EDL Student Advisory Council Guiding Principles

Core Values

Mutual Understanding

We will:

• Listen attentively, respect all views

• Allow individuals to clarify all issues as needed

• Encourage others to express/share views

• Allow each participant to complete his or her thoughts

Inclusive Solutions

We will:

• Welcome diversity and diverse perspectives

• Be open to innovative and original thinking

Full Participation

We will:

• Encourage direct and open communication

• Encourage divergent thinking from all members

Our Meeting Practices

We will:

• Establish a clear group mission/purpose

• Establish clearly defined roles

• Have clearly defined meeting purposes and outcomes

• Start and End on time

• Select a designated meeting facilitator

Participant Responsibilities

The participants must recognize that they have the ultimate responsibility for the group outcomes and group behaviors, not the facilitators. Participants need to assume the responsibility to intervene when needed.

• Listen with respect

• Do not interrupt others

• Avoid body language and gestures that devalue the speaker or message

• Maintain eye contact

• Avoid side conversations

• Focus on the issues/process, not on personalities

• Raise your hand or gesture to speak in turn

• Respond to ideas without the value judgments even when you disagree with other points of view

• Contact the facilitator if you are unable to attend meetings

Facilitator Responsibilities

• Establish an appropriate and comfortable environment

• Give clear and concise instructions

• Make sure each person has the opportunity to speak and be listened to with respect

• Remain neutral, empowering the group to meet their needs, not your own

• Remain emotional detached

• Contain digression; keep the discussion focused on the topic and moving along. Intervene if discussions fragment into multiple conversations.

• Trust in the individuals and the group

Secretary Responsibilities

• Record the minutes for each meeting

• E-mail minutes to all members

• Keep an attendance record of all participants

• If unable to attend, secure a substitute to take minutes

Treasurer Responsibilities

• Share finance reports monthly

• Report any spending

• Keep an accurate record of finance

• Secure funds when needed

• Create format of requests/expenditures if needed

CONSENSUS:

CONSENSUS WILL BE 80% OF MEMBERS PRESENT. ALL DECISIONS WILL BE MADE USING THE 80% RULING.