Staff Writer- Kyera Eustice

Photo credits: August Marcusen

You may have seen posters or received emails about CAB events—and maybe you’ve even attended some. But have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of a CAB event or what the purpose of what CAB really is?

CAB stands for Campus Activities Board and is one of the primary leadership organizations at Gustavus Adolphus College. As one of the largest event-planning organizations on campus, CAB works to plan a variety of events for the student body. According to CAB co-president Rae Holwerda, the events are planned to educate, entertain and bring students together. Holwerda said attending CAB events can be a way to strengthen the Gustavus community; You can bring your friends, coworkers, or family, or simply attend on your own to meet new people and build connections.

So, what actually goes on behind the scenes to make a CAB event happen?

CAB has a board of approximately 16–17 students, each with a specific title or area of events they focus on. These positions include marketing, traditions, community representative, everyday activities, and many more. While students may only see the final event, the planning process begins well before the event takes place.

Holwerda said an event can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks to create. Each CAB event is planned during the semester before it takes place. The process begins when an executive comes up with an idea and a title for the event. From there, they determine a date, time and location and reserve the necessary space. Once those details are finalized, the event information is sent to the marketing and social media teams to be promoted around campus. After the event has been advertised, the executive can order supplies and finalize the remaining details with the co-presidents.

Some of the CAB events you may have seen around campus include Homecoming events and Kickball. 

CAB meets every Monday at 8 a.m. in Beck 301. Meetings are open to the entire student body. Holwerds states CAB members love seeing new faces. Attending a meeting is a great way to learn more about CAB and get introduced to the organization if you are interested in applying.

Did you know that CAB is one of the few high level leadership organizations at Gustavus that you can join as a first-year student?

Applications to become a CAB member open after Homecoming and remain open until Fall Break. The application process consists of completing an application and participating in an interview with the co-presidents. Once the interviews are complete, the executive board evaluates applicants and extends offers to selected students.

Students can also get to know the CAB board through Chalk and Talk. At this event, students receive a cup of ice cream, but there is a catch: the only way to get toppings is by talking to a new CAB executive member. The event gives students an opportunity to meet members of the board who help plan events around campus.

CAB provides students with opportunities to participate in event planning and leadership on campus. The next time a CAB event is advertised through a poster, social media post, or email, students can learn more about the event and the organization behind it. From developing an idea to reserving a space, promoting an event and preparing supplies, CAB members work throughout the semester to bring events to campus.