Officer Transition
Most successful student organizations implement some form of officer transition program. In order to be most effective, group officer terms should provide at least one month of overlap so that new officers have the opportunity to work closely with outgoing officers in order to understand the roles and responsibilities of their respective leadership positions. The following information should assist your club in creating a sound officer transition program.
Why Have a Transition Process?
- To prepare incoming officers for the responsibilities of their new positions.
- To prevent incoming officers from "reinventing the wheel."
- To instill a sense of comfort and pride with incoming officers' new positions.
- Provides an opportunity for outgoing officers to reflect on their successes during their administration.
- A formal transition process helps formalize the end of the last administration, and provide outgoing officers an opportunity to step down.
- To introduce incoming officers to the advisor.
Transition Requirements
- Complete the Change of Officers Form to the Student Activities Office within one week of elections (if elections occur in March/April, please complete Group Registration, instead of the Change of Officers Form).
Suggestions for Effective Transition
- Arrange for a meeting with the outgoing and incoming officers and include the club advisor. Discuss past, current and future issues so that the incoming leadership is prepared.
- Discuss the financial status of the club. Review financial statements (available from the Treasurer's Office).
- Pass down records (financial, internal, etc.) during a transition meeting. Be sure to highlight important information.
- Create informational/resource binders for every important leadership position in the organization.
- Attend the Officer Transition Workshop offered by the Student Activities Office (usually held in late March/early April).
- Create a reflection and goal setting session with the entire club membership. Find out what direction they want to take the club--then, meet as an executive board and establish goals and objectives for the club.
- Meet with any related offices on campus to begin to foster good working relationships. For more information on related offices your club may wish to meet with, contact the Student Activities Office.
Click here for a sample officer transition checklist.
For additional advice and guidance on motivating group members, contact the Student Activities Office.