Meinig Family Cornell National Scholars (MFCNS)
Freshman Forum 2009-2010

Course Description
The MFCNS Freshman Forum is an opportunity to:

• spend time as a class of student leaders;
• examine our understanding of leadership and the basic elements that define it;
• interact with other leaders at Cornell; and
• explore opportunities to apply the group’s leadership skills in an effort to address an issue and affect change on the Cornell campus.

Meeting Times – Fall 2009

DETAILS
Session I:  September 9
Orientation to the expectations and opportunities of the MFCNS program.

Session II:  Sept. 23
Teambuilding Activities with Cornell Outdoor Education – Wear shoes and clothing appropriate for comfort of movemnt!  Come at 4:45 if you wish to eat befoe we get going on teambuilding.

Session III:  October 21
Strive to Lead
A panel of upper-class Meinig Scholrs will discuss their leadership experiences on campus and beyond; how to find them; how to make an impact; how to get the most of your MFCNS leadership support account.

Session IV:  November 4

Networking Dinner
Dinner with the entire membership of the Meinig Scholars. Learn about fellow members' leadership experiences and network with others on ways to get involved. As we always say, "WE are our greatest resource!"

PROJECT INITIATIVE – Spring 2008

MEETING TIMES SPRING 2010:  Feb. 3, Feb. 10, March 3, March 17, April 7 and 14 – Locations to be announced
FINAL PRESENTATION:  Wednesday, April 21, 5-8:30pm, G10 Biotech (presentation run-through on Monday, April 19, 5-6:30pm, RPCC218)

PROJECT FORMAT

The Spring 2010 component of Freshman Forum will consist of project-based work where students will be responsible for working as members of a team, analyzing a particular element of the Cornell campus and/or the first-year experience.  Program staff have worked with other university officials to identify issues of concern so that the results of your investigation and analysis can benefit various campus offices as they plan new initiatives or work to improve current situations.

TEAM FORMATION & RESPONSIBILITIES

A list of potential projects will be presented at the first meeting of Freshman Forum in the Spring. As a group, you will select the overall project, which will consist of individual sub-categories. You will join other MFCNS students who share the same interest in a specific sub-catergory topic. This group will be the project team with which you'll work all semester.

The team is responsible for the following:
-determining how the project issue will be further explored, utilizing all resources available at this university
-establishing meeting times and delegating tasks in order to meet the established overall timetable outlined for the semester
-managing workload and participation of all team members in order to complete all established tasks
-writing timely reports and making oral presentations

SCHEDULE – Dates and locations to be confirmed later this fall

Session I/February 3:              Discuss and select project topic and sub-categories..

Session II/February 10:           Final decision on project topic; form teams; arrange initial schedule. 

Session III/March 3:               Provide brief overview of each team's progress. Analyze areas of overlap and streamline project question.

Session IV/March 17:             Provide brief overview of each team's research findings and initial recommendations. Each team is responsible for providing a written progress report, no more than 2 pages in length. If possible, begin discussion by entire freshman class to determine how to consolidate information into overall presentation to administrators.

Session V/April 7:                    Complete discussion on consolidated presentation format. If necessary, assign additional tasks to complete final presentation.

Session VI/April 14:                 Check in on finalizing presentation format. This session could possibly be cancelled depending on project progress.

Session VII/April 19:                Run-through of final presentation incorporating all team project outcomes.

Session VIII/April 21:                Formal presentation of findings and dinner with upper-level CU administrators and otheradministrative staff persons interested in/responsible for the project topic. Each team must also submit a final written report (no more than 5 pages in length) that details their individual project outcomes, with analysis of project topic and suggestions for resolutions designed to address concerns.

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS

This activity will challenge your abilities to work as members of a team.  It also will facilitate your understanding of resources available at Cornell University.  Should any questions or concerns about your team’s project or performance come up over the course of the semester, you should contact Kristine M. DeLuca (kd15, 255-8595) as soon as possible.

REMEMBER - Your participation in the Freshman Forum is required in order to remain in good standing in the MFCNS program.  Contact Kris immediately if you have any scheduling difficulties.