Along with decorative gourds and tiny sociopaths demanding candy, the end of October brings an uptick in study group formation as we get closer to finals (I saw what looked like three new ones in the lobby on my way into work).
Several years ago, this annual rite resulted in some major kerfluffles, ados, and foofaraws — so-and-so is cheating on one group with another, so-and-so doesn't do any work, s0-and-so always brings an enormous bag of potato chips, so-and-so's non-lawyer biker boyfriend enjoys attending — and everyone ended up in my office for advice on how to work things out.
In response, I found an earlier posting from Amy Jarmon about the things study groups need to keep in mind, and I turned it into an actual contract, which I printed out and passed around to the First Year class.
A few days later, I saw several completed and signed contracts sticking out of bookbags, books, and binders, and all the complaining stopped. Since that time, I have mentioned the contract (repeatedly) and the concerns and complaints disappeared.
Many, many thanks to Amy, and below is the contract (Alex Ruskell) –
non
in legendo sed in intelligendo legis consistent
STUDY GROUP CONTRACT
1. New
members will be added only if _____ members agree.
2. New
members will not be added after _________ (a certain point in the semester).
3. A member may/may not belong to more than one study group as long as all members
are informed of the decision to do so.
4. A
member will not be “fired” unless:
A. The
group has talked with the person about problem behaviors (eg. argumentativeness, slacking on commitments, lateness,
dominating the group discussions, etc.).
B. The
person has had ____ chances to improve on the problem behavior after discussion.
C. The
group unanimously agrees that the member will be told to leave and as group discusses the decision with the member.
5. A
member who decides to leave the study group must tell the other members that he
or she intends to do so and not just “disappear.”
6. The
study group will have a rotating facilitator who is responsible for setting the
agenda and keeping the group on track each week. The order will be: _________________, ___________________________, ______________________.
7. The
study group will meet ________ times per week at _______________________.
8. Study
group members may/may not bring food — certain types of food are banned: ________________________.
9. Each
member is to show respect for other members and their opinions.
10. All
materials developed by the study group together are not to be shared outside
the group unless __________________of the members agree.
11. All matters
discussed in the study group are to be confidential and are not to be used for “gossip.” (The exception would be if the
group is concerned about the physical or mental well-being of a member so that
the appropriate action would be to talk to a dean, counselor, etc.)
12. Study aids
purchased jointly should be equally available for use as a matter of
courtesy. If the group agrees to share
study aids purchased by individuals, then rules may be needed.
Signed: _______________________
