Our goal is to make every TC and TK appearance as enjoyable as possible, for both the event organizers and our UNI staff. To create the best experience possible for both parties, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and fun appearance for everyone:
- Each mascot has their own staff member (our Outreach Ambassadors) to assist them with all of their personal needs. These students communicate on behalf of the mascots and will walk with them almost anywhere they go. Not only will they guide TC and TK to where they need to go, but they will also communicate directly with them for when they need breaks or are having issues. Outreach Ambassadors will be the point of contact for the mascots once they arrive at the event.
- For every 45 minutes that TC and/or TK makes an appearance, they will need a 15 minute break to refresh and hydrate. If possible, we request that the event organizers set up a LOCKABLE changing area that is closed-off from the public, in order to respect their privacy during these breaks.
- For off-campus events, please indicate that there is available parking nearby and whether it is free or if cash may be required.
-For events that are during meal hours, we always appreciate when our staff is given access to meals and beverages. While we acknowledge that this NOT a requirement for events that are not UNI-affiliated, it does encourage us to make an appearance again in the future!
- We take the confidentiality of our mascot's identities very seriously. Please encourage anyone in your organization or event planning teams to refrain from asking about their identities or making presumptuous efforts to see who they are when they are not in costume.
- Our staff is trained to determine when a situation is unsafe for mascots. If they have concerns about an activity at the event that may not be safe, they will notify the event personnel. Depending on the circumstances or if reasonable accommodations cannot be made, they may make the decision to leave the event early.
- We have a no-tolerance policy for physical or verbal harassment of our staff. If TC, TK or their Outreach Ambassadors are made uncomfortable by event attendees due to inappropriate behavior (especially from those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol), our staff can leave at anytime and we will refrain from making an appearance again in the future.
- TC and TK do not like water! Therefore, they will not participate in events that heavily rely on water, such as a water balloon fight, swimming , slip-and-slide, walking in the rain, or similar activities.
- Completion of this form does not guarantee TC and TK can fill the request. We reserve the right to cancel an appearance for ANY reason. In the event of a time conflict, priority will typically be given to whichever request was received first. Except in rare circumstances, priority will be given to events hosted by UNI.
Political Events or Fundraisers
The University of Northern Iowa, and by extension Team TC/TK, cannot officially endorse, represent, or affiliate with a political entity. This is to maintain neutrality in the political landscape.
For more information, refer to UNI's policy on Political Activity (10.09).
Any appearance request that is affiliated with any partisan political fundraisers or events will be rejected.
No exceptions will be made.
Summer Events
Summer is an exciting time for everyone and we love attending events during that time of year, so we try to make it to as many community events as possible. However, since our team team is comprised of students, Summer (May through August) is also the most difficult time for scheduling. By requesting in advance, not only will we be able to contact you about any issues prior to the event, but we will be able to reserve that date in case we have other incoming requests for the same day. We also let our requestors know of any cancellations regarding scheduling or weather-related issues.
If you have any questions regarding availability, please contact Team TC/TK's coordinator at
tcpanther@uni.edu.
Photography Rules
TC and TK are trademarked characters of the University of Northern Iowa. When they are at appearances and events, photographs may be taken and used for personal use only.
Companies, organizations, and individuals are NOT allowed to use photographs of TC and TK or any additional University of Northern Iowa marks for advertisements.
TC and TK's appearance at an event does not constitute promotion of any product, service, and/or person by Team TC/TK or the University of Northern Iowa.
Any misuse of photographs or sale of images alone may be a violation of the University of Northern Iowa's licensing of logos.
For more information on using the University of Northern Iowa logos for sale or promotion, please contact the University of Northern Iowa's Office of University Relations at (319) 273-2761.
By submitting this appearance request form, you acknowledge and agree to the above policies.
