39th Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student
Government Application Form
Liberating Our Minds: Unleashing Our Power
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
February 25 – 28, 2016
In 1977, Big Eight Conference Schools, consisting of majority Black students, came together in recognition
that Blacks were suffering from an array of problems at their respective institutions. In the coming years, these
students formally created the Big Eight Council and Conference on Black Student Government. The Big Eight
Conference was expanded to include four additional institutions forming the new Big XII Conference. The
Council officially changed their name to the Big XII Council on Black Student Government, whose mission
states:
“We, the People of the Big XII Council on Black Student Government, pledge allegiance to our
shared cultural heritage as the foundation of civilization; to the continuity of our struggle for human
dignity, mutual respect, and self-determination to discipline, education and introspection as catalysts
for and safeguards to our physical, intellectual and spiritual development; and, to proactive support of
the self-evident-right of all people for cultural expression and participation.”
This founding began the annual tradition that every institute member of this Big XII Council on Black Student
Government hosts the Annual Big XII Conference on Black Student Government.
The Big XII Conference recognizes that the work of our forefathers within the Black community has not been
done in vain. The conference stresses to student-leaders that they cannot be satisfied with present situations in
the African American community within the United States, or the world. Our goal is to motivate studentleaders to strive and continue the work of reconstructing an even better future for the Black community than
did our forefathers themselves, starting within their respective campuses and local communities. Moreover, we
want to promote leadership, professionalism, positive self-efficacy, political empowerment and awareness, and
goodwill to the student body and black community on many campuses.
During the weekend, attendees will be amongst 600+ of the most nationwide elite student-leaders representing
their various Black Government Organizations and their respective institutions. The conference will host
inspirational keynote speakers and honorable guests. In addition, the conference features educational
workshops, career fair and social/cultural events.
BIG XII CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
It is imperative that you review all information and complete all required paperwork. The following listed
requirements must be completed and accurate to be eligible to attend the Annual Big XII Conference.
1) Full Commitment: As an attendee of the Annual Big XII Conference, each person must fully commit to the
attendance of Black Student Union weekly meetings, on a rotating basis depending on his/her schedule;
participate in an array of Black Student Union, Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, and on-campus events; and
contribute to the overall mission of Black Student Union.
** If you are unable to attend a meeting or event, you must contact Big XII Coordinator Ari Richardson ahead
of time. Attendance and participation in the all meetings and events are highly recommended and will count
toward your eligibility to attend the Annual Big XII conference. Attendance at meetings and events will
need approval. **
2) Academic Excellence: As an attendee of the Annual Big XII Conference, each person must have the
academic requirements to be eligible. At the time of application:
a) All students with a 2.5 GPA or above are automatically academically qualified and eligible for the
Annual Big XII Conference (this does not automatically guarantee the applicant attendance for the
conference but guarantees the current GPA does not disqualify the applicant from being considered).
b) All students with a 2.0-2.5 GPA must earn a 3.0 Fall 2015 semester GPA to have their application
considered for the Annual Big XII Conference attendance.
c) All student with below a 2.0 GPA (which qualifies as UNC’s academic probation), are ineligible to
attend the conference but are encouraged to apply to the Annual Big XII Conference next year.
3) Expenditures: The registration for the Annual Big XII Conference is $300, which includes access to all
workshops and keynote speakers, the Gospel Extravaganza, Career Fair, Stroll-Off, socials, & meals while
at the Annual Big XII Conference. The registration fee must be paid in full no later than Monday, January
11, 2015 by 4pm. Those who fail to pay the full registration amount will no longer be considered in the
final list of attendees for the conference.
a) All payments must be made at the UNC Card Office located at the University Center (2nd Floor).
i) Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm.
ii) Payment plans are available. You may pay any amount necessary to complete the full registration
fee.
iii) YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL RECEIPTS FOR OUR RECORDS.
DIRECTIONS: You must completely type the ENTIRE application. Willful deletion or misrepresentation will be
cause for rejection of your application. You may attach any documentation you feel is necessary. Applications will
not be accepted after Monday, November 23, 2015 @ 5pm. Please submit at the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center.
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Full Name:
Bear #:
Date of Birth:
Phone #:
Address:
City, State Zip:
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Email:
T-Shirt Size:
Allergies:
EDUCATION INFORMATION
Major:
Classification (i.e. First-year, sophomore):
GPA:
Applicant Waiver of Privacy
I, _____________________________, (Legal Full Name) hereby authorize my semester and cumulative grade point
average and academic credit to be released to the Black Student Union Advisor and Big XII Coordinator per application
requirements.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
Full Name:
Address:
Phone:
City, State Zip:
Relationship:
EVENTS CHECKLIST
Event
Trunk or Treat
Operation Hibernation
Study Halls (min. 5)
Event 8 (Write- In):
Event 9 Write- In):
Event 10 (Write- In):
Attendance Coordinator
(Y or N)
Initials
The following questions are required. Responses may be released for publication. It is highly recommended
that you provide complete and concise answers to these questions on an attached sheet.
1. Why are you interested in attending the Annual Big XII Conference?
2. In what ways will you contribute to the Annual Big XII Conference?
3. What do you want to gain from attending the Annual Big XII Conference? How will you utilize what
you learn there, in the future?
SIGNATURES
I certify that the information provided is correct and I fully understand that the BSU Executive Board and Advisor will
review this document. I also understand that the BSU Advisor will access my semester grades to determine eligibility
to attend the conference. I have completed this application to the best of my knowledge.
Signature of Applicant:
Date:
Signature of Coordinator:
Date:
Signature of Advisor:
Date:
HONOR CODE
All members of the University of Northern Colorado community are entrusted with the responsibility to uphold and
promote five fundamental values: Honesty, Trust, Respect, Fairness, and Responsibility. These core elements foster an
atmosphere, inside and outside of the classroom, which serves as a foundation and guides the UNC community’s
academic, professional, and personal growth. Endorsement of these core elements by students, faculty, staff,
administration, and trustees strengthens the integrity and value of our academic climate.
If you have any questions and/or concerns, please use the below information to contact us and/or use the
website link below. This application is due Monday, November 23, 2015 by 5:00 PM at the Marcus Garvey
Cultural Center. Thank you! We look forward to reviewing your application.
***Applications will ONLY be accepted at weekly Black Student Union Meetings on Mondays.***
Host website: http://kubigxiiconference2016.ku.edu
Ari Richardson
Black Student Union Big XII Coordinator
unco.bsu@gmail.com
(303) 250-3104
Marcus Garvey Cultural Center
928 20th St. Greeley, CO 80631
(970) 351-2351