Orientation Day Recommendations

At the start of the semester, you could have a 2-day Orientation/Training phase.

Orientation day could include the following:

  1. Welcome Everyone. Summary of last year’s major projects and resolutions:
    • Highlight success stories
    • Emphasis upon being a part of proactive organization
    • Emphasis on creating a sense of belonging
  2. Fun ice-breaker activity
    • Perhaps a fun quiz on the rules/procedures à If virtual responses can be submitted live
    • Perhaps top prizes
  3. Lunch/Refreshments
    • If virtual, could we work with a local business to setup delivery?
    • Or schedule a pickup time/place for everyone.
  4. Split off into breakout rooms: Senators, Representatives and Commissioners.
    • In each room, each executive goes into more detail regarding the roles/responsibilities of such roles
    • Then have each of the GSS Members write down and submit the following
      • Why did you join GSS in your specific role?
      • What top 3 projects do you want to endeavour within your role this year?
      • How will you go about achieving these?
      • What support or further resources do you need to achieve these?
      • Training Day: This could be just a short meeting virtually/face-to-face to go over the following in details:
        1. Roberts Rules
        2. Resolution Process
        3. A rough plan of action for the start of your role. This would outline some basic checklist items such as:
          • Reaching out to your constituents
          • Collate contacts
          • Connect with relevant senior members respective to your role
        4. Communication on Teams channels:
          • Emphasis on expected communication
          • Focusing on sharing events on the main channel and engage with fellow GSS members

For training – we could also create a Blackboard Organization for GSS members to complete before they join. I have created one of these for our online master’s degree and it could be really easy to setup & doesn’t need to be too lengthy.

Engagement: Throughout Semester

  • Each of the executives meets with each group; senators, representatives & commissioners as a check-in along with sharing ideas ask questions in a smaller group.
  • Perhaps have cell phone group chats for each of the 3 groups? That way creating a more colloquial avenue for building social connectivity and building confidence for those new to GSS.
  • End of semester social event; virtual/face-to-face

Implementation of a GSS mentor program where a seasoned member of GSS mentors the new member teaching them how to submit a resolution, who they can work with at their school/how to reach out to their students, how to set up “office” hours, different terminologies, and how to be an overall effective senator.