HNSC 4230 Community Nutrition Education

5 group-project etiquette tips by Jorie Scholnik

1. At the beginning of the project, evenly assign tasks and set deadlines for when you want to have certain parts of the project completed. This way, certain group members don’t feel like they are doing everything and everyone has a clear goal of when to complete their portion of the work.
2. Be flexible about when you can meet up to discuss the project. Group members will have busy schedules between classes, work and internship commitments. Can’t meet up because your favorite TV show is on at that time? Be flexible and record it. That really isn’t a legitimate reason if it means that another group member has to leave work early.
3. Tell your group members the best way to reach you (email, text, Facebook) and respond within 24 hours, ideally sooner if you can. Sometimes not having a quick answer to a question can hold up the entire project. Responding quickly avoids frustration and gives your group members confidence that you are part of the team.
4. Keep the communication open. Update your group members about the progress you are making on your work. It also guarantees that everyone knows you are contributing.
5. Proofread your portion of the assignment. The saves time on the back end when groups members have to put everyone’s work together. It shows that you cared about your work and the group’s grade. It will also indicate that you looked over your materials and are prepared for the presentation.

This story originally appeared on the USA TODAY College blog, a news source produced for college students by student journalists. The blog closed in September of 2017.