North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

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Meeting FAQs

How are electronic meetings better than traditional meetings?
Meetings at the GDC utilize software on a network of computers that allow the meeting to be both simultaneous and anonymous. This system also allows us to capture every idea, question and comment that occurs during the meeting into a written report.

How do I set up a meeting at the GDC?
The first step is to setup a time for the meeting that works for both the center staff and the meeting participants. Once that has been established, the meeting facilitator will meet with the leader about one week prior to the meeting for a planning session. The facilitator will then set up an agenda for distribution to the meeting participants by the meeting leader. Next, the meeting occurs. After the meeting, the facilitator will generate a report that captures every comment from the meeting.

What happens during the planning session?
The facilitator will meet the session leader to develop what will happen during the meeting. The facilitator and leader will discuss the desired outcomes and goals of the meeting. They will then determine which tools and agenda items will meet these objectives. The planning session also allows the meeting facilitator to learn about the organization, the background information and the current situation.

How can the facilitator run the meeting without being a part of the organization?
The facilitator is trained in the process of group discussion and decision making. Also, the facilitator learns about the organization through the planning meeting. The planning session gives the facilitator the background knowledge of the organization to facilitate the meeting.

Why should I distribute the agenda beforehand?
Mainly because doing so makes for a better meeting. When participants know what to expect and what topics will be discussed, they are better prepared. Participants can formulate some ideas on the topic prior to meeting, and less time is spent in the meeting waiting for participants to formulate ideas.

How do I set up a meeting?
By contacting:
Lisa Nordick at 701-231-8692 lisa.nordick@ndsu.nodak.edu or
Linda Charlton at 701-231-6414 Linda.Charlton@ndsu.nodak.edu
Steps on how the set up a meeting

How much does it cost to use the GDC?
For the break down on the cost click here

How long do meetings last at the GDC?
Meetings normally last a minimum of one hour and can last longer depending on what will be covered in the meeting. The total time for the meeting will be established during the planning meeting. We recommend breaks for meetings that last over one and one-half hours.

Are refreshments available during a meeting?
For meetings that are held at the Group Decision Center, a variety of beverages and foods are available through the Reservations & Events Services, 701-231-8417.

Is the GDC available to come to our conference/workplace that is out-of-town?
Yes, the GDC travels to a wide variety of locations. There are additional costs for travel, including setup fees and a per diem for the center staff. The client is responsible to provide the room for the meeting. The recommended setup for the tables is U shape with the opening at the front of the room with a screen and a table in the middle of the U for the projector.

Survey FAQs

What types of survey(s) are available through the GDC?
The GDC utilizes software to provide electronic surveys that can be administered on-site or through the World Wide Web.

What are the benefits of an electronic survey?
Electronic surveys are generally considered quicker, easier, and more anonymous than a conventional paper survey. With the World Wide Web option, an internet address can be e-mailed to a list of potential survey participants. All the participants need to do is click on the link to launch the survey, never having to leave their desks.

How much do surveys cost?
For the break down on the cost click here

Does the GDC do any data analysis?
Yes, the GDC automatically breaks out the answers to each question in full detail, giving total number for each answer and percentage of the total. The GDC also includes three filter reports, which allow the survey owners to see "For all those who answered A to question 1, how did they answer the rest of the survey." These filters are commonly used for demographics. For instance, to see if males answered the survey differently than females. Data can also be exported to statistical software for further analysis.

What is the process for building a survey?
A meeting will be set up between the survey owner and the GDC staff. Prior to the meeting, the survey owner should have established what the survey will cover, when the survey should be available for participants to take, how long the survey will be available, and what questions will be asked in the survey, as well as a welcome and thank you letter. The facilitator will discuss the questions and offer any suggestions or recommendations. After the meeting, the facilitator will type out the survey and publish it to the web. He or she will e-mail the web address to the survey owner, who will then test it. Once testing is complete, the results will be cleared. At this time, survey participants should be given the address, either through e-mail or another method. The survey will be available through the previously agreed time period. After the survey has been taken down, the facilitator will compile a report and run any filters. Guidelines surveys

How do I let participants know where the survey is?
There are a couple of options. The first is for the survey owner to e-mail the participants. The facilitator would e-mail a link to the survey owner, who would then compose an e-mail including the link.

Does the GDC provide a list of people willing to take surveys?
No. The GDC does not provide any lists of participants. The survey owner is responsible for developing the participant list, though the GDC will contact them with the survey web address.

Does the GDC write the survey?
No. The GDC will help refine some of the questions to assist the survey owner in meeting their objectives, but does not write the survey for the survey owner.

How many filters are included with a standard survey?
The GDC will run three filters included in the cost of the survey. Additional filters are available for $25/filter.

 

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E-Mail: ndsu.gdc@ndsu.edu
www.ndsu.edu/gdc
NDSU Group Decision Center
320 Family Life Center
Department 2030
P.O. Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Phone: 701.231.6414