As you work out when to host your Events Week there are a number of questions to consider:
Do you have time to prepare?
It takes time to plan and build expectations among the CU, so you need time to lead up to it. (If you decide to run an Events Week for the first week of the academic year as people arrive, all the planning needs to be completed before the end of the previous academic year — planning will not happen over the holidays!).
Do you have time to follow people up?
The Events Week is not the end — we want to help people on their journey towards and then with Jesus. Therefore, you don’t want the Events Week to happen just before a major holiday.
Are there other things happening that week?
Exams or reading weeks will significantly reduce the number of people willing or able to come to events. Look at the year’s schedule and talk to students in different departments. It’s also worth checking that your events don’t clash with any major sporting or cultural events which might make people less likely to come.
Are the speaker(s) and team available?
You may need some flexibility to secure the speaker you desire, as they will also have other commitments in their diary. Consider a selection of possible dates which could work… and see if the speaker is available. Similarly, if you are inviting a team of CU Guests to come and help, you need to consider when they are able to join.
What is the weather going to be like?
This should not be a deal-breaker for planning an Events Week, and other factors should come first! However, if it is possible, an Events Week while the weather is likely to be warmer can be easier — especially when talking to people on the streets!
Things to do:
- Research. Find a list of your university term dates and any other potential issues — reading weeks / exams / other big events happening locally.
- Discuss. When is the best time for your Events Week?
- Decide. Offer a selection of possible dates to any potential speakers.