Congratulations!! You've just been elected as a student leader; you're feeling great! And, at times, a bit scared, right? You've finally received the position that you've wanted for so long and perhaps you're experiencing a little bit of doubt. You want to give it your all, be the BEST officer your organization ever elected. You want everything perfect the first time - with no mistakes from anybody. Nice intentions, but as we all know, highly unrealistic. People are fallible; mistakes will inevitably be made.

Here is some information that will start your thinking so you can avoid some of the common pitfalls and get a smooth start in your new position. So, relax, get comfortable and read on!

Fundamentals

IF: you are registered with the Associated Students of the University of Oregon
THEN: you may be eligible for or have access to:

• Mail file in ASUO office
• ASUO funding
• Fishbowl information tables
• Meeting space in EMU and around campus

IF: you want to learn more about effective leadership, leadership classes for credit, the leadership conferences, institutes and other programs and services.
THEN: check out the LRO (Leadership Resource Office)

IF: you want to utilize University facilities and services
THEN: you need an account with ASUO

IF: you have an ASUO account
THEN: stop by ASUO to make sure it is in order.

IF: your organization has a treasurer
THEN: has he /she updated your financial books?

IF: your organization has a historian
THEN: have the old officers given a report to him or her?

IF: your organization has a secretary
THEN: does he/she have everything he/she needs from the previous secretary (meeting minutes, etc.)?
 
IF: you would like to have a smooth running organization
THEN: do the officers have written descriptions of their responsibilities from the old officers? Are the descriptions completely understood? Also, have officer create new responsibilities together as a team.

IF: you want to reserve a room in a campus building or use other University services.
TTHEN: go to the ASUO office.

IF: you want to advertise on campus
THEN: check out the ASUO for advice and consultation or, stop by the Oregon Daily Emerald (ODE) in the EMU.

Deciding On a Style of Leadership

The style of leadership that you choose will have a tremendous impact on your organization. You want to develop a style that you feel comfortable with and that will motivate the members of your organization to achieve the group's goals. What might prove helpful is to examine the styles of the previous officers. Write down what you like and dislike about the method in which goals were or were not achieved, and why. By doing so, you can discover what you believe is important to the organization. For instance:

• Are you people-oriented (focusing mainly on how your members are doing)?  Or are you task-oriented (focusing on what your members are doing)?
• Do you place fellowship (camaraderie) high in your priorities?  Or Is it more important to get the job done?
• Should all the other members decide?  Or should just the Officers decide the organization's goals?
• Will you achieve goals by setting up different committees (e.g., social committee, rush committee, blood drive committee)? 
• What would you suggest the group goals to be?  Ultimately, which style (i.e., "tell and have done", participative, etc.) - in your judgment - would help the organization accomplish its goals most effectively in each situation?

Hopefully this has helped you to feel more prepared for your upcoming responsibilities. You can face your position as a student leader with anticipation and confidence! Remember that others elected you because they believed you possessed the ability to do well. Knowing that, should make believing in yourself easier.

Emerson once said, "Self-trust is the first secret of success."  And he is right. So, relax, be yourself, believe in yourself and enjoy the challenge!