Student Organizational Guide Part 1 “How to Transition into Your New Executive Position”

Why Transitioning is Important Provides transfer of significant organizational knowledge. Minimizes the confusion of leadership change. Gives outgoing leaders a sense of accomplishment and closure. Utilizes the valuable contribution of experienced leaders. Increases the knowledge and confidence of the new leadership

Why Transitioning is Important Minimizes the loss of momentum and accomplishments of the group. Minimizes the loss of important documentation. Provides a sense of continuity among the membership. Continuous leadership gives stability and direction to the organization. New leadership provides hope of improvement and excitement within the organization.

Complete “Change of Officer Forms” The forms are located at the Student Association Office in the Campus Life Building, Room 180.

Plan a Fun & Informative Retreat Orient all of the new officers together with the outgoing officers. Have outgoing officers explain their roles in detail to the entire executive board so, new execs can be clear on each others responsibilities. Transfer key knowledge and information about the organization as well as all materials necessary for them to function.

Useful Retreat Topics Goal Setting Idea Brainstorming Group Development Direction of Organization Questions & Answers MAKE SURE TO PLAN FUN ACTIVITIES AS WELL!!!

Share Position & Organization- Related Files Make sure incoming officers have copies of the following: Constitution & By-laws Position description of officers and members List of committees and their description Member & Officer Contact List Contact Info for helpful campus resources List of basic annual procedures and/or calendar of events Web page and webmaster info Mission, philosophy, goals and/or purpose of organization Financial Records Evaluations of previous and current projects Meeting minutes and agendas Any historical records of the organization

Review Calendar of the Year Take out a calendar of this school year and review it together. What were the busy times? What kinds of things should the new officers anticipate?

Make Introductions to Resources Schedule time to walk around campus together so the outgoing officers can make introductions to the important people who can serve as resources to the incoming officers. Ex.) Student Association, Student Leadership & Involvement, CAB, etc. Make sure new officers meet with the organization’s advisor(s).

Review Budgets and Funding What is the financial status of the organization? Where did the organization get money from in previous years? Did the organization apply for funding and/or receive funding from Student Association? Which fundraisers were used? Which one’s worked? Which didn’t?

Review Past & Future Events Which events were successful? Which should be continued? When should the planning start? Which events shouldn’t be continued? Were there any challenges or opportunities that could have been improved?

Meetings & Organization Where were the meetings held? What worked? What didn’t? Has a contact list for the school year been created? What is a typical week like? What were the most and least challenging parts of responsibilities?

Recruitment Activities What recruitment activities were done? What worked? Did the organization attend the SA’s Organizational Expo? Will we be attending this year? YES!!! Why did new members stay involved? If they didn’t, what made them leave?

Next Step… Make a “To-Do List” What items on the list are priority? What items can be attended to later?

GOOD LUCK THIS YEAR!!!! IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT: Lakeisha Ferguson Director of Organizational Development Campus Life Bldg., Suite 180N Dekalb, IL Phone: (815) Fax: (815)