Selecting Officers at Shippensburg. A Very Organized Process!

I am quite pleased with the Shippensburg FFA Officer Selection Process.  Mrs. Bier did an impressive job of setting it up and has every detail clearly spelled out.  This is to provide clear guidelines for officer candidates but it also provides a safety net for Mrs. Bier as the advisor so she can share with both candidates and parents that they knew the expectations and the procedure for the election process.  The process is set up as follows:

Officer Selection Process:

1) Officer Nomination at Meeting

2) Officer Written Application 

3) Officer Interviews

- 5 Interviewers: Matt Dodson (PSO), Mr. Greg Miller (Associate Principal), Megan Benford (Teacher Food & Consumer Sciences), Amanda Tricka (Graduating Senior), Mrs. Sarah Meyers (Ag Industry Rep).

- Questions: What are your strengths/ weaknesses, How would you solve a problem on your team, Describe your work ethic

-Test: Multiple Choice for 20 questions

 As I followed the interview process I was impressed to see hear the professional manner which it all took place.  Mrs. Bier did a good job of simply being a facilitator of the process and not engaging in it.  Instead she contacted several people connected with both the school and agriculture organizations to come in and conduct the interviews. 

A student during her interview.

Once the slate of officers was selected and students found out at banquet the positions the work begins!  The students know their expectations (listed below) and will be certain to meet them.

1. Officers will maintain a 2.0 GPA in all of their classes.
2. Officers will maintain a clean discipline record at Shippensburg Area Senior High School.
3. Officers must be enrolled in the Agriculture Leadership class.
4. Officers will have an up to date SAE record book.
5. Officers are required to attend the Chapter Officer Training at a time convenient to everyone in the summer.
6. All officers are required to attend all chapter meetings.
7. Officers are required to make every effort to attend the majority of chapter activities. The chapter officers should plan on arriving early to help set up for activities, and also help clean up after the activity.
8. As a chapter officer you are a role model for the FFA members, as such, officers will lead by example. Chapter officers should have a positive behavior and attitude at all times.
9. Officers will be willing to make the time commitment that is required of a chapter officer. Being a chapter officer requires a lot time, as a chapter officer you must be willing to commitment the time to be a successful officer, and to run a successful chapter.
10. Officers are required to complete all of the duties for their particular office as outlined in the Chapter Officer Handbook.

One of the great things about ag teachers that Mrs. Bier taught me is that they want to share their things and are happy to help one another.  Knowing this, I feel confident in saying that Mrs. Bier will be okay with me using the same election process when I am an advisor of a chapter!