47 Developing New Services & Programs
As part of the VP Services checklist, you are expected to develop two (2) services/programs during your term in office. The first should be offered in the first semester, while the second should be offered in the second semester. You may choose to continue your first service into the second semester as well however a second service/program is still required.
What Programs and Services work for your Campus?
While some of you may come into this role with lots of ideas, some of you may not. That’s totally OK. So where do you start if you have no idea what kind of program or service to offer your students? Consider the following and brainstorm what might work for your campus.
- think about student demographics
- consider your surrounding communities
- Gather feedback from students and staff
- Determine what your students could benefit from
If you are having a hard time getting started, connect with your Student Life Assistant, Student Services or other VP Services across the province. There will be an opportunity to collaborate and share ideas during the VP Services brainstorming session at the Student Leadership Conference in October.
Evaluation of Programs and Services
Evaluation is important to help with current and future programs and services. If you plan an ongoing service or program, it is helpful to assess the success during every session to see if there are any changes that need to occur to have continued success.
Evaluating what isn’t going well and how we can improve, is also an important element of the program development process.
Evaluation Questions
Consider the following questions at each session:
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How many people attended? What was the general feedback from participants?
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Who attended? What programs or interests were represented?
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What did participants share about the event/activity? What was their favourite part?
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What didn’t go well/ needs improvement?
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Should this program or service continue the same way?
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Is there a better day/time? Should it include a virtual element to expand the program’s reach?