[Kristina]

Our team is completely student run. here's how it works...

We split up into subdivisions: design/construction, Management, special team "extendor", pneumatics, animation, and grabber. Each had its own leader. The leaders were in charge of making sure everyone in his group had work to do and at the beginning of each day the leader says what the team is up to. We have a big chart on the wall where I write updates of what teams are doing, their due dates, meeting times, etc. This really helps with communication. The team leaders are also in charge of giving grades to their team members.

For student run teams, I would say the three biggest things you need are 1) communication and 2) respect and 3) organization!. When you have students bossing other students around (My main job!) its kinda weird at first. But as long as roles are distinct and you know that everyone's doing work for the good of the team, it works out. And don't be afraid to track down those slackers, it may be hard to lay down the law to a friend but as long as you do it nicely, you're helping the entire team out.

Its a lot of work but its so rewarding in the end knowing that we did everything ourselves from getting sponsors, to ordering all the parts, to building the entire robot, to booking our own plane flights, hotel rooms, and rental cars, to fundraising all ourselves. You learn so many business and team work skills that definately help in the future. Good luck and if you any tips at all, my IM is smarty6784 or write back. I love giving advice on this kind of stuff, its definately my forte!