Advisory Committee Handbook

Meetings ~ If the Professional-Technical advisory committee is to be effective, responsibilities should be divided between all members so that no one individual has total responsibility for the committee's success.		Meetings (Appendix B) Evaluating Meetings Committee Officers Successful Agendas

Organizing Meetings ~

Schools vary in how frequently advisory committees are asked to meet. The most common plan is to schedule meetings at least three times per year. The Plan of Work of the committee (Appendix K) helps to determine the frequency of the meetings. Contributions of advisory committee members depend to a great extent on how they are prepared for, and oriented to, their roles.

Conducting Meetings ~

The initial meeting is critical. It must establish and maintain the interest and support of committee members. A program representative should serve
temporarily in this capacity until the committee selects a chairperson. It is essential that this person contacts members and organizes and conducts the first meeting. (Appendix D)

Successful Meetings

Checklist ~

Select date, time, and location.

Plan meeting agenda. Several days in advance, inform each member in writing of the date, time, and place of the meeting. Include the following in mailing: Agenda, maps and directions to meeting, parking information, copy of Local Member Handbook, basic program information.

Send notices to appropriate educational personnel.

Arrange for facilities, refreshments, etc.

Provide name tags, paper, pens/pencils, agenda, and other materials.

Make audiovisual or other equipment arrangements.

Follow prepared agenda.

Keep a record of proceedings for minutes of the meeting.

After the meeting, thank the members by phone or mail. Send copies of minutes to members within one week.

Confirm contact information background data.