Changes

Quality over quantity is the biggest key to remember when it comes to events and activities.  Students are drawn to activities that yield end results and give them something to take awayprovide value after they leave.  Whether this means producing something in a widget during an activity , or by receiving an award in through a competition, it all becomes a huge draw for students.  With artists and engineers there is a big attraction in the ability to create.  Activities that promote the ideals of development and entrepreneurship include [http://www.innovationchallenge.com/ Innovation Challenges], Build Weekends, and other competitions.  Large scale art projects such as [http://www.1708gallery.org/inlight/ InLight Richmond] allow engineers and artists to collaborate on something beautiful and innovative while producing a stunning result for any portfolio.

=== Things to consider when planning activities Consider When Planning Activities ===

1.       Students are very interested in things that are topics relevant to their interests , as well as things topics that they have at least heard of.  Communicate with Reach out to those that are interested.  The most popular activity ideas will come from those the students most likely to participate.In Spring 2013 , Washington State University, Vancouver brought [http://www.rushkoff.com/ Douglas Rushkoff], author of [http://www.rushkoff.com/program-or-be-programmed/ Program or Be Programmed], to their campus to shed light on the university core read all students in the CMDC program had participated in. The [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vbDdytXk20 speaker] produced a large turn out and gave students something to be passionate about. 

[[File:Douglasrushkoff.jpg|frame|right|300px|Douglasrushkoff.jpg]]

2.       Students like enjoy producing things(aka hands on activities).  Activities should have a takeaway, something for the student to keep.

3.       People like Students also enjoy results.  Results include rewards for competitions, a piece for a portfolio or a chance to talk one on one to a speaker.  There should be a justification for participation.

4.       Connections for student leaders should be considered.  How will a student be able to build their personal network or open themselves up to new experiences with the activity?

5.       Never underestimate the power of free food on a college campus.  ! An incentive like free food is a way to draw an audience that may not have been considered initially.