graduate students and hosts meetings that are open to the student body of OU. CAC events require you to apply and interview for an event and only allow executive members of that event to attend meetings. Another difference is the Union Programming Board has a large following of students but only hosts events in the Union; CAC events host activities all over campus and in the Union. Being able to host an event anywhere on campus, with approval, is one of the main attributes that sets CAC apart from other campus organizations.

Other major competitors of CAC include college clubs and organizations. Groups like Lindsey + Asp or Pre-Med club host their own events but focus on the future careers they want to achieve. CAC is strictly a leadership development and event planning group so while one may learn skills and values that can benefit in their careers, CAC does not necessarily provide someone with extra accounting, advertising or education experience.

CAC has three pillars, or core values, that guide every event the organization produces. These values include teaching leadership, building community and leaving a legacy. As an organization, CAC recognizes its position and responsibility on OU’s campus. Being the programming branch of the Student Government Association, CAC is a direct representation of OU and OU’s brand, and CAC uses this as motivation to provide excellent work.