Why have a retreat?

• To introduce new members.
• To set organizational goals.
• To provide information and/or workshop sessions.
• To increase moral and for team building.
• To motivate members for the new year or semester.
• To evaluate the progress of long-term goals and objectives.
• To resolve group conflicts.
• To get to know each other.
• To get away and have FUN!

When should your organization have a retreat?

• At the beginning of the year or semester.
• At midyear for an evaluation or a refresher.
• Prior to a conflict.
• Before new officer installation.
• Before a major program.

Who should participate?

• Members
• Officers
• Advisors
• Workshop presenters
• Resource persons

Who should facilitate the retreat?

• Members and/or officers that feel qualified and comfortable doing so.
• Advisors
• Alumni
• Faculty
• Student Affairs staff

Where can you have a retreat?

On campus venues

• Memorial Student Center, 304-696-3125
• Erickson Alumni Center, 304-696-3134
• Campus Christian Center, 304-696-2444
• Marco's, 304-696-6770
• Student Government Office, 304-696-6436
• Women's Center, 304-696-3112
• Drinko Library, 304-696-2320

• Camp Mad Anthony Wayne, 304-429-5078

How to plan a retreat

Determine the purpose of the retreat

• For example: Goal setting, teambuilding, planning a large program

Where and when will it take place

• Stay away from everyday places
• Reserve and confirm venue

• Retreat site rental
• Transportation
• Food
• Workshop materials (pens, paper, markers, copies, etc.)

Develop retreat agenda and plan activities

• Arrange for facilitators
• Plan activities that actively involve each member
• Take advantage of visual aids
• Plan breaks for participants
• Vary the presentation methods
• Stay focused on your retreat goals

• Do you need electronic devices (microphones, projectors)

• Menu planning
• Buying food
• Cooking
• Clean up

• Is transportation necessary

• Set the tone for a serious, open-minded, honest and cooperative retreat by facilitating icebreakers
• Discuss the following:

1. The purpose and goal(s) of the retreat
2. The need for the retreat
3. Benefits of the retreat
4. Review the agenda

Evaluate the retreat

• Ask facilitators and participants to provide feed back. These responses will help the organization's leadership to successfully plan the next retreat