52nd Annual conference is now part of NAASS history
The 52nd annual conference wrapped up in Montreal last week. If you were there, you were part of an exceptional experience. If you were not at the conference, here are some of the highlights.
Our keynote speakers, each in their own way, suggested summer sessions will likely play an increasingly important role in the future of higher education delivery. Van Davis, Associate Vice President, Higher Education for Blackboard, Inc., talked to high level administrators about the trends and challenges ahead for higher education and related that to students' expectations for their education. Donna Heiland, Vice President and Special Assistant to the President at Emerson College, opened the conference with a general session on the important role creativity and innovation will play in delivering high quality education for a diverse group of learners. And, Richard Garrett, Chief Research Officer at Eduventures, covered the evolving and sometimes controversial topic of competency-based education.
Pre-conference and breakout sessions covered a range of topics, including marketing and promotion, pre-college programs, timing of registration and other summer-related administrative issues, student success, use of data for planning and programming, and more. Round-table discussions and regional meetings generated numerous contemporary, valuable ideas for NAASS members, and the networking excursion into Old Montreal with the tour of the Notre Dame Basilica was really a special experience. And, the gala awards banquet was a high-tempo affair with several special recognitions, very fine food and drink, and a great party band.
Mark your calendar now for the 53rd annual conference in Kansas City, November 5-9, 2016.
NAASS Office is moving
Effective December 1, the NAASS administrative headquarters will be located at 342 North Main St., Suite 301, West Hartford, CT 06117. The new phone number (effective Nov 30) is 860/586-7530, and our Executive Director will be Jeff Melin. After an extensive search, the Administrative Council selected Association Resources, Inc. (AR) as our administrative services provider to replace Bradley University, which chose not to extend its contract with NAASS. We are deeply indebted to Janet Lange for her long and dedicated service to NAASS as our Executive Secretary. Additional contact information and background on our new staff will be sent over the next couple weeks.
Your Regional Vice Presidents and regional meeting dates
Feel comfortable contacting your Regional Vice President (RVP) regarding NAASS business and your volunteer interests. Also, mark your calendar and plan to attend your region's conference.
Regional Conference: March 16-18, 2016 Chicago
Regional Conference:March 6-7, 2016 New York City
Bi-Regional Conference: March 12-14, 2016 Charleston
Regional Conference: September 26-29, 2016 Santa Cruz
Bi-Regional Conference: March 12-14, 2016 Charleston
Strategic planning to commence
NAASS is about to begin a strategic planning process designed to clarify its mission, identify its near-term focus, and ensure its long-term viability. The Executive Council is working with AR's Chip Marsh and Jeff Melin early in December to plan the elements of the process, which will include opportunities for your input and involvement. Think about what you envision for NAASS so you are prepared to add your thoughts and ideas when the opportunity is presented. I look forward to having many NAASS members involved in this process - your engagement really makes a difference as we strive to identify and address the needs of our members.
I am looking forward to serving as your president over the next year. We have a great Executive Council who will undoubtedly be very engaged over the next year as we strengthen NAASS as an organization and continue to represent and serve our member institutions and the students to which we are all dedicated. In addition to the RVP's listed above, here are the other members of your Executive Council:
Join us for a great year.
Watch for your 2016 NAASS membership renewal notice coming soon.
GARY SIMON, DBA
President, NAASS
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