By Tamara Sablic,
Pace University, New York
During the past summer months the executive committee of our chapter was diligently preparing for the fall semester which is currently upon us. The members of the committee realized from the onset of our business meetings that it would take much enthusiasm, team work, and time to organize exciting and innovative events for our prospective and returning members. The committee began planning and organizing events such as business presentations and social gatherings with the understanding that all of our functions are important and deserve attention to be coordinated and presented with professionalism and care. Although this is true, the underlying theme and objective of our chapter needed to be communicated loudly and clearly to the incoming class of pledges. One of our focal points was to coordinate a successful, well advertised and informative student pledge orientation. We saw this as an excellent opportunity to attract new and eager talent, since the May graduating class left us with about ten percent of the membership. Knowing how crucial our recruiting of new members was the committee planned accordingly. In order to plan and execute a successful information session for the fall class of pledges we as a committee needed to divide the responsibilities of advertising, obtaining an appropriate location for the event, coordinating the format of the meeting, reserving audio and video equipment, coordinating the role of each officer during the actual event, anticipating the size of the pledge turnout and many more details which needed to be completed before the event could take place.
The behind-the-scenes work which was completed during the dog days of summer in order to pull off a successful information session needs not to be known by the participants of the event but is useful and helpful information for future directors and writers of successful shows. It is not enough to say that we want to do an excellent job, but we must be aware of all the necessary components to develop a successful show. So the words which follow will depict the teamwork needed to perform as a well-oiled machine.
Once the components of the function were broken down they were assigned as follows: It was decided that Richard, our fearless president, would coordinate the format of the event and assign speaking roles to each officer accordingly. After some discussion we decided that each of us should present our duties and responsibilities as well as our view of the benefits of becoming a member of Beta Alpha Psi. It was noted that each member needed to prepare a small speech or at least an outline for ease of performance. While the format of the session was in progress, Ivan, David and Tamara needed to attend a Student Life workshop to be eligible to reserve a room, and audio and visual equipment. Only individuals who attended a workshop were permitted to apply for reservations of rooms and equipment, refreshments and entertainment for any events. Moving down the list of responsibilities, brainstorming sessions became part of the planning process. Advertising and promotional fliers needed to be designed, approved by the Pace community, copied, and finally posted throughout the school. A myriad of other details had to be taken care of, such as were we going to present a video about our society, the requirements and objectives had to be modified and discussed, how were we to present ourselves. The new pledges had to see a unified team, as the saying goes we couldn't "let them see us sweat." In addition, if, our advisor was going to speak at the event, he needed to be contacted and notified.
All of the necessary duties were accomplished and in the end our first formal event of the semester went off without any difficulties. I must say that it took much compromise, teamwork and cooperation in order to coordinate a great session. I am pleased to say that due to the behind-the-scenes work we had a wonderful turnout of students. They all seemed very interested about what our chapter has to offer and how they can become an integral members starting this semester.
In order to plan a successful show without mistakes and problems the directors and writers, the behind-the-scenes people must be aware of all the necessary components to develop a first class program.
