August 21, 2020
RSO Updates, Resources & Deadlines
Hello UWM Student Leaders,

Time has flown by this summer, and we are SO excited for you all to be returning to classes (whether that be on-campus or virtually). Although campus will look different this year, our staff is here to help you navigate this new terrain so you are successful in running your student organization!

As you think about your RSO's plans for the semester, we have some updates about how operations, meetings and events, and community-building activities may be impacted. Below you can find some helpful information and resources that will set your RSO up for success this academic year. Be sure to scroll through the WHOLE email!

A reminder that all student orgs should be checking items off their to-do list on the "Road to Renewal" Canvas site. If you are curious on where your group is on the Road to Renewal, take a peak at our new Renewal Tracking Spreadsheet!

Need a refresh on what's due when? Our Dates & Deadlines Doc gives you a complete overview for the year ahead! Here's what's on the horizon...

SEPTEMBER

Please reach out to us if you need any assistance! Or stop by Union 355 starting September 2nd (Monday-Thursday from 10AM-5PM; Friday from 10AM-3PM). You can also defer to our Student Org FAQ's for Fall 2020.
 
 
Welcome Back, Panthers!
Student Involvement Staff
OPERATIONS
RSO Travel
University-sponsored travel is prohibited until January 1st. This includes any travel sponsored by UWM student organizations.

Booking for future travel is also suspended at this time.

Please see UWM's COVID-19 Updates site for more information about restrictions on university-sponsored travel.
Offices & Storage
Student orgs will continue to occupy their offices from the 2019-2020 school year throughout the 2020-2021 school year for storage space (using the same keys that were issued in 2019). Offices may not be used for meetings or study areas. We will work with new officers to manage the transition of keys. Please contact us via email with questions.    
 
The front desk will be open for walk-in services starting on September 2nd. The front desk will be able to provide officers with photo identification access to org office spaces. RSOs may need to wait before you are helped; to comply with all guidelines, we are minimizing the number of people who will be working onsite. For all other services, please contact us via email or call during business hours at 414-229-5780.
Go Virtual!
Organizations should offer virtual or hybrid methods of meeting, joining and attending events to accommodate students who may not be in the city of Milwaukee this semester or may not feel comfortable attending in-person gatherings.

There are a variety of platforms for hosting virtual events and meetings, including Microsoft Teams that comes with your UWM email!
How to Host a Virtual Meeting or Event
Not sure where to start in planning your virtual event? No worries!

Check out our comprehensive Virtual Event Planning Guide to walk you through the step-by-step process!

Planning a virtual meeting or retreat? We have a resource for that, too!
COMMUNITY-BUILDING
Virtual Involvement Fair - New Platform!
Our annual Fall Involvement Fair will be offered fully virtually this year using CampusGroups September 14th through the 27th.

This is a new platform for us, but the good news is that it gives every RSO the chance to have a "booth" at the fair! RSOs will be able to live chat with potential new members, as well as schedule video info sessions and contact interested students.

Be on the lookout for more information on how to sign your group up and update your org booth!
Training & Resources
Empowering your leadership team with training and staying connected with your membership is going to be even more important than ever this year. Be sure to touch base with your liaison to find what training opportunities are available for your organization!

Student Organization Conference Night will be completed in an online module this year and contains tons of helpful trainings as we navigate this weird year! Check it out once it goes live on September 1st, and make sure at least one officer completes the SOCN module to get credit for renewal.
Front Desk Office Hours for Fall 2020:

10AM - 5PM | Monday - Thursday
10AM - 3PM | Friday

Please note, the Front Desk will continue to host virtual office hours through Tuesday, September 1st.

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