Chapter Leadership

Chapter Leadership

Officer Training and Transition


“Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it onto future generations.”
 —George Bernard Shaw


Chapter Leadership— Officer Training and Transition



What Is Officer Training and Transition?
Training Responsibilities
Where to Hold Officer Training
Officer Training Resources

Webinar Logo

What Is Officer Training and Transition?

Most successful student organizations implement some form of officer transition program. To be most effective, officer terms should provide at least one month of overlap so that new officers have the opportunity to work closely with outgoing officers and to understand the roles and responsibilities of their respective leadership positions.

WHY HAVE A TRANSITION PROCESS?
• To prepare incoming officers for the responsibilities of their new positions
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To prevent incoming officers from “reinventing the wheel”

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To instill a sense of comfort and pride with incoming officers’ new positions

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To provide an opportunity for outgoing officers to reflect on the successes during their administration

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To formally end the last administration and provide outgoing officers an opportunity to step down

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To introduce incoming officers to the counselor

Officer Transition vs. Officer Training
Officer transition and officer training are not the same. Officer transition is the passing of information, records, suggestions, and responsibilities from outgoing to newly elected officers. The simple transfer of materials does not constitute officer training, but merely supplies newly elected officers with the tools they need to do their job. Through training, the new officers gain the education and skills to do the job effectively.
Officer Transition Officer Training
• Transfer of records and supplies • Education about the organization
• Transfer of knowledge • Education on the position
• Transfer of responsibility • Learning organization-based skills
• Learning position-based skills    
When there is a change in officers, a meeting between the outgoing and incoming officers always should take place. However, a one- or two-hour meeting is generally not enough time for officers to understand all their responsibilities. Additional training from the Chapter Counselor or Regional Chapter Coordinator is also needed, unless the Transition Meeting is coupled with a detailed training component.

In addition to a transition meeting, chapters should take advantage of one of these options for officer training:
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Virtual Officer Training Webinars
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Live Officer Training (led by Chapter Counselor/Associate Counselor or other facilitator)

Additional officer training may be offered at Convo or other KDP sponsored events.

Training Responsibilities

The Counselor, Associate Counselor (when applicable), and President are responsible for coordinating the training of the chapter’s officers. The goal of this training is to make certain that each person fully understands how to do his or her job, what is expected, and any benefits awarded for doing that job.

A well-trained officer ensures that the chapter remains in compliance with national standards and is thereby eligible for monetary incentives and national leadership opportunities. Well-trained officers know how and when to do their jobs; assuming their responsibilities eases the job of the Chapter Counselor.

SUGGESTIONS FOR EFFECTIVE TRANSITION
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Discuss past, current, and future issues so that the incoming leadership is prepared.

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Discuss the financial status of the chapter. Review financial statements (available from the Treasurer).

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Transfer records (financial, internal, etc.) during a transition meeting. Be sure to highlight important information.

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Create informational/resource binders for every important leadership position in the organization.

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Create a reflection and goal-setting session with the entire chapter membership. Find out in what direction members want to take the chapter—then, meet as an Executive Committee and establish goals and objectives for the chapter.

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Meet with any related offices on campus to begin to foster good working relationships.

Officer Training/Transition Retreat Guide

Officer Training PowerPoint

Incoming and Outgoing Officer Meeting Checklist

Where to Hold Officer Training

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School of Education board room or meeting room
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Other small meeting or conference room on campus
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Restaurant conference room
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Library or multimedia center conference room

Officer Training Resources

A wealth of resources are available to chapters for training officers. For officers to do their jobs effectively, they should use the training tools and information available to them. In addition to training manuals, Regional Chapter Coordinators present live Webinar trainings for chapter officers.

Plan for Newly Elected Officers

Chapter Resource Notebook