Keep these guidelines for effective meetings in mind:
Plan each meeting with your officers, executive committee, and UniServ coordinator.
Begin and end at the announced time.
Hold the meeting in an appropriate facility (i.e. size, furniture arrangement, central location) to the purpose of the meeting.
Consider serving light refreshments.
Distribute a printed agenda, in advance if possible.
Conduct business meetings using parliamentary procedure.
State the purpose of the meeting at its beginning.
Keep the meeting moving, presiding confidently and enthusiastically.
Make sure everyone who has responsibilities during the meeting is well-prepared and knows what is expected.
Speak clearly and ask participants to speak clearly, using a microphone if necessary.
Listen with respect and appreciation to all ideas, drawing out diverse opinions.
Allow only one participant to speak at a time, limiting private conversations among participants.
Avoid talking to individuals while presiding.
Call attention to unresolved questions for further study or action by the body.
Don't argue with a speaker. Provide factual information to speakers when asked.
Know when to conclude a meeting, at or before the announced time. If additional meeting(s) are necessary to conclude the business, schedule them before the meeting adjourns.