RETREAT for Early College Planning Teams

Details, details, details

When:             Arrive on Monday, November 29 for 7:00 PM dinner

Depart on Wednesday, December 1 after breakfast and wrap-up at 10:00 AM

Where:                        Minnewaska Lodge (pending) near New Paltz, NY

http://www.minnewaskalodge.com

The Case

Imagine a meeting room where nature seems to wrap you in a green embrace, soothing away distractions that keep everyone from accomplishing their goals. As soon as you enter the space, your tensions ease - the room is set up and waiting for you, soft drinks, coffee, and house-made snacks are prepared. A smile dawns on your face, as you realize that this will be an extremely productive meeting, long remembered for careful planning, and detailed coordination. 

On your breaks, you will step outside to breathe in fresh, crisp air that clears the fog from your head. You will take a walk in the gentle woods, listen to the birdcalls, and let the ideas come pouring out. Now, this is a creative working atmosphere where the best work gets accomplished - leaving all to focus their attention where it needs to be - on further solidifying the details of the early college school through quality interaction with rejuvenated associates whose team-building attitudes enhance discussions.

Why Three Days?

A three day retreat will provide time for planning team members to disconnect from worries and to-do lists, to get to know one another on a deeper level, and for everyone to have at least two nights to sleep on the day's work. Many people believe (myself include) that creativity increases after sleeping on issues and that conflict is reduced if there is time to explore the causes. A three-day retreat means no one day is crammed with work, and attendees are not pressured to make inadequately considered decisions as ending time draws near.

Timing and Rhythm

Our retreat will begin at 7 PM on the first day and end after breakfast on the third day. This will provide us with two nights, but will only take 1 ½ days. We will begin the full day at 9 AM and go to 5 or 6 PM with a working lunch, avoiding evenings when many people tire faster.   By ending just after breakfast on the third day, rather than at the end of a long day, we will enable everyone's mind to be fresh and relaxed for the action planning at the end of the retreat. Too often, the decisions and actions get squeezed in at the end of the day when time is rushed.

The Agenda

• Agendas that are unfocused, overloaded, and don't have specific outcomes stated are an invitation to failure. These agendas try to cover too much in too little time, with the end result being that nothing gets done properly. The lack of focus makes it all too easy for discussions to get "off-track." Given this, please know that careful consideration will go into planning the agenda.  A detailed agenda will be sent out once the list of attendees is confirmed and we welcome suggestions you might have.

Meals

Breakfast will be provided in a drop in fashion during an announced time frame.  Lunch will be fast, simple; preferably a buffet with prepared sandwiches or salads and will be eaten in the main meeting room; as it will speed getting the meeting started up after lunch.  In-house dining for dinner will be provided.

Transportation

Transportation will be arranged for any planning teams that indicate the need for it.  Please email Chris at chris.rogutsky@mail.cuny.edu  to make the necessary arrangements.