Advisory Committees

1. Advisory Committees ABEA 2007 Kathy Woodcock Conway High School West Conway, Arkansas

2. What • A group of volunteers that meets regularly on a long-term basis to provide advice and/or support to an institution or one of its subunits • Advisory committees help by connecting them to their environments • Names – advisory, partnership, relationship

3. Why • Two heads are better than one • Business uses them • Education uses them • Because the state department requires it

4. Who • Appropriate and diverse representation • Business/industry • Male/female • Age • Ethnicity

5. Who – new ideas? • Small and large businesses • Service • Technology • Manufacturing • Retail • Food Service • Farming • Chamber of Commerce**

6. Former students Just entering the workforce Still in college/training Current students Faculty members Core subjects New and experienced Counselors • Parents • Current, former, or “to be”

7. Decision Makers • President/CEO • Department heads • School board member • Someone who can say “yes” on the spot

8. How Many? • Depends (level of service) • If you want 10, invite 20 How Long? • 2-3 years • Staggered terms

9. What do you do with “It” • Ask some questions • Why do you need the committee • What are you asking from them • What can you do for them • Be specific (don’t waste time) • Use an agenda • Ask, thank, remind, recognize

10. What – the regulars • Guest speakers • Field trips • Rubber stamp • Because we have to • We need something • Job shadowing • Networking

11. What – new ideas • Visit during the school day • Special project advisor • Teach a lesson • Demonstrate • New product/equipment • New technique • How “real” business people do it • ????

12. Evaluate • Was the experience positive • Will the members come back • Were goals established and met • Is there evidence • Agenda • Minutes