MASCOT APPEARANCE GUIDELINES
POLICY
Utah Valley University offers mascot appearances upon request, providing an opportunity for engagement with the community. While the Department of Athletics aims to fulfill as many appearance requests as possible, certain criteria will be considered to ensure the alignment with the University’s spirit and values, audience reach, educational impact, safety, and brand exposure. Availability of our mascot team will also factor into the decision for your request.
APPEARANCE REQUEST CRITERIA
When considering appearance requests for Utah Valley University’s mascot, the following criteria will be considered:
- Alignment with the Spirit & Values of Utah Valley University: Requests for appearances should align with the spirit and values of Utah Valley University. The mascot represents the University and its community, promoting positivity, inclusivity, and enthusiasm. Events that reflect the University’s brand and contribute positively to the campus culture will be strongly considered. Athletic events will be prioritized first.
- Engagement Potential & Audience Reach: The Department of Athletics will evaluate the potential for meaningful engagement with the audience. Events that have substantial impact on the community and offer an opportunity to connect with a wide and diverse audience will be considered favorably.
- Promoting Educational & Community Impact: Appearances at events that serve an educational purpose for the entire school or organization will be given more consideration. The University places importance on contributing positively to the community and supporting educational initiatives.
- Safety & Logistic Factors: The safety of the mascot and event attendees is of utmost importance. The Department of Athletics will assess the event’s safety measures and logistics to ensure a secure and well-organized appearance.
- Media Exposure & UVU Brand Impact: The potential media exposure and impact on Utah Valley University’s brand will be considered when evaluating appearance requests. Events that provide positive visibility and uphold the University’s reputation will be prioritized.
APPEARANCE FEES & LOGISTICS
- Request Submission Timeline: Requests that are submitted one month or more in advance will be prioritized. Requests that are submitted after the one-month deadline will receive low priority. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appearance.
- Appearance Timeline: Appearances are a maximum of four (4) hours. Performers require breaks at least every 30 minutes during the event due to workload, temperatures, stress, etc. Please be prepared to provide adequate breaks.
- Fees: Appearance fees include travel costs of $0.67 per mile round trip (Utah Valley University to the event location and back), and a rate of $60 per hour (one hour minimum) for University and Personal Events, $80 per hour (one hour minimum) for Weddings, Birthdays, and Corporate / Business Events, $100 per hour (one hour minimum) for Photo / Video Shoots. Lower Education and Nonprofit Organizations are fee-exempt. Funds received from appearance fees contribute to the overall expenses of Utah Valley University’s Mascot program, such as travel, equipment, etc. The Department of Athletics will invoice individuals or groups. Payment must be received prior to the scheduled event.
- Publicity: All marketing materials, whether prior to the event, during the event, or after the event, which mentions UVU, UVU Athletics, or Willy the Wolverine, including images or logos, require written approval by the Department of Athletics prior to publication. To receive written approval, contact Kameron Dearing, Assistant AD / Marketing, by email at Kameron.Dearing@uvu.edu.
- Mascot Changing Area: Organizations or individuals that request a mascot appears must provide a private and secure changing area for the mascot performer(s) upon arrival.
- Disclaimer: Submitting a request does not guarantee an appearance. The Department of Athletics reserves the right to deny or cancel any appearance at any time, for any or no reason. All requests will be scheduled at the discretion of the Department of Athletics. Team Willy reserves the right to walk away from any appearance deemed unsafe, harmful, or that doesn’t align with University spirit and values, without refund.
