It depends. Some DUGs function well enough with one, while others have decided to have different roles and positions for theirs. More isn't necessarily better. As long as the roles are clear, a group of leaders can work well.

We require all DUG leaders to complete the DUG leader training each year because things do change. We periodically review our processes and try to improve them within the framework of the University’s rules and restrictions. The purpose of the training is to provide guidelines on preparing the funding proposal as well as tips and tricks for engagement with the student community; we always recommend that DUG leaders complete the training before beginning to work on the funding proposal. Funding proposals will not be approved until all of a DUG’s leaders complete the DUG Leader Training.

Today@Brown makes a distinction between announcements and events. For generic announcements (e.g., for a contest, an initiative, DUG news, soliciting email list signups, etc.), all you need to do is submit your information to Today@Brown, but to announce an event, your event must first be listed on Events@Brown (the University’s events calendar); your Today@Brown submission for an event may be rejected if the corresponding event cannot be found on Events@Brown.

There are three ways that you could use to submit your event to Events@Brown.

1. Submit your event information to your departmental staff, asking them to post the event on your behalf. This is probably the easiest option; however, do keep in mind that departmental staff are often busy, ask them to do this far in advance as possible, and avoid last-minute requests. Include the following information:
   • event title (unlike Today@Brown, there is no character limit)
   • event description (be sure to clearly state that the event is organized by the DUG; e.g., “Please join the French and Francophone Studies Departmental Undergraduate Group...”)
   • contact information (names and email addresses)
   • date and time (include the start and end times in the Eastern Time Zone)
   • physical location and/or Zoom link
   • optional: pick up to five tags to help categorize the event (these are the “interest categories” that you see in the Today@Brown submission form)
2. Use the Student Activities Office’s event calendar submission process. This has changed over the years (BearSync, then BearLink, but a Google Form submission process has most recently been used), so check with SAO if you have any questions or issues.
3. Submit it directly to Events@Brown using the general event submission form. Note that this may take longer than the other two options, as this is not the preferred process.

Reaching out to alumni is an excellent idea for networking; it is a good way to connect academic programs of study to career paths and other post-graduation opportunities. See the DUGs Google Classroom for ideas and resources, primarily through the Center for Career Exploration

Of course! While each DUG’s activity and engagement varies, in most cases, being a DUG leader is a significant commitment, serving both one’s academic unit and the University more broadly.

Feel free to include these points as descriptions:

• Plan and organize informational and community-building events for concentrators and non-concentrators
• Serve as peer advisor to concentrators, prospective concentrators, and other undergraduate students