Below are tips for dealing with three of the most common issues that arise during RSO meetings. Have another challenge you're facing? Email us and we can help!

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Debates

Debate is healthy to an organization because it shows that people care about an issue. Healthy debate should be embraced. However, as with any form of confrontation, a poorly handled debate can contribute to an environment of discomfort, or even hostility. If you sense a heated topic will be discussed, briefly review the ground rules before discussion begins.

For example:

  • The President will recognize all speakers
  • Each member may only speak on the issue (once, twice, etc.)
  • Each speech and/or comment may not last longer than (30 seconds, 1 minute, etc.)

Members Arriving Late

If a member arrives late, even if there is a stated expectation that they be on time, do not insult, mock, or call out the late member in front of the group. Let them take their seats and feel welcome. If necessary, talk to the member after the meeting in private. Ask if there is a reason they were late. It's likely they had a legitimate reason such as a class that ran long, or difficulty finding the meeting space. Their answer may help you make adjustments, such as directional signs to your meeting room.

Disruptions

Debates can become confrontational, but they usually occur within the rules and decorum of a meeting. There may be times when one of the debaters' demeanor becomes so strong that it prevents a productive conversation from continuing. There may be other times when members disrupt the flow of the meeting by arguing about an issue outside its designated time, or by plunging into off-agenda topics while officers are trying to keep to a schedule of discussion points. These types of disruptions, if unaddressed, can become part of the culture of future meetings and prevent the RSO members from making progress toward the group's stated goals.

When disruptions come up, consider announcing a five-minute recess. During the recess:

  • Initiate an activity for members to participate in during the break or let them mingle. An activity doesn't have to be very formal--it may be as simple as "find a funny YouTube video."
  • Pull the group of students disrupting the meeting aside.
  • Identify the disruption as neutrally as possible, e.g. "I noticed you are speaking very passionately about _________. You were becoming very animated and loud."
  • Tell your side of things, e.g. "I appreciate your passion, but the meeting agenda had moved on to ____________, which is important to me and others. From my perspective, your sticking to this other topic communicated that what other people want didn't matter."
  • Communicate your feelings, e.g. "I felt a bit angry about that."
  • Say what you want, e.g. "I really want us to keep the meeting on track so that all of the members feel valued. I don't want students to leave the RSO because they're not being heard."
  • If the student you believe disrupted the meeting is trying to raise awareness about a topic important to them, offer to put time on the agenda at a future meeting to exclusively discuss their issue.
  • After the break, be sure to gather the group back to assembly and explain to them what will be happening next.

NOTE: You should make every effort to allow the discussion to resolve itself. Try not to intervene and call for a recess unless absolutely necessary.