TIPS

HAVE FUN! At times, people get involved for the wrong reasons – status, fame, glory, and not for the right reasons - fulfillment, social outlet, and interest. You should always like what you are doing, so if you do not, do something different! People who dislike their jobs tend to have a higher stress level, are more irritable and tend to have a poor outlook on life. Avoid this at all costs.

Manage Your Information: Be sure to keep your organization's information on StudentOrgs.gwu.edu updated. The Student Activities Center receives dozens of emails annually from people who see the list of orgs on that website and are seeking information about how to get involved. If you haven't established an organization email account or website, do so! If your officers have changed, and it is outside of the annual fall registration season of August and September, email your SAT Advisor so they can update your officer information in the student orgs database.

Meet Regularly: Schedule regular meetings. These can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, but make sure you meet! This includes meeting at the same time and place. If you have a scheduled meeting, make sure you keep to it. If you have to cancel a meeting CALL AND E-MAIL EVERYONE!

Have an Agenda: Meetings are most effective if everyone knows what is going on, so have your executive board create an agenda. Include Old/New Business, Minutes, Roll Call, Dates and Time, and Thank You’s. The agenda should not be a substitute for attending a meeting. It should be a brief and bold summary of what will occur at the meeting.

Create a Sense of Belonging: Each and every person wants and needs to feel wanted. If a new member shows up to your meetings and is not welcomed, he or she will most likely not return. Be sure to contact all members regularly, and most of all, be a friend to them. By doing this, every person feels that sense of belonging and will ultimately contribute to the team.

Do What You Say, Say What You Do: A good leader always follows through. That could be checking in with your SAT Advisor as you plan an event, attending regular meetings, or sending a thank you card, but please do what you say you will do. Also, tell
others about the good things your group is doing. Be proud of your accomplishments!

Recruit New Faces: This is a must for any group because people come and go. If your roommate or best friend is not involved in your group, ask them to come to a meeting. If you meet someone in J Street, invite them to an event. There are lots of people who just want to be asked, so take the chance. If they say yes, then you have just added a new member to your group. One of the best ways to increase your membership is by tabling during Colonial Inauguration (for more information go to the CI office in the Marvin Center room 433) or during Fall Fest.

Get Involved in Other Activities: Studies show that students who are involved in activities do better in school because they learn to manage their time. Whether you get involved in Greek Life, Neighbors Project, a leadership program, or athletics... just get involved! The more well-rounded your extracurricular activities are, the more well-rounded your college experience will be.

Know When to Say NO: We all get over-involved some times, so be prepared to say "I am too busy." Everyone loves the person who is involved in everything, but sooner or later, you will suffer for it. Pretty soon, you will see your stress level rise, your grades slip and your mood change, so watch for it! If you feel this is happening to you, see your SAT Advisor to talk about your options.

Student Activities Center: This is where so many things originate. We have information and staff available for advisement and everything your group will need to function. Don't hesitate to set an appointment with your SAT advisor.

Student Advising Team (SAT) Advisor: Your SAT advisor is your best resource for helping your student organization run smoothly. As well, while you are in the Student Activities Center use the opportunity to chat with others involved students. They too are a great resource for other campus happenings.

Run for an Office: People who are willing to take a risk are the same people who succeed in life. Serving as an officer will not only look good on your resume, but will give you the leadership experiences that are so valuable in life. You learn how to delegate, how to sell ideas, how to mediate discussions, and how to run a meeting.