Unit-Level Manager Elections FAQs

Election FAQs

Can I run for a unit-level manager position for the next semester even if my unit currently has someone elected for the position?

Yes! Unit-Level Managers serve on a semester term and are elected each semester. Current Managers may run for reelection but the position is always open to additional candidates. If you are interested in a position, you should run.

Can I be a manager if I’m new to the co-op?

Yes! All members can hold manager positions—you do not need specific experience to hold a manager position and will receive training and support from the Central Office. If you are interested in a position, you should run for it regardless of how long you have lived in the co-op.

If I am elected, do I have to move in early?

Major Managers including House Presidents, House Managers, Maintenance Managers, Workshift Managers, and Kitchen Managers are expected to move in early and be physically present at their unit starting the Sunday before move-ins to prepare the house for new members.

If I am elected, when does the position start?

Some positions, specifically House Managers, require work over Winter Break (including coordinating Spring Move-Ins) while most others do not. All Major Managers officially start January 9th, at the start of training week.

When is training week?

For 2023 Summer training will be held May 15-19th, and Fall training will be held August 14-18th. Major Managers including House Presidents, House Managers, Maintenance Managers, Workshift Managers, and Kitchen Managers and Minor Managers including Social Managers and Habitability coordinators are expected to participate in training week. Health Workers, Waste Reduction Managers, and Network Managers will take part in separate training once the semester has started and will be notified by their liaison. The Central office does not provide training for any additional managers.

How is compensation figured out? How much do managers make?
  • Manager Compensation is made up of two parts: a manager stipend and a training stipend.
  • Manager Stipends: The Board of Directors determines the unit-level payroll amount for each unit when setting the BSC Budget for each fiscal year. They use a calculation based on a flat rate per unit plus an additional amount per member at the unit. Each unit is responsible for determining how their payroll will be distributed amongst their manager team. Some units have distributions defined in their bylaws but all units should review distributions each semester at council and vote to approve them. Distributions are discussed in a percentage of the total payroll budget. For example, a manager might make 15% or 25% of the total payroll budget. A Manager’s payroll distribution is their manager stipend. For Fall 2022, the total manager stipend for compensated major managers in the BSC ranged from $568.09 for a House President at a smaller house to $4,075.409 for a Workshift Manager at a larger house. The average manager stipend was $2,018.75.
  • Training Stipends: The training stipend is determined by the number of hours spent in training times the workshift rate ($22/hr). Training stipends are higher for new managers who have to complete more initial training and lower for returning managers who have previously completed the bulk of their training. In Spring 2023, the average training stipend was $263.22 and ranged from $76.00 for a returning manager to $660.25 for a new Kitchen Manager.
When and how is manager compensation disbursed?
  • Manager Compensation is only processed after managers have completed all of their required training and is scheduled to occur during week 5 of the contract period. This is after the second payment is due. Manager Stipends and Training stipends are dispersed via a rent reduction on your BSC account. In other words, your rent will be reduced by the amount of your total compensation.
  • If your compensation places your account in a positive balance, i.e. if you have already paid off your rent for the semester, you can request your compensation in the form of a check.
If I have to make purchases as a manager, how do I get reimbursed?

Reimbursements can only be submitted by House Managers, House Presidents, Kitchen Managers, and Maintenance Managers. These manager positions submit an itemized receipt, which is required by the IRS, to the Central Office using a form. A reimbursement should be submitted immediately after the purchase was made and no later than two weeks after. They will receive training during training week to learn more about this process. Reimbursements for purchases over $150.00 require council minutes with the exception of food or maintenance purchases approved by the appropriate manager.

How can I get a PO card? Who can get a PO card?

Many managers regularly buy things for their unit as a part of their role. If your role requires you to make purchases you will attend a training during training week to learn more about the PO card process. House Managers, Kitchen Managers, Maintenance Managers, and Workshift Managers are eligible to receive a PO card or Purchase Order Card. A Purchase Order card can be used at stores that the BSC has an established relationship with so that members do not have to pay for supplies from their personal money and go through the reimbursement process. Managers need to send their receipts for PO card purchases immediately after making the purchase.

Do I have to report my compensation on my taxes?

No, manager compensation is not considered taxable income because it takes place in the form of a rent reduction. You will not receive any tax documentation from the BSC and are not required to report your manager compensation on your taxes.

Why is training required for some ‘minor manager’ position (such as SM or WRM)?

Some minor managers work with the central office while others do not. Minor managers that are responsible for carrying out central-level policies or coordinating with central level staff are required to participate in training. For example, Social Managers are responsible for upholding the BSC Party Policy and are considered responsible employees (aka mandatory reporters) and therefore need to attend a similar level of training to major managers.

Central Level training is required for the following minor manager positions:

  • Social Managers
  • Habitability Coordinators
  • Waste Reduction Managers
  • Network Managers
  • Health Workers

All other unit-level manager positions do not receive any central level training.

Will I be responding to emergencies as a manager?

Major Managers are primarily responsible for responding to emergencies at the unit-level. All managers have access to BSC Emergency Phone numbers that they can call if they need support in responding to an emergency. House Presidents and House Managers are responsible for developing an Emergency Response plan and facilitating an Emergency Workshop. Maintenance Managers have access to an Emergency Maintenance phone number in case of Maintenance emergencies outside of business hours.

Am I a mandated reporter?

The BSC has a Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy that defines responsible employees also known as mandatory resporters. Many BSC employees are considered responsible employees including all BSC professional staff, Board Directors, and the following unit-level managers: Presidents, Assistant Apartment Managers, House Managers, Kitchen/Food Managers, Maintenance Managers, Workshift Managers, Theme Managers, Social Managers, and Health Workers. These managers are required to tell their supervisor if there is an individual who has violated the Conduct Code or other safety concerns that may pose a danger to themselves or others. The policy that describes responsible employees is located here: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy at policy.bsc.coop

Can I run for multiple positions?

Yes, you can run for multiple positions. The BSC generally discourages managers from holding multiple positions, especially if they are two compensated positions or major manager positions. Check your unit’s bylaws to see if your unit has specific policies around holding multiple positions. There are no BSC policies related to holding multiple positions.  See the Personnel Code, linked below, for necessary requirements to hold multiple manager positions.

Personnel Code PAY AND HOURS OF SERVICE at policy.bsc.coop

What if I have reduced workshift accommodation?

If members have DSP accommodations for reduced workshift and a manager positions gets 5 hours of workshift compensated. The additional hours beyond their reduced requirement would be covered through paid workshift.

Does the manager position completely cover my workshift requirement?

Check your unit’s bylaws to see the specifics of how many workshift hours are covered by the manager position. The majority of major manager positions get their 5 hour per week workshift requirement covered by their position in addition to a manager stipend. Some Minor manager positions might cover a few hours of your workshift requirement. It varies from unit to unit.

Do I have to attend council meetings?

Managers are expected to attend weekly council meetings and provide updates to membership.

Do I have to attend manager meetings?

Managers are expected to attend manager team meetings at their unit. Manager Team meetings are typically held once a week or once every other week and are an opportunity for the unit-level manager team to collaborate on issues related to unit operations.

What’s the timeline for getting trained?
  • Election results are due to the Central Office April 7th, 2023.
  • Elected Managers who receive compensation (All HPs, HMs, TMs, WMs, MMs, KMs, FMs, SMs, HCs, WBMs plus unit specific compensated managers) are expected to complete their Sexual Harassment Prevention training and BSC Safety Training by May 14th, 2023 if they have not done so already.
  • Winter Break Managers should complete all of their training (self paced & live sessions) by December 2nd, 2023.
  • New and New Position Managers need to complete all of their self-paced training on SkyPrep by May 14th, 2023 for Summer, (and August 14th, 2023 for Fall semester).
  • Live Training Week for Summer Managers (All HPs, HMs, TMs, WMs, MMs, KMs, FMs, SMs, & HCs) will be held from May 14-18th 2023.
  • Live Training Week for Fall Managers (All HPs, HMs, TMs, WMs, MMs, KMs, FMs, SMs, & HCs) will be held from August 14-19th 2023.
  • Questions about training and manager positions can be directed to mec@bsc.coop
How long is training? What does it look like?

Training differs for each position. Live training sessions usually run for a week, during “week 0,” the week before move in. Most major manager positions will have multiple training sessions each day.

Can I be a manager if I'm an international student?

International students can hold minor manager positions that do not receive compensation and are not required to fill out an I-9 form. Only international students who hold a J-1 visa can hold a compensated manager position with additional paperwork required.

Can two people fill one role? How does that work for hours, training, compensation?
  • Yes, two people can fill one manager position. This often happens with Kitchen Managers being split into a Kitchen Manager and a Food Manager. In larger units, two managers might be required from a position. For example, Casa Zimbabwe always has two house managers.
  • Both people would be required to complete all of the necessary training and would each receive an appropriate training stipend.
  • The Unit would be required to determine the compensation for each person as well as how any workshift requirements would be maintained.
How are payroll budgets determined for each house?

The Board of Directors determines the unit-level payroll amount for each unit when setting the BSC Budget for each fiscal year. They use a calculation based on a flat rate per unit plus an additional amount per member at the unit.

Responsibilities of all Unit-Level Managers?

Unit-Level Managers share expectations that are defined in BSC Policy. These include:

  • Attending all required training
  • Provide regular updates at Council
  • Providing unit-specific training to the incoming manager at the end of their term
  • Attend on-going training sessions, meetings, and check-ins with their central-level liaison.
  • Uphold BSC and unit-level policies, specifically policies pertaining to safety and liability.
  • Collaborate with their Unit-Level Managers Team on
  • New Member Orientation
  • Habitability and Cleanliness
  • Emergency Response
  • Unit-level Operations issues
  • Maintain regular and ongoing communication with their Central Level Liaison
  • Respond to emails on their BSC email account within one business day

 

How much do I get paid from training?

Training Stipends: The training stipend is determined by the number of hours an elected manager spends in training times the current workshift rate. Training stipends are higher for new managers who are required to complete more training and lower for returning managers who have previously completed the bulk of their training. In Spring 2023, the average training stipend was $263.22 and ranged from $76.00 for a returning manager to $660.25 for a new Kitchen Manager.

Who are liaisons?

All major managers and some minor managers have a Central Office Liaison who is responsible for training and supervising them. They provide support throughout the semester and are responsible for holding their managers accountable to expectations. Performance concerns should go to the liaison if they aren’t able to be addressed at the unit-level.

NOTE: The BSC Policy that sets expectations can be viewed here: Unit-Level Manager Expectations and Position Descriptions at policy.bsc.coop

Manager Type Descriptions

House President

Liaison: Della Moran, Member Education Coordinator, mec@bsc.coop

  • Runs weekly council meetings
  • Facilitates VOCs twice a semester
  • Oversees the completion of establishing semester specific community agreements as a unit democratically
  • Is responsible for mediating conflict resolution at their unit
  • Runs unit level manager meetings (preferably weekly)
  • Oversees/organizes unit level elections
  • Coordinates and promotes mandatory unit level workshops (i.e. consent, harm reduction, anti-oppression, disability awareness)
  • Is responsible for upholding community agreements, house by laws, and BSC policies in their unit
  • Works with unit manager team (particularly the House Manager) to establish a welcoming and friendly environment and is integral in impacting and cultivating community
  • Supports House Manager along with the other major managers in organizing/potentially co-hosting New Member Orientation at the start of the semester
House Manager

Liaison: Member Resources Coordinator VACANT, Contact Mk Konefal, cem@bsc.coop

  • Is the point of contact for and in charge of getting unit specific need to know information out to new, returning, and prospective members both before the start of and throughout the contract period they hold the position
  • Conducts Room Bids (& parking bids if applicable) every new semester/contract period before Move-In Day and collaborates with manager team to prep the house during week 0 for Move-Ins
  • Is responsible for facilitating Move-Ins and Move-Outs
  • Ensures all rooms are stocked with all guaranteed furniture (i.e. bed frame, mattress, desk, chair, dresser, source of light) and order furniture from CFS if necessary
  • Is responsible for and ensures that there are sufficient house and room keys to distribute during move-ins and cutting more at Central if not throughout the contract period
  • Hosts unit specific New Member Orientation with the support of the manager team (usually co-hosted with the HP) at the start of the semester
  • Is in charge of managing Emergency Response & Preparedness at their units (i.e. locating unit’s E-Kit, doing E-Kit inventory, organizing/hosting an Emergency Preparedness Workshop, and completing/submitting a semester specific Emergency Preparedness Plan)
  • Manages/Keeps track of house finances (particularly the house account) and submitting fines throughout/check-out slip at the end of the contract if unit does not have a seperate finance manager
  • Attend/schedule 1:1 meetings with their Liaison (Member Resources Coordinator) and the Member Resources Assistant monthly all HM meetings as well as attend monthly all HM meetings throughout the semester
  • Provides support to unit House Presidents with conflict resolution
  • Helps conduct Room Inspection Reports with unit Maintenance Managers
  • Helps to uphold community agreements, house by laws, and BSC policies in their unit
  • Works with unit manager team (particularly the House President) to establish a welcoming and friendly environment and is integral to impacting and cultivating community in their units
Workshift Manager

Liaison: Operations Supervisor, Alex Hammond, os@bsc.coop

  • Assign workshifts according to member preference and availability (as much as possible), while prioritizing most important shifts
  • Make sure workshifts are accessible to all members, advise members on accommodations process
  • Collaborate with manager team, especially KM and HC, to make sure managers have appropriate workshift support
  • Counsel members with down hours, and provide opportunities to make up down hours
  • Communicate with Central Office to assign central level shifts and report member down hours
  • Attend monthly workshift manager meetings, these meetings are a chance to get advice from long time WMs, hear updates & support from CO
  • Update unit level workshift policy, great opportunity to create the change you want to see! Policy must be in line with Central level policy, but lots of room to find new and better ways of doing things!
  • Track fines and down hours
Kitchen/Food Manager

Liaison: Anton Ennik, Assistant CFS Supervisor, acfss@bsc.coop

Maintenance Manager

Liaison: Pavin Johnson, Maintenance Liaison, ml@bsc.coop

Theme Manager

Liaison: Mk Konefal, Cooperative Experience Manager, cem@bsc.coop

Board Representative

Liaison: Zoe Wan, Board Executive Assistant, bea@bsc.coop

Winter Break Manager

Liaison: Mk Konefal, Cooperative Experience Manager, cem@bsc.coop

Habitability Coordinator

Liaison: Alex Hammond, Operations Supervisor, Alex Hammond, os@bsc.coop

  • Train new members on habitability standards
  • Conduct regular habitability inspections, report any issues to appropriate unit level manager, or central staff member
  • Following a failed inspection, create habitability correction (HC) tasks, assign to members, and follow up with members who do not complete HC hours in a timely manner
  • Work with the central level habitability coordinator to develop a list of habitability improvement projects, create a sign up for students, and follow up with members who have not completed their HI hours
  • Coordinate habitability responsibilities across the manager team (more info here: Unit-Level Manager Habitability Responsibilities at policy.bsc.coop )
Social Manager

Liaison: Member Resources Coordinator, VACANT, Contact Steven Oleson ed@bsc.coop

Health Worker

Liaison: Member Resources Coordinator, VACANT, Contact V. Nedeltchev, cpa@bsc.coop

Network Manager

Network Manager Coordinator, Esme Cohen, nmc@bsc.coop

Waste Reduction Manager

Liaison: Anton Ennik, Assistant CFS Supervisor, acfss@bsc.coop