Caesar the Saint Bernard
Santa Fe College is home of the Saints, and Caesar the Saint Bernard is our lovable mascot. Caesar is a big part of the college identity, on campus and in the community. He brings school spirit and great joy to the events he attends. It takes a team of people to support SF's mascot program. Team Caesar is organized by staff from Athletics, Admissions, Student Life, Marketing & Communications and the SF Police Department. Students bring the program to life, serving as the mascot and and the buddies who help keep him safe at events. Having the opportunity to serve on Team Caesar is a great honor. We hope you'll join us!
General Rules and Requirements
- All students must have a 2.5 GPA.
- All volunteers are expected to serve as Caesar's buddy.
- Being Caesar is physically demanding and his costume is not one size fits all. SF staff will select mascot actors based on many factors, including fitness levels, personal hygiene and physical criteria.
- All volunteers are expected to read the Team Caesar training manual, complete volunteer paperwork for HR, and attend at least one hour of training per semester.
- Assignments are given out at monthly Team Caesar meetings (always held on Friday afternoons). Preference is given to volunteers who attend these meetings regularly.
- Students are NOT allowed to perform during their scheduled class time.
Auditions and Interviews
The process of joining Team Caesar begins with filling out an application. If you are eligible, you will be contacted to attend a group audition. After that you may be selected for an additional interview and asked to submit official college volunteer paperwork and fingerprints.
After the interviews have concluded, select applicants will receive further instructions.
FAQs
Is it hot in that costume?
YES! A big part of being a mascot is learning how to handle the heat. Much like a firefighter must get used to wearing heavy equipment in a hot environment, a mascot performer must build up an endurance to being in a suit. This isn’t just a skill; heatstroke is serious. Learn the warning signs of heat illness before you get in costume.
What do Caesar's buddies do?
The buddies are critical. Caesar can only be in his costume for short periods of time, given how hot the costume is (see above), so the buddies help get him dressed and out of the costume as quickly as possible. They serve as bodyguards, reminding the crowd what is ok and not ok when it comes to grabbing, tackling, and in any way touching Caesar. The mascot mask limits visibility so the buddies keep their eyes open in ways that Caesar cannot. They communicate obstacles to Caesar, and they also look for subtle cues so that Caesar can explain that he needs to take a break, without breaking character.
Can I be Caesar without being a buddy?
No. Some people are born for the spotlight and really shine at being the mascot, but it's still valuable for everyone to have turns being a buddy. Team Caesar is a TEAM.
If I'm a buddy will I get a chance to be Caesar?
Not necessarily. There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to putting someone in the mascot costume. For one thing, it involves a big financial liability – the costume cost thousands of dollars and is expensive to clean and maintain. The staff members on Team Caesar reserve the right to make the decision of who will wear it.
How much do Team Caesar volunteers get paid?
Volunteers do not get paid. But they do get to have a whole lot of fun! It's also a great experience to have on your resume.