For the first time a theme was implemented and kept secret from the department to surprise everyone. The planning took weeks, but the event held on January 14 was worth the wait. Surveys and feedback from previous winter trainings and this past fall inspired the foundation of the weekend. Areas of concern or effective programs from the previous semester were submitted to be shared with the department. After reviewing these, the committee was able to decide on a theme. “Chicken Soup for the RESLIFE Soul” was selected to help motivate and foster personal and professional development for staff members in a fun way, just like the books series.

The committee worked for two solid weeks after the New Year to finalize everything before the big day. Rooms had to be reserved. Equipment was rented. And decorations were planned to coordinate with the theme.

Erin took charge of planning the programming tracks. The submissions poured in and through her positive recruitment the four sessions were filled with five programs each. The programs were divided into the categories of resident based, staff based, personal/professional development based, and fun based. For the first time nearly all the programs presented were development based and focusing on the issues that the department recognized as areas they would like further training in. Erin’s ability to recruit presenters and focus programming towards developmental training was valuable.

Tracy filled the logistical role by designing the training booklet, invitations, decorations, and other various tasks. She reserved and placed all the programs into rooms while coordinating with the needs of each program. She also took initiative and designed a booklet featuring the program descriptions, the schedule for training, updated information regarding new staff members, plus self submitted stories from the department that were inspirational to read. Tracy made miniature soup bowls for invitations and planned a door decoration contest for each staff member to enter to be judged. Her creativity and enthusiasm helped to develop the theme completely.

Todd found his skills to be utilized most with the fun balance of the busy training. He planned a lock-in at the Student Recreation Center from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. for the department to come together and enjoy each other’s company while playing games. Volleyball, basketball, and scooter-soccer were only a few of the fun events which entertained the group of 100 people. Todd’s balance of work and play helped the department grow closer together.

With the weeks of planning that went into preparing Winter Training 2006, these three student advisors who made up the project group deserve a bowl of chicken soup themselves. Their ability to focus on the needs of the department and to fulfill them with creative and innovative ways will not be soon forgotten. Chuck Norris has not forgotten “Chicken Soup for the RESLIFE Soul” and the impact it made in beginning second semester in a fun and developmental way.

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