I skipped #4 up there. Did you catch that? I already wrote about the Intern Mini Retreat last week, shortly after it took place. And no, I won't be giving away any more detail about it, just in case any sneaky interns might be reading. What we have in store for them is top secret (for now, anyways).
Retreat #5: CIS Strategic Planning Retreat (6/18)
This was the first true retreat for me this year (whereby "true" refers to the fact that it took all day and I got *free meals*). Following breakfast, the morning consisted of reporting out from the CIS mini-retreats about optics/math (I did not attend that one, hence why this may be the first you're hearing about it) and about the undergrad curriculum, with ensuing discussions. Somehow this took three hours?!? I don't even remember how that can possibly be. The format of the morning more closely resembled a very long committee report/presentation than a strategic brainstorming session, since that already took place during the mini-retreats (though some new topics were introduced as part of the discussions). Afterward we were treated with Indian food for lunch (yeah! except for the surprise seafood... Sure, I like shrimp and scallops as much as the next guy, but I have to know it's coming. No seafood is good when it's a surprise seafood.) which was a nice treat. Well, "treat" is too dainty of a word for what it really was... it was more of a nice binge. Yeah, I'll go with that.
After lunch we separated into break out groups, which was a very complicated and confusing process but worked out okay. Each person was given different group assignments whereby 5 separate groups would meet to discuss one topic each, then break and reassemble into new groups with a different topic, and so on until we had each discussed all 5 topics in 5 different groups. (Does that make any sense? Eh, whatever.) The topics consisted of: strategic research and education; external collaborations; working within RIT; working within CIS; and Pie in the Sky - what should CIS's BHAG be? We had some very interesting discussions, and for me it was interesting just to be involved, as I was one of only a small handful of staff participating among a population of almost all faculty. I felt that my minority perspective was one that needed representation though, because I see things quite differently than faculty do but my role still revolves around students and academia; and besides, I am very passionate about CIS in all of its aspects. Anyways, in most sessions my POV was no match against the majority voice, but I did feel very productive and like a strong team player in the strategic research and education and working within CIS groups. I can only hope that my input actually makes it past the retreat... but even if it doesn't, I at least feel like I experienced some meaningful interactions with people I work with every day but don't normally get to peel back the layers of the onion on. After regrouping and sharing a summary of the suggestions made by each of the groups, we wrapped up with a small reception that really allowed people to relax and get to know each other better. I think social experiences like this are truly integral to a positive work atmosphere but have been lacking for quite a while. Hopefully we can have more informal gatherings throughout the year that foster a greater affinity for each other and for the Center. All in all, a valuable day.
Retreat #6 (you mean this blog still isn't over?): Staff Council Retreat (6/20)
Okay, so the Staff Council retreat was only half a day, but I still got a free meal, so that's legit. In fact, it was one of the most spectacular meals I have ever eaten. The SC retreat took place at Rivers Run, an off-campus but RIT-owned living community where I have never been (at least not since the area was the abandoned Racquet Club townhouses, spoooookyyyy). When the retreat planning committee (which I was on) contacted them about a catered retreat, they said, "What do you want?" to which we replied, "Do you have a menu?" and they responded with, "Well, what do you want?" Apparently they will do anything. So what did we suggest? TACO BAR!!!! And boy did they deliver: homemade tortilla chips that were the perfect combination of greasy and crunchy and chewy; fresh hard shells and soft tortillas; perfectly seasoned roast beef; rice and beans; and an extensive toppings bar with fresh sweet onions, jalapenos, and guacamole... Holy guacamole!!! It was phenomenal. I ate several plates knowing that I should just enjoy the amazingness readily in front of me because nothing else would be worth eating in comparison. I can eat as much as I want at lunch as long as I don't eat dinner, right? When it comes to tacos, I simply have no restraint.
Anyways, there was more to the retreat than just the amazing food. We broke up into committees (I'm on communications) and played RIT Jeopardy, which included categories such as, "Name that Chair," "RIT Presidents," and "What's in a Name?" (Unfortunately, no Potent Potables. Boo.) My team won in a landslide (of course), though there were no prizes other than the laughs we all enjoyed. We then brainstormed altogether on SC representative roles and responsibilities, and how we can hold each other accountable to make sure we are each pulling our weight and acting as meaningful members of the council. We then switched up the groups to be by block to brainstorm on Post-It notes various topics and items of staff concern that SC should address in the coming year. Unfortunately, only half of Block 6 was present, so there were only 3 of us. Even so, we were able to come up with a bunch of Post-Its, which were then stuck onto large pages of paper hanging on the walls, one for each committee. We had another break during which we played RIT Pictionary, but even after combining with the other even-numbered blocks we were at a major size disadvantage. Not only that, but the other team was ruthless and would just yell out anything obvious that had to do with RIT - for example, they got "Sentinel" from just a single squiggly line. Seriously? Anyways, my team totally redeemed itself with its epic pictorial representation of the "Policy on Policies". (I know someone took a picture of it, so as soon as I see one I'll post it here.) We then reassembled back into committees, got our paper down from the wall, and prioritized our items into a plan of work. I have to say, the Communications Committee is going to be excellent this year. (Maybe I would have stayed on Executive Committee if I had gotten a group this enthusiastic, motivated, and teamwork-oriented....) After committee reports, we adjourned to a happy hour back at the Global Village Cantina on campus, arrrrriba!
Now all that's left is Retreat #7, for the RIT Young Professionals, on 6/26. Unfortunately, I now have a personal commitment that I was hoping to schedule earlier but that couldn't be fit in until Wednesday... So I'm taking a vacation day Wednesday, and might not make it to the YP retreat.
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