However, cohorts cannot decide independently to disband, to cancel meetings, or not to meet at the regularly scheduled time. ADs will also have input on topics of discussion and format. The Director will meet with any cohort on request, but will also attend meetings on a rotating basis. A cohort may also request input from Brett or Lynn. Cohorts can also decide to meet jointly with another cohort or with both other cohorts.
ADs keep an ongoing list of who is in attendance.
Each meeting the group determines someone to keep the meeting minutes and send them to the staff list. The list of who is present is part of the minutes. ADs follow up with phone calls or personal visits with absentees. The goal is to increase instructors' sense of connectedness and belonging, to help them feel well supported in the lab, and to discover if there are problems that need to be addressed. It's critical not to let people feel alienated, especially over something that can be remedied.