Purpose
The Live Mascot Calendar showcases the people, programs, traditions, and milestones that make The Citadel unique. Participating departments are encouraged to collaborate with the Live Mascot Program to create creative, engaging, and family-friendly photographs that celebrate campus life while supporting the Live Mascot Program.
Participation Overview
Departments participating in the Sponsor-a-Month Program will work with the Live Mascot Program to create a themed calendar feature for their assigned month.
Each sponsored feature includes:
- A themed Live Mascot photograph
- Department recognition in the calendar
- A department-themed caption
- Automatic entry into the inaugural Best in Show Competition
Photo Concept Submission
Each department should submit:
Required:
- Department name
- Primary contact
- Assigned or requested month
- Brief description of the department, program, tradition, or milestone being featured
Optional:
- Proposed photo concept
- Suggested location(s)
- Suggested participants
- Caption ideas or mascot-related puns
Departments are encouraged to be creative, but final approval rests with the Live Mascot Program.
Photo Content Guidelines
The Citadel Spirit
Photos should reflect:
- The Citadel’s traditions and values
- Cadet development and achievement
- School spirit and pride
- Departmental contributions to the campus community
Family-Friendly Content
All photographs must be appropriate for display in:
- Homes
- Offices
- Classrooms
- Public spaces
Photos may NOT include:
- Political messaging
- Offensive or inappropriate content
- Alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or prohibited substances
- Commercial advertising
- Content inconsistent with The Citadel’s mission and values
Mascot Safety & Welfare
The Live Mascot Always Comes First
The health, safety, comfort, and well-being of the Live Mascot take priority over any photo concept.
Photo concepts must not:
- Place the mascot in dangerous situations
- Expose the mascot to excessive heat, cold, noise, or stress
- Require activities beyond normal training or comfort levels
- Involve operating equipment, machinery, or vehicles
- Include elevated locations without proper safeguards
- Include open water activities
- Require uncomfortable costumes or accessories
Approval Authority
The Live Mascot Program reserves the right to modify or reject any concept that may pose a risk to the mascot’s safety or welfare.
Official Rule #1: If the mascot wouldn’t willingly participate for treats and attention, the idea probably needs revision.
Photography Guidelines
Departments are encouraged to:
Use creative locations
Incorporate department-specific props
Highlight traditions and milestones
Include cadets, faculty, staff, alumni, or department representatives
Showcase campus landmarks
Have fun
Simple concepts often make the best calendar photos.
Caption Guidelines
Captions should be:
- Family-friendly
- Positive and uplifting
- Connected to the department or theme
- Brief and easy to read
Mascot puns are highly encouraged but not required. Examples:
- Every Bulldog Starts Somewhere
- Keeping The Citadel Paws-itively Beautiful
- A Milestone Worth Barking About
- Sniffing Out New Opportunities
Final caption approval rests with the Live Mascot Program.
Program Timeline
December 15 – Sponsorship Commitment Deadline
January 5 – Photo Concepts Due
January 31 – Photography Complete
February 10 – Calendar Layout Finalized
February 28 – Calendar Submitted for Printing
Best in Show Competition
All participating departments will automatically be entered into the inaugural Best in Show Competition.
Photos will be evaluated on:
- Creativity
- Citadel Spirit
- Department Representation
- Visual Appeal
- Mascot Appeal
The winning department will receive the official Best in Show Ribbon, recognition through the Live Mascot Program, and one full year of campus bragging rights.
Final Note
The goal of the Live Mascot Calendar is simple: Celebrate The Citadel, highlight the departments that support our cadets, create memorable mascot moments, and have fun along the way.