This is a step by step menu of sorts for you to follow - feel free
to add but be wary of deleting. Each step is important to the overall success of
the program!
Below are areas critical to planning a successful
program from the assessment at the beginning to the evaluation at the
end.
What are the needs of the community? Do they need to
study more, relax, learn about diverse populations? Do you need to address or
repsond to some resent issues/incidents in your community?
Who is your population? Age, gender, race,
major....
Does the program have a stated and realistic purpose?
Do you have the resources/money to support the program? Will your population
attend? Can this be done right now considering school, personal life, and
other RA responsibilities?
Have you reserved the location (room, building, field)
*Do not assume that because you are hosting on your floor or in your
building that the room in available. Remember ADA
Standards.
Contact and Reserve resource people including sign
interpretors and police officers if needed.
Check scheduling conflicts with other staff members,
hall government, sports events...
Finances (if needed): Contact your hall governing
group at least two weeks prior to the approval of the event. Check with their
policies on allocating money. Ask your supervisor if you have a budget for
programming.
How was your advertising? Was it up late? Did you
use only one type? Were the all flyers (students see hundreds of
flyers).
Unprepared Spekers:
Make sure you speak with the presenter before the
program to ensure both you and he/she understand the expectations and goals
of the program.
AV Equipment doesn't work:
Make sure you test out all equipment prior to the
event
Someone else is in the room:
Check the schedule and make sure you had reserved
the space properly. Be ready to compromise and have a back-up date and
place.
People are rude during the program:
You can bring people aside or talk to the person
later or ask them to leave. If it is a resident, make sure you challenge
them on their behavior.
You are exhausted having put on this program all by
yourself:
Make sure you ask for help. - utalize student
leaders, graduate staff, other RAs, and the many resources around
campus.
Programming can be fun and shouldn't burn you out.
Ask for help - it's the best way to get things done!
Having troubles such as these does
not mean that your program was not a success. Give yourself an honest evaluation
and recognize your strengths and weaknesses. The people who attend your next
program will benefit from your reflection!