This page is a quick DIY guide to planning programming for Cultural Houses and Student Organizations. If you have questions, contact the Director or Assistant Director.

Guide to Programming

Step #1: Assess the Community

Who is in the community? What do they like to do? Do their interests carry a common theme? These questions probe what a community wants. That’s not a bad thing, and it is also not a bad thing to think about what your community needs, as well. Think about the time of year, what the community needs to be successful, and maybe even who the community would benefit meeting. Once you have ideas, you can begin Step #2.

Step #2: Brainstorm

A simple/not-so-simple step, really. Start jotting down your ideas. Make a list of ideas and rank them on feasibility. Once you have an idea you feel the house would appreciate and can pull off, move on down to Step #3!

Step #3: Plan

Now that you have an idea, let’s bring it to life! Some good questions to ponder are:

  • What (what are we doing, what do you need, what do we want people to experience, etc.)
  • Who (who should be here, who is this event for, who will we need to collaborate with, etc.)
  • When (when will this event occur, when will we need to obtain materials, when in the term can we pull this off, etc.)
  • Where (Where will this event take place, where can we obtain materials for the event, etc.)
  • How (how will we obtain the materials for this event, how will we publicize this event, how will we prepare for this event, etc.)

Answering these types of questions is crucial because they’ll help you solidify your plan, make appropriate changes, assign and define planning roles, and determine appropriate resources.

Remember that if your event is a Cultural House Event, or aligns with our mission, you can make a Purchase & Reimbursement Request.

Step #4: Publicize

If you have time and can use Canva, Powerpoint, Word, or similar tools, then make a flyer and send it our way so that we can advertise your event via OIL email lists. If making flyers is not your strong suit, then send us your event’s name, a brief description, location, date and time and we can have an Office Assistant make a flyer. No matter the route, get us the details and we can help publicize the event! Remember to also promote the event on your Social Media channels if you have them!

Step #5: Implement

The day has come. Make sure food is set up, decorations are in place, people know what they’re doing, and — most importantly — that you and your guests have fun!

Step #6: Evaluate

Now that it’s all said and done, remember to submit a Program Evaluation!

Extra Tips

Some extra resources when it comes to planning events are…