Initial Publication Date: June 15, 2015

Set Expectations and Define Roles

Jump down to: Workshop Expectations | Co-convener Role | Leader and Participant Roles

Setting realistic expectations and roles while in the beginning stages of workshop planning can help delegate roles and responsibilities, guides participants and leaders on how they can prepare and what is expected of them, and can aid in your plans for disseminating information and products that come from the workshop. The On the Cutting Edge program has found the following expectations tend to lead to a successful workshop experience and product.

Workshop Expectations

All workshops are expected to:
  • Create a collection of resources that document current understanding and practice related to the topic. These are cataloged and disseminated via the workshop website.
  • Develop a strategy for moving the topic from its current state to one in which it is broadly implemented in undergraduate geoscience education (and other applicable discipline(s)).
  • Lead directly to next steps in implementing this strategy.
  • Create web-resources that enable broad access to key workshop content.
  • Participate in project evaluation activities.
  • All workshops should strive to develop leadership capacity in the geoscience community.

Role of Co-convener

  • Assist in identification and recruiting of the workshop planning team.
  • Assist with development of the workshop program and participant selection in accordance with On the Cutting Edge design guidelines and timetables.
  • Cooperate fully with project PIs and staff in development of workshop and web resources, and evaluation activities.
  • Provide prompt financial accounting and billing when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with project PIs on publication and dissemination of workshop results.

Workshop Leader and Participant Roles

These roles should be made clear in the workshop information (on the workshop overview page) prior to application.

  • Contribute to resource collections prior to and following the workshop.
  • Prepare in advance for workshop discussions via readings, writings, discussion, or other activities developed by workshop leaders.
  • Participate fully in the entire workshop.
  • Be leaders in follow-on activities and meetings that lead to broad implementation.