Event Engagement

caring

Be a CARING member of your in-person & virtual communities

During this time, community is more important than ever to maintaining connections with one another. Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, our campus communities will often be connecting virtually through Zoom, while in some cases communities may convene in-person at physically-distant events.

Regardless of the means we use to gather in the upcoming year, we can all play a role in helping our communities thrive by following the CARING model. Below you will find some examples of how to use the CARING model before, during, and after an event.

 

Community events: Putting the CARING model into action

Before an Event

Communicative
  • Communicate as to whether or not you are able to attend.
  • Indicate to the event or program host ahead of time if your plans have shifted, you’ll be running late, or unable to attend.
  • If food is involved, alert the program host to any allergies or accommodations you might need.
  • Ask questions if any aspects are unclear or you need more information.
  • If your program is virtual, let the host know if you expect any technology troubles, need extra support or may be unable to engage in certain ways due to your virtual environment or any disabilities. Specifying why your camera or audio may be off will help you to engage in the way you are able and not leave the host feeling unsure of your participation.
  • If you need accommodations, be sure to request them in a timely fashion (i.e. closed caption).
Accountable

RSVP to alert event organizer of your plans by the deadline provided.

Reliable
  • Add the event to your calendar and set reminders to ensure you can follow-through on your commitment.
  • Make sure your link and any login information is available ahead of time to ensure you do not log in late.
Influential

Share the event with friends and others you know might benefit from the content. Consider sharing on social media or listservs.

eNgaged

Review any content provided, research any speakers, and plan questions or goals for your learning and engagement.

Gracious

Acknowledge the invite and thank the organizer if in communication with that person.

Event

During an Event

Communicative
  • Remember the importance of non-verbal communication and body language, whether in-person or in a virtual environment. In virtual situations, students should have their camera turned on unless you have shared an explanation as to why you are engaging in a different manner. Most communication happens non-verbally and it’s important to be mindful of your engagement in this way, both in-person or virtually. 
  • Try not to become preoccupied with your phone or other activities. Give the host your full attention.
  • Ask questions, raise your hand, and use the chat feature. Mute yourself when not communicating out of respect to the speaker.
  • Communicate if you won’t be able to turn your camera on (if suggested the camera is on for that meeting) so they understand that the lack of visual does not mean you are not actively participating.

 

Accountable
  • Acknowledge to the event host through the chat if anything comes up and you suddenly need to leave early (most relevant to smaller group meetings).
  • Be responsible and take ownership of your own learning - proactively listen and ask questions.
  • If you have volunteered to participate in any way, be sure you follow-through with your commitments and come prepared.
  • For in-person events, be sure to wear your mask and remain 6 feet apart from your fellow participants.
Reliable
  • Show up or tune into the event on time and alert the host to any last-minute changes in your presence.
  • Test your computer ahead of time if concerned. 
Influential
  • Post to your social media as the event is starting to remind others, share key learnings and takeaways.
  • Put your best self forward — this may include attire, attitude, engagement. Treat a virtual setting in the same way that you would engage during an in-person event.
  • Be brave and have the courage to ask questions or speak up if others are quiet — if you have a question, it’s likely others have them as well! 
eNgaged
  • Participate actively by asking questions, sharing comments, and engaging with other members of the program.
  • Be wary of the temptation to complete other tasks and not give the event your full attention.
  • Participate actively in any activities, polls, or other engaging activities. 
  • The greatest engagement occurs when we’re enjoying ourselves, so remember to have fun and bring your joy to programming. 
Gracious

Always start with gratitude. When asking questions or providing feedback, it’s nice to first start by thanking the host and/or speaker for their time commitment and share aspects that have gone well and you’ve enjoyed.

Event

After an Event

Communicative

Share and offer feedback (positive and negative) by reaching out to the speaker to help improve programs for the future, or let them know what went well and was helpful that should continue.

Accountable

If you were unable to attend at the last minute, send a note to apologize and provide the rationale as to why.

Reliable

Follow-up on any post-event action items and commitments.

 

 

Influential

Share what you learned with other students and community members.

eNgaged

Continue to remain in contact with the host and/or speaker to build a relationship and expand your network. Check-in periodically, share what you’ve learned, and ask other questions you might have.

Gracious

Remember to thank the host and/or speaker following the event.