Below are SAB’s four core values and the created definition which demonstrates the essence of each value:

Teamwork

To strive to create a network which is tied together by communication, friendship, and cooperation that works toward building lasting ties with the UK community.

Enrichment

To not only provide entertainment, but to use our events as a medium through which to enlighten and educate.

Diversity

To serve various groups of different lifestyles, cultures, and ethnic backgrounds through an array of events focused on entertainment, education, and ultimately, unity.

Stewardship

To efficiently and effectively manage all financial affairs, give back to the student body, promote leadership, preserve integrity, and uphold accountability.

 

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Any good organization or business has clearly defined core values. These values are used to determine how they spend their money, how they want others to perceive them, and, most importantly, what their organization is all about. The values act as guiding principles. In January 2009, it was determined that SAB, as one of the largest student organizations on campus and, in many respects, a “small business,” needed to define some values of its own. The 2009-2010 Board of Directors (BOD), while on their annual associate retreat in Lake Cumberland, brainstormed and deliberated for hours on which values SAB should select to help guide the future of the organization.

Guided through the process by Office of Student Involvement staff member Todd Cox, SAB selected four core values: teamwork, enrichment, diversity and stewardship. After the four core values were created, our team divided up into small work groups and defined each of the values. These were then presented at our first associate BOD meeting in February of 2009, edited, finalized, and presented to the entire Board by the middle of February. These values can now be found in our brochure and here on the website.

SAB does not take these core values lightly. In fact, it was decided by the BOD to add the core values to the proposals for events. Therefore, a committee must explain how its event is in accordance with the four core values as part of the decision-making process on programs that are chosen to bring to campus through SAB. The values are displayed around the SAB office to serve as a reminder as to why we’re all here and what we want to accomplish through our events.

In compliance with the stewardship value, SAB also opted to create a Market Research position for the first time in 2009-2010 school year. This position is one that conducts research in the form of surveys and focus groups, analyzes the information, and directs the Board in how we can best use the data we gather. Alan Herbst,  SAB’s first Director of Market Research, says, “SAB has seen a substantial benefit as the position helps us determine what students want and how they want to be informed; therefore, we can be better stewards of student fees - a responsibility we take great pride in.” SAB is proud of the new enhancements to how the board functions, giving what we believe, the best leadership experience at UK. The new position that have been created, the core values we have established, and the many steps we have taken toward becoming a stronger organization over the past few years shows the organization’s dedication to the UK student . We know these initiatives have established a strong foundation for future Boards and will allow them to only positively progress from here.