A Registered Student Organization's ability to successfully transition officers can make or break the organization's retention and sustainability. Good officer transition takes time and effort on both the officers leaving and the officers entering their roles. Below are some tips for planning for successful officer transition.

Why Transition?

  • Organizational knowledge.
  • Minimizes confusion.
  • Sense of closure/sense of empowerment.
  • Passes on specialization.
  • Increases knowledge and confidence of new leadership.
  • Supports momentum and accomplishments for new leadership.

Steps to Transitioning

  • Organize your information.
  • Finish all projects that you can.
  • Prepare an end-of-the-year report — they're fun.
  • Review the Constitution, bylaws, goals — provide this.
  • Schedule at least two meetings with the old and new officers.
  • Provide any shadowing and/or training if necessary.
  • Make a binder.
  • Incorporate the transition into your constitution.

Responsibilities of Outgoing Officers

  • Finish your projects.
  • Be honest.
  • Take the time to meet with your new officer.
  • Be helpful, not hurtful.
  • Gather important documents.
  • Take the time to gather your thoughts.
  • Train the new officer.

Responsibilities of Incoming Officers

  • Take the time to meet with outgoing officers.
  • Acknowledge work of past officers.
  • Become familiar with information.
  • Be thoughtful – prepare questions for your meetings.
  • Utilize all past officers and advisor.
  • Meet with all those who are applicable to your position.