University of North Alabama
Mascot Appearance Guidelines
The purpose of the University of North Alabama (UNA) mascots, Leo and Una, is to support, promote and represent UNA by actively enhancing the spirit, pride and excitement in all environments.
The following information is designed to assist you in making a request to include the UNA mascots in your upcoming event or program. Each request will receive fair and consistent consideration and will be confirmed based upon availability and department policies. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee an appearance.
All requests must be submitted using the Appearance Request Form. Requests should be received at least two weeks in advance and no more than three months prior to the event. Please furnish as much detail as possible and allow 5-7 business days to receive a response to your request.
General Guidelines
The mascots are property of UNA and can only be used in connection with activities that meet the University's standards and support the University's mission.
All appearance requests must identify what activities the mascots are being requested to engage in. The mascots are always prepared to Meet & Greet and take pictures. Any other activity should be detailed in the request to determine feasibility.
The mascots will not make commercial appearances (e.g., store grand openings) unless contractually obligated through an executed sponsorship agreement and approved by the University. Additionally, the mascots shall not attend religious or political-affiliated events.
All publicity for the event, whether in advance or afterward, which mentions an appearance by the UNA mascots or uses university marks (logos), must be approved by the University before use.
The mascots reserve the right to leave any event that is deemed unsafe, harmful, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the image of UNA. If payment was required for the event, a refund will not be issued.
Mascot Availability
The mascots are available for appearance throughout the year. However, please remember that the mascots are students first. Appearances during summer, holiday breaks, home football game weekends, scheduled student breaks, or exam weeks will be extremely limited.
Priority is given to events held on the UNA campus.
If the mascot appearance has been confirmed and there is a change in date and/or time, UNA cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate the change. If changes occur, please contact Megan Dye at smlovelace@una.edu as soon as possible.
Appearance Requirements
A designated event representative must be available from the mascots' arrival to departure to assist and escort the mascots during the event.
For off-campus events, the event host must provide a private changing area for the mascots which can be locked so that personal belongings and equipment can be stored during the performance. This cannot be a restroom, closet, public space, etc.
The event host must provide drinking water for the mascots.
The event host must provide designated parking spaces close to the event for mascot staff. If there is any charge for parking (meter, parking garage, etc.), the event host is to pay for this in advance and/or provide a parking permit (if applicable to the event site).
Appearances will be limited to one hour. The mascots' event representative will let them know when the appearance time is over. The mascots must receive a short break after 20 minutes.
Standard mascot appearances are limited to one hour. Requests for appearances exceeding one hour are subject to approval based on scheduling, staffing, and mascot welfare considerations. Extended appearances require additional rest breaks. When an appearance extends beyond one hour, students serving as mascots must be adequately compensated for the additional time.
In the event of extreme weather (e.g., excessive heat, humidity, rain, etc.), outdoor event appearances may be shortened for mascot safety. The decision will be at the discretion of the mascots.
Appearance Fees
On-campus events directly connected to UNA Athletics, university departments, or registered student organizations are free of charge.
A fee will be charged for appearances at all non-UNA events, whether held on or off campus. The fee will be $50 per mascot, due upon arrival at the event.
If the event is outside the Shoals area, mileage reimbursement is required in addition to the appearance fee.
Cancellation
Although rare, cancellations happen. With a mascot team made up of students, situations including illness, class conflicts, personal emergency, etc., may occur. The University reserves the right to cancel a mascot appearance up to an hour before the event.
If an event/appearance must be cancelled by the event host, UNA should be given seven (7) days prior notice.
Questions
For questions concerning the mascots, please contact Megan Dye at smlovelace@una.edu.
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST LEO AND UNA
