Lunch & Panel

Be sure to include some transition time between the activity and lunch. During this time:

  • Have multiple restrooms available for students to use to avoid lines.
  • Encourage volunteers to help students get lunch and show them where they can sit. This can include inviting students to sit with them!
  • Instead of waiting in their own seats for the Panel to start, encourage Panelists to mingle or, if time allows, to eat with students.

Guidance for your Panel:

  • Host the panel and lunch at the same time.
  • When moving into the room where lunch/panel are happening, review any “ground rules”:
    • How to get lunch—please invite those with dietary restrictions to get food first
    • How long they’ll have to eat/listen to the panel
    • What to do with garbage/recycling/compost when finished
    • Directions to restroom

When selecting Panelists, note:

  • Panelists are strongly encouraged to be women and gender-diverse professionals with backgrounds similar to the students they will meet
  • There is a maximum of 3 Panelists to allow students time to ask questions!
  • We recommend choosing volunteers who have participated in the event in other roles (greeters, small group leaders, tour guides, etc.).

Ensure Panelists are visible and clearly audible to all students (taller chairs, stage/platform, have Panelists stand while presenting, use a microphone etc.).

Panelists are welcome to eat while participating on the panel; other volunteers are encouraged to join the students.

All volunteers should model good behavior (active listening, non-verbal expressions, etc.) and be available to answer questions.

The Facilitator should be prepared to have Panelists clarify any jargon, acronyms, etc.

IGNITE will provide a list of sample panel questions for students to reference and take notes; please print and provide 1 copy per student during the panel discussion. Have pens available for note taking.

If students don’t ask questions right away, pause 8-10 seconds before calling on a student to ask them to read a question from the sample panel questions handout. Adults should refrain from asking the panelists questions—this is the students’ moment, and it sometimes takes a little while for them to warm up!

  • Offer small swag or favor (stickers, pens, etc) to inspire student participation
  • If you don’t have company swag on hand, cool/cute stickers are a good alternative
  • Candy is not as inclusive as non-food incentives (dietary restrictions, etc.) and if you do include, be mindful of what and how much