Newcomers' Coordinator [New Northfielders' Coordinator]

This job can be tackled in different ways-the following description is one way in which it can be done.

Before the conference:

1. ask the Registrar for a list of all newcomers as early as possible;
2. assemble a team of from 1 to 4 people depending on the number of newcomers;
3. match newcomers with the team members and ask each team member to contact the newcomers assigned to them before the conference and offer any needed advice or explanations [alternatively you can match each newcomer family or individual with an appropriate buddy to shepherd them around and generally take care of them];
4. prepare some ribbons or other decoration to be added to the newcomers' name tags for indentification purposes;
5. plan what you want the team members to do and write up an outline which you can send to them or give them at the conference. You could have the team plan to tour the campus with all newcomers but this is often impractical because of time constraints, late arrivals and children's needs. Team members could make individual arrangements with newcomers that suit both parties. Newcomers could be invited to sit with team members at a "newcomers" table at the first supper;
6. plan what you will say to the newcomers at the meeting of team members and newcomers on the first day. [See 2 below.]

At the conference:

1. hold a meeting of team members as early as possible on the first day and go over what they are expected to do.This meeting can be brief if you have already sent them a sheet. Arrange a time to hold a meeting of team members and newcomers later the same day.
2. some or all team members should set up a table in Gould near the registration table and welcome each newcomer, give them ribbons, offer any immediate help they might need and ask them to attend a meeting of newcomers later that day;
3. hold the meeting of team and newcomers. This is a good time to go over any unspoken rules such as wearing a name tag all through the conference. Tell them where you and other team members can be found if necessary. Show them where the phone is located.
4. ask team members to watch out for newcomers throughout the week.

Some years the coordinator has arranged a number of activities for the newcomers. This is a job that lends itself to imagination and effort.