Written by Leah Oake

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Product School on Unsplash

Back to school! From the wee ages of five to adulthood, back-to-school season has been an inevitable part of life and is the first thing that comes to mind when starting a “new chapter.” This back-to-school season, students are either starting another chapter at Saint Mary’s University or, for the first time, opening up the book that is the Saint Mary’s University experience. Whether this is your first year at SMU or not, you will be exposed to many societies. Students are most commonly introduced to societies through their events! Events shape a society, and dictate what people can expect from the society moving forward. With the 2023-2024 society season starting again at Saint Mary’s, new and old societies will be scrambling to plan events and meetings to solidify their society’s status. Now, depending on your society, there may be events that will work better than others, so let’s go over the knockout events in the past so you can have a clear idea of what might work for your society.

Bake Sales

Bake sales have had notable success as fundraisers. To host a bake sale, it is crucial that you elect several people to help (along with any event). You need people to bake these goods (rather than buy) and people to run the booth. In the past, cookies and cupcakes have always been fan favorites. The cost of these goods usually ranges from $1.00-$5.00 dollars for students. Typically, bake sales are hosted on the quad or the first floor of the student center and both gain a lot of attraction given the location: in the forefront of most students' pathways. Bake sales are one of the simplest ways to gain funds and make a name for your society.

2. Movie Nights

Movie nights are ways to establish what your society is all about. Psychology Society? You can unravel a movie with profound meaning, like “A Beautiful Mind.” Ancient Studies Society? “Hercules”, “Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief,” or any movie that allows the members to talk about the representations of these mythological creatures would be a perfect pick. Enforcing a cost is usually up to the society. Movie nights are sometimes used as a fundraiser event, and are sometimes free for members. Providing concessions like free popcorn has also been a successful aspect! In addition, movie nights are commonly held in one of the Loyola classrooms or the McNally Main Auditorium depending on the size of your society. Organizing a movie night is the perfect way to encourage society members to bond.

3. Study Sessions

A group study session is a simple activity that brings members closer together. Holding these study sessions can allow members to actively participate in their society while not falling behind in their studies. If your society is an academic one, study sessions are even more beneficial, especially if other people in your discipline are studying with you. Comparing ideas, answers, and work can help to promote confidence and friendships. Study sessions have been previously held in a library study room or a Loyola classroom.

4. Game Night

Game nights allow society members to unleash their competitive side and form close friendships among one another. During game nights, the executive team provides board games or notifies members to bring their own. It is key to secure board games ahead of time, as with any event that requires props. There are many places in SMU where you can host these board game nights, but be sure that you are in a place where the competitive yells and cheers won’t be a bother. Costs can be enforced, but usually, there is only a fee for non-society members.

5. Holiday-themed events

Whether it is Halloween, Christmas or Valentine’s Day, lots of people adore holidays! So, when hoping to plan a successful event, it is always a guaranteed hit if you focus your event around a holiday. A simple social with the holiday theme can ensure success! During these socials, members are encouraged to bring treats and food items to share amongst the group. In addition, the executive team plans simple activities for society members to enjoy. You can also take any of the events mentioned above and morph them with a holiday; for example: Halloween movie night (watch a horror movie) or a holiday bake sale (winter holiday themed treats). Sometimes, holiday events require extra effort, but it will undoubtedly go a long way in establishing your society's place on campus.

6. _____ Drives.

While fundraising for your own society is great, you should also consider giving back to the community. Clothing drives, food drives and blood drives are great events to bring the community closer together and establish your society's identity outside of the Saint Mary’s community. There are countless charities and organizations towards which these types of donations can go. Below is a list of charities and organizations based in Halifax that your society can help give back to:

Feed Nova Scotia

Familiarize yourself with these organizations and do your own research to decide where your society would like to donate to!

7. Formal Events

Once societies have established their brand at Saint Mary’s they (sometimes/typically) organize a formal annual event. During these black tie events there is food, music, photo ops and special guest speakers. These events are normally held in the McNally Main Auditorium or in Loyola Academic 290. Formal events can highlight your society’s seriousness and present opportunities to sponsors and new members.

When starting up your society for the first time or for the eighth time, it is crucial you have a plan. Planning your events for the year not only generates excitement for the future, but allows the executive team to get ready ahead of time. Societal events and activities shape Saint Mary’s and bring the student body together. Wanting to make sure your events are great is a clear sign that you are already benefiting Saint Marys! We can’t wait to see what your society does!

Seven Successful Events for Your Society

Bake Sales