2021-22 Bennie and Aroara Application Form

ABOUT

Do you like performing in front of crowds and interacting with people? Since the Fall of 1919, Bennie has been the face of RCC and its athletic department.  Bennie is a powerful, yet friendly force that promotes Riverside City College pride. When Bennie is not enjoying the comforts of the jungle, he can be spotted at athletic games, club events, and special happenings around Riverside and the community. Recently, Bennie has coached his sister, Aroura, to be a part of the RCC family!  Bennie has a longstanding history he wants to keep him roaming the Riverside community!

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Bennie the Bengal, and Aroara, serve as the ambassadors and personality of RCC and RCC Athletics. They must speak to the outgoing personality of RCC spirit and tradition. They must be able to entertain children and fans of all ages and be physically capable of wearing the outfit for an extended period of time, while interacting with all fans. Motivation to generate school spirit is a must and an understanding of social cues. Bennie and Aroara must work in conjunction with teams, public relation endeavors, community relations, and game operations staff.

Being a mascot is a huge commitment, as well as a great privilege. To this end, mascots may be asked to serve at numerous campus and community functions and event, as well as focus on their academics and being the best mascot as possible. If you currently hold a leadership position, please visit with the Mascot advisors to discuss this and make sure that you have the time for involvement.

Secrecy is of the utmost importance. Half the fun of being a mascot is that no one knows who you are. Start practicing this now! If you have been telling everyone that you are applying, you are going to have trouble with secrecy. The mascot selection process will include an audition and a personal interview.  

 REQUIREMENTS

• Must be a Riverside Community College Student and be enrolled in at least six (6) units at RCC
• Each participant is required to have a general physical completed & turned in upon acceptance as a mascot for the school year
• Have no health or physical issues which would hamper your ability to perform as Bennie and/or Aroara which might cause performing as the mascot to be unsafe to your health, the student portraying Bennie may be in conditions where the temperature may rise or fall quickly. The student will be responsible for taking adequate breaks and staying hydrated.
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, be in good disciplinary standings, be a RCC student
• Must be able to commit a considerable amount of time and energy to portraying the schedule, flexibility is a must.

IF YOU ARE CHOSEN

• Bennie must be available for Welcome Day, Homecoming week, select home men's and women’s basketball and all home football games. Attendance at community and other athletic events will be determined throughout the academic year.
• If selected, you must perform your mascot duties from August 1, 2021 through the end of the Spring 2022 semester. Being a mascot is a full year commitment. You may be required to attend events over summer, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break
• There are a number of other appearances both on and off campus throughout the year as well, ranging from attending academic functions to alumni events. The only viable reason for not being able to attend one of these events is class, academic commitments or extenuating circumstances
• Prior to and while in uniform, Bennie WILL NOT consume any alcoholic beverages. While in uniform, Bennie will not consume any tobacco products regardless of age. Bennie is NOT ALLOWED to accept money or gifts for appearances, all financial transactions are established through the college. Mascot students must check his/her campus e-mail on a daily basis. If for some reason Bennie and/or Aroara cannot attend an event as requested, ample notice must be given to the Sports Information Director. The Bennie uniform may not be used for anything other than assigned tasks, and student is to be responsible for ensuring its properly maintained including bringing to the attention any cleaning or repairs that need to be made

COMPENSATION

$500 per semester

As you can see from the above information, being a mascot is a huge time commitment and responsibility. We are looking for dedicated, committed individuals who understand that serving as the mascot is a privilege.   Bennie the Bengal will earn a stipend and receive course credit for his or her services.