Virtual Organization Management
Consider Moving Your Meetings and Business Online
Student organizations are encouraged to meet virtually for organizational business including programming, meetings, and other events. If you to decide to host an in person event, a virtual option should still be available for members who do not feel comfortable meeting in person. As you think about ways to continue to engage members consider the following ideas: this does not have to be a time where people are not in community together. Remember, social distancing does not mean social isolation. This site supports student organization leaders with resources and tips to manage student organizations virtually.
Organization Communication
There are multiple communication platforms/resources that student organization leaders may utilize.
LakerLink:
LakerLink has a messaging system built in. Tip: Ensure that all members have joined your organization's page.
GroupMe:
GroupMe is a free phone app that can be used to message members and can be downloaded from the App Store. Create an organization GroupMe chat by adding cell phone numbers for each organization member. Tip: Utilize a private google doc form to collect your member's cell phone numbers if needed.
@mail.gvsu.edu Email Account:
Registered Student Organizations are eligible to setup an email account within GVSU's student domain (@mail.gvsu.edu). This allows organizations to access features available to students such as unlimited Google Drive storage and GVSU's Zoom Business license (additional info under Virtual Meetings section below). Either an organization's President or Advisor must complete the request form.
Virtual Meetings
Meet virtually for organizational business and to stay in contact with each other. Recommendations for free video conferencing software are found below:
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Name |
Website |
Brief Details |
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Zoom |
All current term enrolled students and registered student organizations with an @mail.gvsu.edu account are eligible to use the Zoom Business license. For more info, visit GVSU Zoom Business Plan page. |
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Google HangOut |
Free (when using your @mail.gvsu.edu account)
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Microsoft Teams |
Free (when using your @mail.gvsu.edu account)
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Cisco Webex Meeting |
Free Version:
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UberConference |
Free Version:
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Skype |
Free Version |
Social Media
From Facebook to TikTok you can engage with members in a variety of ways, depending on the organization needs. Tip: Consider having members share updates, how they are spending time, what they are watching while they are not studying, pictures of pets, etc.
Elections, Campaigning, and Interviewing
Student Life recommends having a plan for elections and officer transitions in order to start out Fall 2020 strong. Be proactive and hold elections now if possible. The "Running Elections" student organization workshop is a helpful resource for organizational leaders who need tips on getting started.
Elections via LakerLink:
For your convenience, LakerLink has a built in election system! Follow your constitution's nomination/election process and use the following helpful links:
Creating an Organization Election
Adding Images to Election Choices
Tip: Do a test run of your elections first to become familiar with the process and how results are shared.
Campaign / Interviews:
Student Life recommends that you schedule and host virtual campaigning or interviewing time for your candidates that are interested in positions. Accomplish this by utilizing any of the conference software listed above. Tip: Utilize Facebook or YouTube to record campaign videos that could be messaged to the group if unable to host live interviews.