The Program...
Depending on the course that you are
looking to do, we require an adequate
facility where we can put on a quality
program and offer the proper amenities
and resources for our participants.
Once we have established a host site,
we can start working on a customized
program for you and your participants.
Below are some things to consider...
The
Classroom...
For our community and workplace courses
(Red Cross courses), we ask that you
provide adequate space for all participants.
You will want to have a comfortable
chair and ample table space for each
participant to have their books, take
notes, etc. Having the proper amenities
on site also makes for a more pleasant
course. Restrooms and possibly an
area where participants may be able
to grab a soda or quick snack are
also recommended. The classroom facility
should be indoors (unless otherwise
coordinated) and also have decent
floor space where participants can
work with manikins, practice patient
lifting, etc.
For
our wilderness courses, we require
the same as listed above, however
we also require a "wilderness
or wooded area" or an open field.
Sports fields are not recommended.
Students will be doing a lot of indoor
classroom activities - however also
a lot of hands-on practical scenarios
outdoors. Hence, these two areas should
be very close to each other. Please
consider participant safety as well
(try to avoid having to cross a road
to get to the wilderness area).
Public
vs. Private Course...
Making your course public and open
to people outside of your host organization
has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
For one, by opening your course to
the public can easily help to subsidize
your revenue, and cover more expenses
from "public" participants.
The
possible disadvantages include your
staff being responsible for having
an in-depth knowledge of the course,
and thus being able to answer any
questions that you may get from the
public. In essence, the public are
also now your "customers".
Students expect to be treated like
valued customers, and providing them
this level of service will impact
your business or organization operations.
Informing
Your Staff...
The most important component of customer
service on your end is ensuring that
your phones and emails (should you
advertise these methods of communication)
are consistently and correctly answered
in a timely manner - and that your
staff is well informed about the course.
The more your staff and members know
about the course prior to opening
the course to the public, the higher
level of customer service you will
be able to provide.
Room
& Board for Students...
A great thing to offer to participants
(especially for CWS wilderness courses),
is inexpensive accommodations. Often
times, these courses are hosted at
camps and parks where there may be
cabins or dormitory style lodging.
Providing meals for your course participants
is also a nice thing to include in
your course. This cost can be incorporated
into your course fees, and can certainly
make for a more enjoyable course experience.
Student
Registration Confirmation...
As a course host, we expect you to
manage the course registration and
mail out (or email) a confirmation
package to each student who enrolls.
This package should contain the following
documents. Copies of the first three
items are contained in your sponsor
package:
