Programming Best Practices
- Kayla Ray
Balanced Chapter Programming
It is so important that you are making sure that not every weekend is packed to the brim! Leave room for members to have Delta Zeta free time for other responsibilities. We recognize though that our chapters have different programming requirements based off tradition, university and Delta Zeta requirements as well. Here are a few tips to make sure we are not overprogramming or overbearing our membership.
Spread the Wealth
Spread the wealth – Not everything needs to be completed in one semester! If possible, use your entire academic year to make sure everything is getting done. If your fall semester is a lot heavier because of formal recruitment or university events, take advantage of your spring semester!
Be Okay Saying “No”
As the Vice President of Programs, you need to make sure you are being respectful of your members’ time and ability to participate. Not everyone is able to put in the same amount of energy into Delta Zeta as everyone else, and that is okay! If your officers are trying to overprogram and add on event after event, make sure you are coaching them and working with them on what can and cannot be done.
Getting Program Feedback
Our chapters are comprised of a diverse group of members – bringing together varying perspectives, experiences and expectations. Additionally, we are influenced by campus culture and demands. The Vice President of Programs is charged with the task of providing programming that meets the needs of the collegiate chapter members. The best way to ensure that this task is being completed is by engaging the members for feedback. In order to ensure that the programming is meeting the needs of the members, the Vice President of Programs should regularly seek feedback from the chapter members. Suggestions for how to do this include:
Utilizing programming surveys at the beginning of each semester.
Presenting the chapter options and allowing them to vote on the option that appeals to them the most.
Creating a Programming Committee which has at least one representative from each class.
Engaging the standing chairmen for suggestions and needs. They will appreciate being involved in important decisions impacting the direction of the chapter and may also feel empowered to make a difference in their own programs.
Importance of Evaluation
It is not unusual for chapters to get caught in a trap of conducting the same programming year after year out of habit and not because the programming is still meeting the needs of the members. In order to avoid falling into the cycle, the Vice President and Programs should conduct an evaluation of each chapter program following the event with the standing chairman responsible for the event. Additionally, the overall chapter programming should be evaluated at the end of the officer term and provided to the incoming officer for effective and efficient future planning.