[Donut]

Team governance has to be the single thing my team has had more trouble with than all our other troubles combined. After our 6th year we still don't have a really good system in place, it seems to change every year or two.

From my team's experience, this is my biggest piece of advice; do not leave all the leadership and knowledge on how to do what in the hands of one or two people, whether they be mentors or students. You can never be sure how long a person will be involved with the club or how well they will live up to their job. We have had 3 different teacher sponsors over the years because they've all left for various reasons (most not by choice), and we will have a new 4th one next year. In addition we've had 2 different years where student Presidents have failed to do their job, and the mentors and other officers have had to step up and replace them. Luckily we've always had a group of students and mentors in charge so the loss of a single leader has not completely destroyed the team, though it can frustrate things.

I'm hoping to keep having a group in charge (currently we have 5 student officers, a main teacher sponsor, and a main engineering mentor). I recommend trying to have various experience levels for students (more than just seniors) in charge, because it is quite a pain to have "rollover" years where all the former officers leave. In my opinion, your students should also always be able to communicate equally with mentors and teachers, with students getting the final say in most robot and event manners while adults have the last word when it comes to travel and finances.