Student-Led Major Events

Every year a small number of YDS student organizations will decide to lead in the programming of events that are significant in size and/or impact for the community. These events are classified as major events, and as such, underpin a larger commitment between the Student Organization and OSA in supporting and managing the deliverables on such major events.

The below information details the expectations of student leaders in how they must work on their event, and what the process looks like.

What Constitutes a
Student-Led Major Event?

A student-led major event typically will include a combination of any or all of the following metrics:

An event that goes across multiple days

An event that requires more than one room concurrently

A conference or symposium or similar academic format

An event that involves multiple outside, non-Yale speakers

An event with an estimated size of 80+ attendees

An event open to wider-Yale and/or the general public

An event marketed externally outside of Yale

An event that requires a large amount of funding (more than $1K)

An anniversary event, especially when including alum engagement

Student Orgs must request to host a major event in the spring semester preceding the AY of their event:

To host a major event, student orgs, as part of their re-registration must notify OSA of their desire to host a major event in the next academic year. Pending approval of their re-registration, OSA will then work with the student org to book tentative rooms and provide them with a major event planning worksheet.

When you plan a major event, remember that you are not only representing your student organization - your work is also representative as Yale Divinity School and the university as a whole. This is why we ask more of you in developing your responsible leadership skills in planning major events!

Major Event Planning Worksheet

The major event planning worksheet covers the responsibilities of the student org and the OSA teams. It also provides tailored deadlines for major foundational blocks of planning an event at Yale.

You can see a sample of this worksheet here.

Hosting major events at YDS responsibly and in good standing is dedication to commitment over a long period, with a lot of work, communication and team effort involved between you and OSA. It is important that you follow OSA's guidance and meet the deadlines as set in your worksheet.

Best Contact:
Kit Heeley

Director of Student Life

Kit is the OSA staff member who manages and directs student organizations and their major events. If you wish to discuss your ideas, schedule time with him using the link below.

SCHEDULE A 60-MINUTE MEETING