The year after the rookie year

[Jon Stratis]

We've found having a summer/fall program can really help - both in training the new members and helping to identify those members that are more enthusiastic for the program. You can use this as a trial period to see who you want to shoulder responsibility on the team, as well as letting anyone who wants to give it a try show up (even if they drop before the season).

In our summer program, we try to ensure that every student experiences everything the team has to offer - electrical, mechanical, programming, PR and driving. Then in the fall the students pick the subteam they want to be a part of and stick with it through the year.

In my opinion, every team always has some less dedicated members. Take the dedicated, returning members and give them responsibilities. Let them be in charge of some component on the robot (drive train, manipulator, etc). The less dedicated members, when they show up, get to help out one of the component leaders.

In closing, all I can say is that you (meaning your team as a whole), and only you, can decide what type of team you want. Some teams do interviews and have try outs. Others accept everyone who wants to sign up. If you only want the most dedicated people on the team, you're going to be more exclusive. If you want to go that extra mile, though, it's important to find some way to let everyone get something from the program, not just the dedicated individuals. Remember the old axiom "You get out what you put in" - those that give more to the program will get more responsibility and more opportunities.