PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Author: Priya Das

Employee Relations Program

An Outline Designed for the University of Windsor Student Alliance

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

Employee Relations Program - University of Windsor Student Alliance Table of Contents

Summary/Situational OverviewPage 1 2 Workplace Mission, Problem/Opportunity ObjectivesPage 2 4 PublicsPage 4 7 Messages...Page 7 8 Rationale/Tools in Campaign..Page 8 - 12 Program Timeline..Page 12 - 13 Contingency Planning.....Page 13 - 14 Conclusion.Page 14 15 Program Material Samples...Page 16 - 18

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment By: Priya Das

Summary/Situational Overview
The four tiers of the University of Windsor Student Alliance (UWSA) are crumbling because of a lack of cooperation. The Constitution that upholds the organization is not being respected, or followed in the slightest. Frankly, any leadership that should be present for the betterment of the Windsor community has been lost. The three levels of student government are as follows: Board of Directors, Council, Senate, and the Executive. These are supposed to be pillars of guidance, respect, and advocacy. Instead, the student government has succumbed to segregation, deeply entrenched conflict, and miscommunication. Individuals of the three tiers have strayed away from the virtue of the Constitution, and no longer are on a path to improving student life. As these are the frontrunners of the University, it is their responsibility to be good and true ambassadors of the institution. This is why it is crucial for peace to be made within public office, and for students to work cohesively. Solidarity, and respect must be felt amongst the four tiers. What must be accomplished is a team that works productively together in order to boost enjoyment of student life, academically, socially, economically, and politically. If the student government elects are not forming decisions that benefit their constituency, the student body will not receive a valuable post-secondary experience. The student government holds a budget of seven million dollars. They are given this responsibility so that they may act selflessly for the University of Windsor students. Strikes will arise, boycotts will
PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

take place, and referendums will not be able to calm the troubles that will be caused if the student government is not functional. The scary fact of the matter is that all of these have already taken place. Students have not been able to attend class because the student government was not able to come to a consensus with the administration. Boycotts have already taken place over a corrupt referendum. Lawsuits were pursuant to accusation of theft, plagiarism, and fraud within the Board of Directors. The media has cast a dark shadow on the University of Windsor Student Alliance because of their lack of just behaviour and willingness to work together. None of the aforementioned crises involved any fault of the student body, yet these events affected the students tremendously. Money spilled over lawsuits and strikes really should be being poured into student activities, and the betterment of curriculums.

Workplace Mission, Problem/Opportunity Objectives

The student government has lost sight of the organizations mission statement. The Constitution preamble states, Joined together by the common causes of a superior university education and enriched post-secondary experiences, we, the undergraduate students of the University of Windsor constitute this Alliance Our common values include those entrenched in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms goodness, discipline and knowledge as unfurled on our university crest preferences of peace, understanding, compassion, co PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

operation, excellence, hope, justice, and respect; and, the spirit of community with purpose that underlines our choice to unite through this Alliance. And so, our University of Windsor Student Alliance, forever committed to our common causes and values, respectful of our diversity and stronger for it, is hereby charged by the members with the duties of representation, advocacy and services. The Constitution makes clear the importance of fulfilling the duties given to the student government. The University of Windsor Student Alliance is to be a pillar of excellence, and thus far, excellence has been replaced by divergence and ignorance. Although this sounds extreme, the student government has also experienced racism, vandalism, and the use of profanity amongst its representatives. The rationale behind this employee relations program is to resolve the issues that are hindering the student government from performing exceptional leadership for the sake of the University of Windsor student body. The selected elements must all guide the organizations tiers to harmony, and cooperation. A crucial element is the Constitution. All members of the student government should use the Constitution as a framework for their actions. Respect and compassion are two very important elements of the program. They will stand as goals that are present within the organization. The primary priority of this program will be to restore co-operation, equality, and positivity to the organization. This will subsequently boost leadership, enjoyment of involvement within student government, and also make the student bodys time at University better lived. The way to measure the success of this restoration will be
PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

shown by the behaviour in meetings. Meetings should be neutral environments, where productivity, fairness, and timeliness are present. The feeling of hostility during meetings will be gone. Meetings will have a feeling of openness to all motions and an acceptance of all opinions. The second priority is heavily dependent on the first. The University of Windsor Student Alliance must exhibit values of compassion, and diligence, instead of exhibiting actions of spite, and ulterior motives. The presence of these values will be illustrated by of positive communication amongst the four tiers. Although there is no tangible way to ensure a fostered sense of compassion, the way in which members interact to achieve a common goal will show whether understanding and compassion have been achieved. Thirdly, it is a priority for members of the student government to emphasize on advocacy. Members must fight for students, not amongst each other. The student government must be a mechanism for enacting positive change within the University community. Campaigns, panel discussions, and events that benefit students will be a clear indicator of if the student government has boosted its ability for advocacy for the students.

Publics
1. Members of the student government As the employee relations program is for the individuals of the University of Windsor Student Alliance, they are the primary public. Each workshop, brainstorming session, and activity will be geared to boosting productivity amongst these individuals. Each tier handles a different sector of

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

responsibilities, and this is why it is key that all tiers be unified. The Board of Directors oversees all corporate, legal, and financial affairs of the student body. They are responsible for proper allocation of the seven million dollar budget. The Board of Directors also oversees all business enterprises and service matters. There are six Directors. Council is accountable for the upholding of by-laws. Council members are also responsible for advocacy duties and are official representative of departments. There are approximately 25 Councilors. The Senate is to deal with all educational matters. There are four Senators. The Executives all play different roles. The President oversees all levels of the student government. The Vice President of Finance looks over finances, audits, and budgets. The Vice President University Affairs is responsible for advocacy, and academic affairs. The Vice President Administration oversees student life. 2. The student body The University of Windsor students are the constituency of the elected UWSA members. The students are the reason why the employee relations program is important, as the student government must serve their needs efficiently and well. They are also the audience of the media, and so it is essential for the student government to have their support in light of any media coverage. The actions of public office must be agreeable to them. 3. Administration The University administration comprises of the Board of Governors, professors, the University President, the Vice Chancellor, all Deans,
PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das Department Heads and staff members of the University. The administration is an important audience because their respect is crucial to the upholding of the student government, and its funding. The administration holds the power to dissolve the student government. 4. Community Members & University of Windsor Alumni The city of Windsor, Ontario is a university town. Much of the population is students, alumni, or the parents of students. The central hub of the city surrounds the University, with the downtown core just minutes away. The Windsor community is very involved with the University, with most being loyal and supportive alumni. Community members tend to stay updated with current news of the university, and all major news outlets cover University of Windsor Student Alliance happenings. This involvement and attentiveness to the student government is why the community and alumni is the fourth public. 5. Future Students Prospective students of the University of Windsor are an important public to cater to, as they are the future of the university itself. If the student government has a reputation of being unstable, and conflict ridden to the extent of affecting its students, future students will see this and be hesitant to attend the University. In turn, this could have dire consequences for the entire institution.

Messages
PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

Key messages will be used to reinforce a sense of solidarity, leadership and respect. The employee relations program must serve to underline the key messages through learning activities, workshops, and meetings. The key messages must be parallel to the above stated mission statement of the Constitution. The key messages will revolve around the UWSA being a powerful mechanism for all members to campaign for common causes and values. The student body should recognize their student government elects are spokespeople for their needs and desires. Alongside this advocacy must be the underlying values of goodness, discipline, co-operation, and respect. Within the student government itself, meeting styles must be altered. There must be an emphasis on respecting the authority of the Chair and of fellow UWSA representatives. During meetings, whether they are annual general meetings or council meetings, no ulterior motives for motions must be present. A neutral standpoint should be taken in order to ensure that no goal to better the student body is tainted by a student representatives own motives. Of course, all meetings must return to following the official by-laws of the University of Windsor Student Alliance. The Roberts Rules of Order must be maintained at all time, and protocols must be kept. No decisions are to be made based on race, religion, or bad blood. These actions will ensure the instilling of key messages.

The goal is to ensure that the University of Windsor Student Alliance returns to its roots of understanding, compassion, and justice for all. Student government

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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

representatives must remember why they were elected. The organization must reconnect with the importance of bettering their constituency.

Rationale/Tools in Campaign
The program will create six sub-committees that will participate in the program together. These committees will consist of maximum five councilors, one director, one senator, and one executive. Workshops led by facilitators (six cycles for six sub committees) 1. Planning goals workshop a. This workshop will focus on defining goals and objectives for the student government. The purpose of this session is to create consistency and common goals for the group. 2. Defining roles and responsibilities a. This workshop serves to ensure that each party understands what their respective responsibilities are. This time will also be to test the groups knowledge on tiers that are not their own (i.e. ensuring that Council members understand the responsibilities of the Senate). 3. Conflict resolution workshop a. This will be a though-provoking workshop involving hypothetical dilemmas and how they are resolved. Many of the given scenarios will be taken from past crises, or events within the University of Windsor Student Alliance. Some scenarios will be original, but will cause the participants to be wary about a problem that may occur in the future.

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

4. Meeting structure workshop a. This training session will teach members how to make lasting, and smart decisions, how to coordinate agenda items, action items and motions, and gather information before a meeting. This session will also focus on the structure of meetings, and the general principles of the Roberts Rules of Order. This session will cover simple tasks such as, how to follow a speakers list, who the chairperson is, and how to make a motion or amendment. 5. Improving communication a. This workshop will focus on strengthening the lines of communication within the UWSA. This workshop will also touch open being an engaging public speaker. The communication workshop will also cover how to keep communication professional, empathetic, and clear. 6. Advocacy workshop a. The advocacy workshop will teach the UWSA members to negotiate with policy makers, and administration. This workshop focuses on how to plan a successful advocacy campaign, and how to mobilize support for said campaign. Specialized meetings Meetings devoted solely to mending internal problems. These meetings will focus on self-improvement of the organization through negotiation, communication, and situational assessments. The meeting will serve to highlight existing problems within meetings, and improve productivity during meetings. This exercise will need positive and healthy engagement of all individuals. Problems that could arise are
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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

miscommunication, lack of participation, or pressure by others to vote in a certain matter. However, this meeting will bring the aforementioned problems to light so that they may be tackled. Completing assessments on organization/ structure There will be two major assessments distributed to the participants during the program. A sample of these assessments is given below. Leader development training and sensitivity training In order to nurture already strong leadership qualities amongst the student leaders, we will have a training session on key aspects of being a leader. This training session will involve a discussion on the definition of leadership, and what each participant perceives as qualities a leader should acquire. Leadership activities will involve team-building exercises focused on co-operation. Brainstorming sessions Brainstorming sessions are a key element of any employee relations program. These sessions will allow student government members to speak freely and candidly. This portion of the program will be an opportunity for creative ideas to better the University of Windsor Student Alliance. All individuals will be expected to participate and create a non-judgmental and open atmosphere. This session of idea molding and building will foster a sense of solidarity and unity amongst group members. In order to keep the ideas conjured in the brainstorming sessions, each group will delegate a person responsible for keeping notes of all ideas. In order to diversify these sessions, each sub-committee will be asked to brainstorm on a different topic and report back at the large group meetings.
PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

Co-operation building challenges This series of challenges will focus on working collectively to complete a task. Challenges will differ from group to group and use problem-solving tools. This will teach the groups to complete a task together, while also focusing on their issues with each other. These tasks will be good practice for conflicts that arise during meetings. A key message articulated during these sessions is strength in numbers. The program must highlight that student solidarity in large numbers is more successful than pursuing a cause all on ones own. The Canadian Federation of Students SKILLS Development Symposium This annual training weekend for student government is crucial to the program. This weekend will not only be a chance for student representatives to bond with their fellow representatives, but also to receive valuable skills training. Workshops at the Symposium will include: Representing Diversity Successful Meetings: Participation & Facilitation Students Union Rights & Responsibilities Educate, Agitate, Organize: Organizing Campus Campaigns

The entire program will take place during the summer months, after the annual election and before the school year begins. Specifically, the program will run from the beginning of April to the end of August.

Employee Relations Program Timeline

Date Program Events
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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das 1. At the beginning of the year, a communication audit will be performed to evaluate the University of Windsor Student Alliance 2. This will serve to build the appropriate employee relations program for the student government 1. In March, third party facilitators shall be consulted. Prices for the program will be discussed with the Board of Directors. 2. The third party will have a month to organize materials for the program. During this time, problem areas of the student government will be identified. Also, workshops will be built to fit the environment and learning styles of the student government members. 1. Program materials will be distributed at the first meeting welcoming the new student government elects and welcoming back the old. This meeting will introduce the program and an outline of the following months will be given to all. 2. The six sub-committees will also be created at this time. 1. Brainstorming sessions 2. Goals and expectations for the program will be created and assessed by all sub-committees 1. What is our mission statement? This time will be devoted to reviewing the Constitution and the official by-laws 2. Leadership development training 1. Conflict resolution training will take place 2. Co-operation building challenges will go hand in hand with conflict resolution training 3. Trust boosting exercises completed within the subcommittees. 1. Workshops led by facilitators. All six will take place at the same time. Each sub-committee will cycle through and complete each workshop. 1. The large meeting will take place, and each sub-committee will attend. Each sub-committee will speak on their learning and growing experiences. 2. Mid-program assessment will take place at this time 1. University of Windsor Student Alliance delegates will attend the Canadian Federation of Students SKILLS Development Symposium. 1. Intercultural training will take place amongst the six subcommittees. This also involves sensitivity workshops 2. Training sessions will be held on boosting organizational productivity during meetings. This will involve a white-board brainstorming session, as well as training on the structure of Roberts Rules of Order style meetings. 1. Second large meeting of the program shall take place in

January

March

April

Mid-April May Mid-May

June Mid-June

July Mid-July

August

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

2.

Mid-August

1. 2.

September

1. 2. 3.

August. All four tiers of government and their sub-committees will attend this meeting. This meeting will serve to delegate sub-committees to lead philanthropic initiatives during the year. This will foster a sense of co-operation to work towards a worthy cause. An example cause could be creating a campus food bank to help low income students. Another initiative could be building a support program for international students who are having difficulty adjusting to a new culture. The University of Windsor Student Alliance will receive a break from their training sessions and workshops before the school year begins This will be a good time for the student representatives to relax and digest all that they have learned in the past months. As the school year begins, the program will hold an appreciation event for the student representatives. They will be awarded for the participation, learning, and co-operation. A large meeting will take place, instilling motivation and hopefulness for the year to come. The four tiers of government will reconvene and discuss the value of the program and offer feedback. An assessment will be preformed on communication, co-operation and the overall improvement of the organization.

Contingency
The employee relations program expects some hiccups, as all programs must do. Due to this program taking place during the summer months, we understand that some individuals may not be able to attend all sessions. However, if five are missed, this individual will be asked to resign from student government. An added incentive will be the food and refreshments offered at workshops. In order to ensure that all types of learning are facilitated, the workshops and training sessions will be diverse in their teaching methods. All auditory, kinetic, and visual learners will be catered to so as to boost receptiveness and participation. In order to keep costs low, we will canvas the university as well as the Canadian Federation of Students for funding for

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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

the program, as well as create a strict budget for the program itself. To make certain that the program is functioning to its full potential, assessments will be completed along the way as outline in the timeline. If the entire program does not improve communication within the student government, perhaps by-laws must be changed in order to change the structure of leadership. For example, perhaps a Vice President position could be made whose responsibilities would focus on the cooperation of all four tiers of governments.

Conclusion
Following the employee relations program, a thorough follow-up will be performed. By holding meetings with the University of Windsor Student Alliance, we will be able to gather the information necessary to ensure that the program was successful. These meetings will include a report on communications within the UWSA, and how the four tiers are working with each other. We will meet with representatives from all four tiers so that we gather a diverse perspective of how the University of Windsor Student Alliance is functioning. Meetings will be held quarterly throughout the year, and specific training sessions and workshops will be offered if needed. The evaluations team will work together with the UWSA to create a strategy for final evaluations of the program. These negotiations will include measurable tactics to evaluate the success. Appropriate means to do so will include tailored surveys, short focus groups on assessing the program, and a report on the program, which will be put together by the UWSA President. In addition to this, the assessments will play a large role in evaluation. The responses of the participants will gauge not only their

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

satisfaction, but also the effectiveness of the workshops, and training sessions. If the assessments return and generally have a positive note, we will know to carry on with the processes in place, and help them to grow. If the reaction is negative, then the program will need to be dissected and restructured to ensure that the appropriate changes are made. We shall ensure that the assessments are holistic and all inclusive of the program components. The evaluations team will also be assessing during the program as well in order to assure that the program has a consistent positive impact. This way, the programs issues can be addressed, and readdressed so that they may be fixed as soon as possible. When the program shows to have been successful, the UWSA will be used as an example of the programs success.

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 Mid-term Assessment of Employee Relations Program Please state your name and position on the University of Windsor Student Alliance: ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ Question One Do you feel co-operation within the UWSA has improved since April 2014? Please circle the level you feel applies. - 1No improvement has been made at all Question Two What are the prominent skills you have developed or strengthened during your time with the employee relations program? ______________________________________________________________________________________ __________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ - 2Small improvements have been made -3 Substantial improvements have been made -4Yes, great improvements have been made

Question Three What is your learning style (i.e. auditory, visual or kinetic) and do you feel accommodated by the program? ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ Question Four PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

What foreseeable changes do you see the University of Windsor Student Alliance making in terms of cooperation, respect, and understanding within the organization? ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

Question Five What has been the most valuable workshop you have attended and why? ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ _________ Question Six What has been the least valuable workshop you have attended and why? ______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, June 18th, 2014 Outline for Brainstorming Session: Employee Relations Program PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das

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PBRL 6013 Specializations in Public Relations Priya Das

Please state your name and position on the University of Windsor Student Alliance:

The space provided below is for your ideas, creativity, and opinions. Good luck!

Question or Subject Matter:

____________________________________________________ _______

PBRL 6013 - Specializations in Public Relations Final Assignment Priya Das