UNC Asheville Student Alumni AssociationStudents Today, Alumni Tomorrow.

Strategic Plan 2014-2015:SAA Redefined and Redesigned

Background

Established in 2011, the UNC Asheville Student Alumni Association works on behalf of the UNC Asheville Alumni Association to enhance the student experience on campus and beyond by facilitating interaction between students, alumni, and the greater UNC Asheville community.

The purpose of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) is to build school spirit and pride, connect current students with alumni, encourage student philanthropy and service, and enhance the student experience by providing ways to strengthen service and lifelong loyalty to UNC Asheville.

Membership Development Committee Structure

The Membership Development Committee will cover target areas of Recruitment, Retention, and Marketing.

• One member currently serves on the Membership Development Committee, the Committee chairperson. Future members will be drawn from the general membership and executive board.

• By October 1, 2014, the committee chairperson will develop and distribute membership committee assignments to engage existing members in participation.

Membership Retention & Recruitment Goals

The Student Alumni Association has averaged a 50% renewal rate the past three years, but net membership has remained the same during that period. The student organization gained six (6) new members last year, to bring total active participants to (12). The majority of those new members were freshmen. Our plan is to balance recruitment and retention, while improving marketing efforts.

The retention goal for 2014-2015 will be to retain 75% existing members.

The recruitment goal for 2014-2015 will be to recruit 12-20 new members, to bring total active participants to at least 35, or 1% of the UNC Asheville student population.

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Overall Objectives & Key Action Steps:

Attract and retain an ever-growing, engaged, more diverse membership base.

1. Increase net membership 70% by June 30, 2015 (Recruitment). 2. Increase retention rate to 75% (Retention). 3. Increase awareness of member benefits (leadership training, alumni networking, campus and

community service, employment opportunities, spirit and tradition building) (Marketing).

Recruitment

• Conduct outreach to student population and other primary student organizations on campus. • Provide brochures or handouts at all student events, scheduled student organization workshops,

and other events where member prospects may attend. • Emphasize relationships with key offices on campus – Career Center, University Advancement,

Athletics, Bookstore, and Admissions. • Contact boards and executives of similar student organizations with the intention of promoting

SAA membership.

Retention

• Continue to contact all new members with a welcome and list of officers and SAA event dates. • Provide member training through the Fall Training Retreat and Spring New Member Orientation. • Promote consistent participation in scheduled SAA events, social activities, & weekly meetings. • Collaborate with Member-at-Large and Social/Service Chair to ensure member participation. • Emphasize Return on Investment of membership (SAA member benefits).

Marketing

• Advertise First Day of Class socials, SAA interest meetings, and Student Org Fair as primary recruitment events for attracting prospective members.

• Develop a slide show/presentation that will “Tell the Whole Story” of SAA.• Always take photos at meetings and events; then put together a scrapbook and/or display board

for prospective members to see at recruitment events.• Emphasize First Day of Class socials, Founders Day Fall Formal, The Nearly Naked Mile at

Homecoming, and career preparedness-focused events with Career Center as spotlight events for prospective members to associate with SAA.

• Begin (and continue) to provide new member information to the SAA website and Facebook page and distribute email communications related to upcoming events.

• Promote continued awareness of alumni engagement, tradition building, and student philanthropy through press releases; public speaking at other student org. meetings, etc.

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SAA Membership Drive 2014-2015:SAA Redefined: Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow.

Fall 2014 SAA Membership Drive Schedule

Publicity Begins August 15

1st Day of Class Ice Cream Social August 18 (Quad, 1-3pm)

Interest Meeting #1 August 18 (8pm, HIG Rm)

Student Org Fair August 19 (Quad, 10am-2pm)

Contact Tables August 20, 21 (Highsmith Student Union, 10am-2pm)

August 26, 27 (Brown Hall Cafeteria, 5-7pm)

Interest Meeting #2 August 25 (8pm, HIG Rm)

Deadline to Join (Turn in Interest Form) August 27

Student Notification of Membership August 29

First Meeting with General Membership September 1 (8pm, HIG Rm…)

Retreat Fee Deadline

Membership Fall Training Retreat September 5-7 (Lutheridge)

New Member Inductions September 7

Spring 2015 SAA Membership Drive Schedule

Publicity Begins January 9

1st Day of Class Hot Cider Social January 12 (HIG Pinnacle, 1-3pm)

Interest Meeting #1 January 12 (8pm, HIG Rm)

Student Org Fair January 13 (Quad, 10am-2pm)

Contact Tables January 14-16 (Brown Hall Cafeteria, 5-7pm)

January 21-23 (Highsmith Student Union, 10am-2pm)

Interest Meeting #2 January 26 (8pm, HIG Rm)

Deadline to Join (Turn in Interest Form) January 28

Student Notification of Membership January 30

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First Meeting with General Membership February 2 (8pm, HIG Rm…)

Orientation Fee Deadline

New Membership Spring Orientation February 7 (NC Arboretum)

New Member Inductions February 7

Membership Drive Marketing Plan

Publicity/Promotions

1st Day of Class Social Banner in HIG (Fall – week of Pre-Rendezblue, Spring – weekend before event)Posters (in dorms, classroom buildings, HIG, Brown Hall)Handbills (Fall – distributed at Rockypalooza, Spring – distributed at Highsmith)

Interest Meeting Postcards at 1st Day of Class SocialPosters (in dorms, classroom buildings, HIG, Brown Hall)Tabling (at Student Org Fair; in HIG, Brown Hall)

Member Recruitment Tabling (at Student Org Fair; in HIG, Brown Hall)

Tabling

Contact Table Etiquette

1. Proper Attire (member t-shirt, khakis or jeans, comfortable shoes, and your name tag)2. Limit the total number of SAA members tabling (shouldn’t have more than two or three)3. Be on time… if you have to be late or leave early tell your table-mate or the Membership Chair.4. Be respectful and courteous5. No eating6. No cell phones7. Contact tables are huge for us because they allow prospective members to see the type of

people and student org we are. Represent our group well!

Frequently Asked Questions

With whom does the Student Alumni Association work?

We maintain a direct relationship with the UNC Asheville Alumni Association and Alumni Office, through Alumni Relations staff in the Division of University Advancement. In addition, through a number of campus activities and events, we work closely with the Career Center, Student Affairs, UNC Asheville’s faculty and staff, and the surrounding community.

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What events and activities does the Student Alumni Association organize and host/co-host throughout the year?

1st Day of Class Socials Dinner with 12 BulldogsFounders Day Formal Nearly Naked Mile Networking Dinner with Alumni “What Not to Wear: Interview Edition” Fashion ShowTurning of the Maples Student Dollar Drive for ScholarshipsHomecoming Events Alumni Engagement Events

What kind of time commitment is involved?

Regular attendance at our weekly meetings on Mondays at 8:30 pm Mandatory participation in at least one committee (membership, special events, campus and

community outreach, or public relations), in which preparation or meetings will be involved. If you hold a leadership position, regular attendance at weekly executive board meetings on

Wednesdays at 4:00pm Events during the year that SAA members are required to attend and participate in that include:

Founders Day Formal, Homecoming Nearly Naked Mile, Interview Fashion Show, and Networking Dinner.

Fall and spring membership interest meetings, fall member training retreat, and spring new member orientations.

Participation in as many other SAA events and functions as possible

Post-Tabling Response to Interest in SAA Membership:

Dear --- ,

Thank you for stopping by our table at the (1st Day of Class Social/Student Org Fair/Student Union/Cafeteria) and expressing your interest in the UNC Asheville Student Alumni Association! As part of our (fall/spring) semester membership drive, we will have two interest meetings for more on what we do and what membership in SAA means. Those are on Monday, (August 18 and 25/ January 12 and 26) and the member interest form is due on Wednesday, (August 27/ January 28) by 5:00pm at the Alumni Office in 118 WT Weaver Building. Member interest forms will be available at our contact tables.

Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates and information on how you can join. We appreciate your interest in the UNC Asheville Student Alumni Association and hope you have a successful (fall/spring) semester!

With Bulldog Pride,Student Alumni Association

Email Notification/Congrats on SAA Membership:

Dear --- ,

First, thank you for your interest in the Student Alumni Association! We are pleased to welcome you as one of our newest members! Our first regular member meeting for the semester will take place on Monday, September 1st / February 2nd at 8:30pm in Highsmith Student Union, Room --. Please be

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prepared to bring your $20 retreat/orientation fee to the meeting to reserve your space and confirm your commitment to membership in SAA.

We are very excited for this new academic year and hope you are excited about being involved in all the great events and programs we have on tap as well!

Sincerely,Membership Chair/Membership Development Committee member

Membership Drive Group Interactions

First Group Interaction: Interest Meeting #1

When: Monday, August 18th / January 12th Where: Highsmith Student Union, Room (… Room)Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm*SAA Exec Arrive at 7:00*

Second Group Interaction: Interest Meeting #2

When: Monday, August 25th / January 26th Where: Highsmith Student Union, Room (… Room)Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm*SAA Exec Arrive at 7:00*

Final Group Interaction: Fall Training Member Retreat/Spring New Member Orientation

When: Friday-Sunday September 5-7 / Saturday February 7th Where: Fall – Lutheridge, Spring – NC ArboretumTime: Fall 3-day retreat, Spring 1-day orientation (8:00am-5:00pm)*SAA Exec Arrive at 7:30*

Membership Interaction Details

First & Second Interactions – Interest Meeting #1 & #2 Be approachable so that students come to you (body language is key here) but also feel free to

approach them on your own Pace yourselves: there are other interactions and chances to meet more potential members Make a mental note of who impresses you. It is also very important to remember who does not Watch how students interact with each other and your fellow SAA members during the game/

ice breaker

Final Interaction – Retreat/Orientation Really focus on developing how the new and returning members work as a team; and how they

present themselves in front of a group Show respect to the new members because they are the future of the organization’s strength

and presence on campus

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Encourage new members to interact/meet members they have not yet spoken to Have a great time!! We’ve made it a long way too~

General Interaction Pointers

Maintain Professionalism when Presenting Discuss the various responsibilities and activities of the Student Alumni Association Meet as many students at the interest meetings as possible; especially the ones you don’t know Be friendly to make potential new members comfortable, and encourage their questions A few fun questions are ok, but focus on questions that help you determine who the person

really is, and how they might contribute to our group. Listen to what the members have to say Take note of students that are engaged and truly interested in why being a member of SAA

means so much to you Enjoy the process! Interactions are a great part of membership and help determine who our

most committed new members will be! Be personable, confident, and be yourself

Desired Member Qualities:Bulldog Spirit (school spirited, etc.)Knowledge of Our Group’s PurposeCapability to Maintain CommitmentDiversityDedicationIntelligencePersonalityVisionConsistencyLeadership PotentialRespect (us & other applicants)MaturityAccountabilityInterpersonal Skills

Passionate about UNC Asheville Articulate Approachable Professional (presentable) Balanced (well) Punctual Teachability (willing to learn) Open-Minded and Flexible Confident (not arrogant) Fun-loving Charismatic Responsible

Recruitment Goals and Objectives

Bring in our future - great new members

Keep things in perspective Enjoy process/FUN! Be Mindful of Change Make Improvements over time Bonding time Respect for group Communicate well Don’t be afraid to ask for help Make your Voice Heard Prioritize (schoolwork) Pace yourself Limit Stress Give Support Listen Learn Maintain enthusiasm Trust Yourself Value Interest in SAA and Membership Remember it’s an HONOR to be in SAA

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SAA Interest Meeting/ Information Session (Member Recruitment)

Fun & Introductions

- social with pizza & drinks - icebreaker activity- introduction of student leaders, other members attending, and staff advisor

SAA history, purpose, & member benefits

- mission & goals of org- close connection to UNC Asheville Alumni Association, membership in CASE ASAP- leadership training oppt’s (committee teams, retreats, CASE ASAP conferences)- student employment oppt’s (Call Center, Univ. Events/Alumni Relations internships)- exclusive networking oppt's with alumni (socials, career advice, guest speakers)

Major events & programs

- First Day of Class socials- Founders Day Fall Formal (AC Reynolds Fall Formal)- Nearly Naked Mile at Homecoming- “What Not to Wear: Interview Edition” Fashion Show (interview skills workshop)- “Dining with a Dozen Bulldogs” (networking and career exploration socials with alumni)

Things to know

- membership requirements- methods and deadline to join SAA- training retreat fee and participation requirement

SAA Fall Member Training Retreat/Spring New Member Orientation Day

Work:

● Outline vision/goals for year● Review mission, student org. structure, meeting schedule, leadership positions & duties● Discuss calendar of events/projects and budget for academic year● Explore fundraising oppt's for member socials & program budget● Suggest/decide social/service activities: board game night, bowling, and volunteer service proj.

(Brother Wolf, Habitat for Humanity, Manna Food Bank, Operation Christmas Child)

Fun:

● Icebreaker, team building, and reflection activities ● Group training on chalking, banner making, tabling, and fundraiser craft-making

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SAA Fall Member Training Retreat 2014 (September 5-7)

Friday

6:00 Dinner at Brown Hall (on your own)

7:00 Meet for Group Check-in (Courtyard)

7:15 Depart Campus

8:30 Arrive at Lutheridge; Check-in

8:45 Introductions & Icebreaker

9:00 Outline Ground Rules for Weekend

9:15 Room/Job Assignments

9:30 Break

9:45 Discuss Goals and Objectives of Retreat

10:00 SAA Purpose & History (with Luke)

10:15 Org Structure & Member Expectations

10:30 Social Game (with ---)

10:45 Close of Retreat Day #1

11:00 Quiet Hours

12:00 Lights Out

Saturday

7:30 Wake-up Call (Food Team: Breakfast)

8:00 Break that Fast

9:00 Team Building (with Campus Rec Staff)

12:00 Break (Food Team: Lunch)

12:15 Lunch

1:30 Member Ed: “Things to Know” (with ---)

2:00 Philanthropy & Service Session (with ---)

2:15 SAA & School Spirit Session (with ---)

2:30 Social Game/ Group Activity

3:00 Events Calendar & Budget (with Marcy)

3:15 Committee Sign-ups & Selection

3:30 Committee Meetings (w/ Group Snacks)

4:00 Free Time

6:00 Prep for Dinner (Food Team: Dinner)

6:30 Dinner & Conversation with NAC

7:30 Break

7:45 Alumni Engagement Session (with ---)

8:00 Tradition Keepers Session (with ---)

9:30 Member Induction (with Luke)

9:45 Social Hour (Member Reflection Time)

10:45 Close of Retreat Day #2

11:00 Quiet Hours

12:00 Lights Out

Sunday

7:30 Wake-up Call (Food Team: Breakfast)

8:00 Break that Fast

8:30 Recap: Goal Setting & Ideas for Year

9:00 Clean/Check-out

9:30 Depart Lutheridge

10:00 Group Activity (Hike, Apple Picking)

11:00 Return to Campus

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SAA Spring New Member Orientation 2015 (February 7)

Saturday

7:00 Breakfast at Brown Hall

8:00 Meet for Group Check-in (Brown Hall Courtyard)

8:15 Leave Campus

9:00 Arrive at NC Arboretum; Check-in/Settle-in

9:15 Introductions & Icebreaker

9:30 New Member Orientation Goals and Objectives, Ground Rules/Announcements

9:45 SAA Purpose and History (with Luke)

10:00 Break (Group Snacks)

10:15 Org Structure & Member Expectations

10:30 SAA (Remaining) Events and Activities Calendar & (Remaining) Budget

10:45 Committee Discussion, Sign-ups & Selection

11:00 Committee Planning Meetings

12:00 Box Lunch

1:00 Team Building Activity – Self-directed Hike on Arboretum Grounds

2:00 Break/ Return to Meeting Room (Afternoon Snacks)

2:15 Member Education: “Things to Know” (dress, tabling, chalking/banner making, Event 101)

2:45 Philanthropy & Service Session

3:00 Alumni Engagement Session

3:30 Break

3:45 SAA & School Spirit Session

4:00 Tradition Keepers Session

4:15 Member Induction

4:30 Reflection Activity: Orientation Recap & Individual Goal-setting

4:45 Close of Orientation Day/Clean

5:00 Depart Arboretum

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SAA Membership Retention 2014-2015:SAA Redesigned: Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow.

What is Retention?

Retention is the process of ensuring that your members or volunteers remain active with your organization. Retention is not a particularly formal process. Instead, it focuses on maintaining a welcome environment, member morale, and organizational progress.

Why is Retention Important?

Retention is important for a variety of reasons, which includes having:

A happy organizational community A pool of members who you can count on to help when needed A pool of members who could potentially be future leaders A strong indicator of organizational success

It takes six times more energy and expense to recruit a new member than it does to retain one. This expense can be the financial cost of publicizing recruiting efforts or it can be the total member time needed to recruit new members instead of working on projects.

Students stay with organized, dynamic groups that meet their personal goals for membership. Prospective members want to know that the organization is moving forward and will be successful in achieving its goals. Identifying the needs of the individual members is the key to having a strong organization with enthusiastic members. To remember why students join organizations and what helps retain them, just think of GRAPE.

G is for Growth: Does your organization provide growth opportunities for all interested members? Are there opportunities for members to move into positions of leadership or are leadership opportunities usually “saved” for the senior members?

R is for Recognition: Do you recognize members when great things occur in your organization? Don’t wait until the end of the year. People need and appreciate being recognized in a timely manner for their hard work and accomplishments. Recognition or awards that are presented may also serve as a motivating factor for other members who would like to achieve a certain level of success.

A is for Achievement: A sense of “team” achievement is important. Healthy organizations make sure that everyone feels as if they contributed to the success of the organization. When the organization is honored, it is important to realize that everyone has contributed and should have a feeling of accomplishment, from a member who may have done a simple task to the president of the organization.

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P is for Participation: Can everyone participate in programs and events? Make sure your organization is open and willing to accept all student members’ contributions regardless of how long they have been with the organization.

E is for Enjoyment: Volunteering and working hard in an organization has to be fun! If being part of a group isn’t fun, why be a member? A student’s time is valuable and there are many opportunities for involvement. Make sure one of the best options on campus is being involved with your organization!

Adapted from: The Ohio State University’s Student Organization Handbook (2003).

Retention Basics

Levels of Activeness

It is important to acknowledge that members can be active with your organization at a variety of levels. Some members like to help with planning programs, some like to attend programs, and some just like to be on the listserv. Regardless of their level of activeness, though, retention is critical.

Keys to Strong Retention

Involvement: Get your members involved with program planning and implementation. Invite them to help with as many aspects of your organization and programming as possible. Remember students generally dislike just sitting at meetings and hearing others speak. Offer them things that are active.

Ownership: Let your members participate in decision making, or at least give them opportunities to openly voice their needs, interests, and opinions. In addition to decision making, ownership also includes getting them involved (see above).

Benefits: Offer benefits or incentives for your members to be active in your organization. Benefits can be tangible, intangible, or both. Important benefits include sense of belonging and community.

Retention Strategies

Conversations

Having simple conversations with members can go a long way in terms of creating a welcome environment and ensuring that members feel comfortable in the organization. Do your best to create conversation with members, especially those you haven't met before or don't see often. Conversations don't necessarily have to deal with organizational business or issues. Small-talk and chit-chat are just as good. It may feel uncomfortable or weird at first, but it’s relatively easy once you get over the initial shyness or awkwardness.

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Updates

People can generally lose interest in an organization if they don't know what the organization is doing or what it has planned. Constant updates, whether through emails, newsletters, websites, or meetings are key to maintaining a base-level of interest.

Participation Channels

In order to give members ownership of the organization, they need to have opportunities to participate in decision making and offer feedback. Channels for such participation need to be made available to members. Channels may include emails, discussion boards, chat rooms, or meetings.

- General meetings:

General meetings are popular ways to disseminate information and update members. However, the drawback with general meetings is that it is a passive activity. In other words, members merely sit and listen to the leadership speak. Although such meetings are good to have once or twice at the beginning of the year, meetings during the rest of the year should focus on getting members involved in some activity.

- Town-hall meetings:

An increasingly popular participation channel is a town-hall meeting. Unlike a general meeting where the leadership usually does most of the speaking, a town-hall meeting is an open forum where members can voice their questions, concerns, issues, and praise. Town-hall meetings are good ways to gauge the needs, interests, and opinions of members in order to improve the organization.

Remember:

Students' time is valuable, so do your best to make their time at a meeting worthwhile and productive. If things can be said or done via email, then use email instead of reciting information or gathering ideas during a meeting.

Organization

Being an organized organization contributes to making your organization attractive for students to want to be active members. An organization that is constantly disorganized and does sloppy work can be unappealing to current and future members.

Social Activities

No matter what type of organization you have, it's always a good idea to offer periodic social activities so that members can relax and get to know the leadership and each other better

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during informal times. Social activities don't need to be grand in scale or expensive. Simple, small-scale activities such as dinner outings, sport activities, shopping, retreats, and short trips are some ideas.

Adapted from: The University of Washington Tacoma’s Division of Student Affairs Guide on Retention.

Other retention strategies include:

Contact people who show interest early! Within one week of initial interest/sign up is best. Hold a special welcoming event. Plan a social event with food, a special introduction or establish

a ritual or tradition for new members. Make the first meeting fun so they will want to come back! Get members involved immediately.

Recognize that some won’t come back because they will find other ways to become involved. Orient your new members by introducing them to the mission, goals, norms, and traditions of

SAA. Encourage old and new members to form bonds by using icebreakers and teambuilding activities; maybe hold a retreat.

Remember the new members’ names. Get email addresses and phone numbers that are accurate and that the students use. Do not rely on a directory.

Follow through with emails, post goals, and summarize meeting outcomes. Provide reminders of responsibilities. Answer the question, “what’s next?” Have fun together! Know when it is time to work and time to play. No one wants to feel like

involvement in an organization is a burden. Show appreciation for your members both publicly and in private.

Ways to Show Appreciation:

Be open to suggestions Give members responsibilities Hand out creative awards/certificates Have an ice cream social/pizza party Send someone to a workshop/conference Announce Kudos and give prizes Identify potential and build on strengths Name an award after a member

Retention Issues to Monitor

Alienation

It is often easy for the leaders or active members of an organization to talk with each other and not with members who aren't as active or who are shy. One negative outcome of this unwelcoming environment is a feeling of alienation from those who already know each other. And as a result of this alienation, other negative outcomes such as discomfort, disenfranchisement, and resentment may occur.

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Communication

Communicating with members is critical for retention because it is the power by which members stay informed and involved. With communication, organizational leaders can impart information and updates to members. In addition, members can use communication channels such as emails and meetings to voice their opinions, participate in decision making, and share their ideas.

Membership Retention Plan 2014-2015

General Member Meeting Outline

Weekly meetings, with focused purpose and pre-planned agenda

1st Monday of Month – SAA general business meetingo General business (organization news and updates) o Campus events and programs for montho Social and service project opportunities for montho Kudos (member birthdays, awards, recognition)

2nd Monday of Month – Membership Development “town hall meeting”o Open forum for members to voice their questions, concerns, issues, and praiseo Flexible “meeting” format based on guest (formal presentation, informal discussion)o Invited featured guests include: Alumni, Staff, Faculty, Community o Speaker topics include: career readiness (LinkedIn, personal branding, professional

dress, networking skills), campus programs (career center, call center, key center), alumni networking (conversations with campus and local alumni), university traditions

3rd Monday of Month – SAA general committee meetingo Recap of news and updates from SAA general business meetingo Recap of featured guest discussion/presentation topico Open forum for members to voice their questions, concerns, issues, and praiseo Committee team reports on campus events and programs in progresso Break-out team meetings for committees (PR, member, social/service, or special events)

4th Monday of Month –Social and/or Service Project “town hall meeting”o Recap of member weekend gatherings (service projects, social activities, road trips)o Open forum for members to voice their questions, concerns, issues, and praiseo Event and/or Fundraiser “crafting” (banners, tree ornaments, lawn games, etc.)o Member/Campus Org. social nights (movie night, bowling night, board game night, etc.)o Dining with a Dozen Bulldogs – alumni networking socials (Oct & Mar)

Snacks provided at first and/or last meeting of month (in Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar, Apr)

Member appreciation dinner social or group activity held at last meeting of semester (Nov, Apr)

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Constant member contact/communication between meetings and over class/semester breaks will be made on a weekly or monthly basis.

Member questions, concerns, and overall feedback will be reviewed and addressed on a weekly basis.

Additional meetings and/or changes to regular meeting schedule will be announced to general members at least 3 days prior to the meeting day.

Executive Board Meeting Outline

Weekly meetings, with focused purpose and pre-planned agenda

1st Wednesday of Month – SAA general business meetingo Review budget, events, and member activities planned for current montho Review member feedback on speakers, service projects, social activities, road tripso Confirm guest speaker and finalize logistics for 2nd Monday meeting visit/discussiono Discuss Member/Campus Org. social for 4th meeting (movie, bowling, game night, etc.)o Plan “Dining with a Dozen Bulldogs” alumni-student networking socials (Oct & Mar)

2nd Wednesday of Month – SAA committee business meetingo Recap of featured guest discussion/presentation topico Open forum for committee chairs to voice their questions, concerns, issues, and praiseo Committee business updates (report on campus events and programs in progress)o Confirm SAIL paperwork has been filed/submitted for events/projects – program

proposal, Campus Commission or SGA funding (if needed), press releaseo Review social/service project for month (confirm volunteer requirements and logistics

for non-profit, discuss social activity with student org group, ) 3rd Wednesday of Month – Leadership Development training meeting

o Invited trainers include: Career Center, SAIL, Faculty, Center staff, Community leaderso Training topics include: leadership development (member retention, budgets, marketing

strategies, event/project planning, supervision skills), campus partners (career center, call center, key center), alumni networking (life advice from campus and local alumni)

4th Wednesday of Month – Monthly Agenda planning meetingo Recap of training meeting and featured presentation topico Review of organization business, executive board news, and overall updates o Outline business updates for next month’s 1st meeting (organization and exec. news) o Outline details for marketing/fundraising projects for month (promotion dates,

marketing deadlines, press release and advertising content, supplies, etc.)o Plan agenda for next month’s general member meetings (featured guest, campus events

– if any, community service project, group social activity, etc.)o Decide kudos for next month’s 1st meeting (member birthdays, awards, recognition)

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Student Org 101 training session with SAIL held at first and/or second meeting of semester (Aug, Jan)

Leadership development training done at third meeting of the month (Sep, Oct, Nov, Feb, Mar, Apr)

Agenda planning for following month’s general member meetings done at last meeting of month (Aug, Sep, Oct, Jan, Feb, Mar)

Additional meetings and/or changes to regular meeting schedule will be announced to executive board members, committees, and/or officers at least 3 days prior to the meeting day.

Executive Board Member Spring Retreat

Work: Select and train exec members/officers for upcoming year

o Outline vision/goals for next academic year o Review mission, student org. structure, meeting schedule, leadership positions & dutieso Discuss calendar of events/projects, budget, and fundraising ideas

Plan Bulldog Spirit & Traditions session and recruitment tabling for summer orientation

Fun Team building and reflection activities

Suggested Social Activities

Meeting Activities

Late night scavenger hunt on campus (with flashlights, clues/instructions, checklist) Pumpkin carving Lawn games (building lawn games) Banner painting (for major annual events) Holiday ornament making for SAA and/or UNC Asheville Holiday tree decorating (in University Advancement office building) Seasonal decorating (in University Advancement office building) Pen-pal note and/or letter writing to “True Blue” UNC Asheville alumni

Member Socials

Bowling outing Mini golf (putt-putt) outing Ice cream night at The Hop Tea night at Dobra Tea Game night – card games, board games, etc.

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Movie night (at theater, in Highsmith, or in dorm) Corn maze/hay ride/haunted house outing

Service Projects

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity – volunteer on Saturday build day Manna Food Bank – volunteer on food packing/sorting day Greenfest – volunteer service day (fall or spring) MLK Day of Service – volunteer day Brother Wolf – volunteer day

*Exclusive Members-Only “road trips” (social activities, volunteer service, alumni networking)

Chimney Rock/Lake Lure Virginia Creeper Trail Western NC fair / North Carolina State Fair Snow Tubing/Ski Trip (through Campus Rec; could partner with Veteran/Transition Services) Rafting trip (through Campus Rec) Apple picking at nearby orchard Cherokee Reservation day trip Operation Christmas Child – shoe box packing/sorting day at Samaritan’s Purse (Boone, NC) Choose & Cut tree farm trip (to pick annual holiday tree for University Advancement office)

Suggested Membership Incentives/Member Appreciation Ideas

Member SWAG (to be given out at fall training retreat)

Join SAA – member t-shirt, “I (paw) SAA” button, SAA sticker, 20% discount at campus bookstore Complete 1 year (returning members) – water bottle, UNC Asheville window decal Complete 2 years (returning members) – lapel pin, UNC Asheville pennant Complete 3 years (returning members) – business card holder, UNC Asheville “paw” wine glass Graduation – padfolio, The University of North Carolina at Asheville: The First Sixty Years book

Other Incentives

Exclusive mentoring and networking opportunities with UNC Asheville alumni and friendso Dinner with 12 Bulldogs programo guest speaker series for member meetings (featuring local alumni & campus alumni)o SAA “road trips” for “behind the scenes” work tours or meals/visits with regional alumni

Guest speaker series during monthly member meetingso Get to Know “U” guest speaker series – campus staff (alumni or not)

Student Call Center Student Org “night”

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Professor “night” Alumni “night”

o “Alum from Day One” guest speaker series – career advice, alumni conversations Dress for Success (before/after SAA fashion show) Social Networking (before/after SAA alumni speed dinner) Personal Branding Financial Literacy/Planning The ABC’s of Graduate School Alumni “night” – business owners, successful individuals, etc.

Leadership training and student employmento Annual member training retreat and new member orientationo Opportunities to apply for SAA executive board and general officer positionso Student organization/event training sessions during monthly board meetingso CASE ASAP affiliation and statewide/district/national conventions o Special consideration for University Advancement student employment opportunities

Member Appreciation

Member birthdays – celebrate each month during first member meeting (with card & cake) SAA “Bulldog of the Month” recognition – award title monthly to (1-2) members for outstanding

service to SAA or community through volunteer and/or event leadership, give gift cards & certificates signed by exec board members

“Bulldog treats” and “Bulldog bites/bones” conversation – give kudos to fellow members and complaints to board; exec board encouragement and advisor feedback to group (done during last member meeting of month)

Member “end of semester” dinner – last member meeting of each semester: (TBD: Nov - Thanksgiving dinner, Apr - End-of-Year dinner)

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