The EDUCAUSE national conference is one of the few regular events that I attend each year. Why? There are a number of reasons this is a great conference for me – and maybe for you.<\/p>\n
Constituent Groups<\/p>\n
The EDUCAUSE world is divided up into a myriad of CGs – several of which I belong to. Obviously, I am part of the IT Comm group. That goes without saying – but it is a special time to meet face-to-face with a room full of people who do what you do and share your joys and frustrations with the job. I also try to check out the Women in Technology group – again somewhat obvious. Interesting discussion! Social Media offers new ideas in how to communicate with students – but with faculty and staff as well. And there are many, many more. If you are interested, check them out on the EDUCAUSE web site. You can log in via our inCommon membership from the home page (EDUCAUSE.com) and then search for the CGs under “Connect”.<\/p>\n
Sessions<\/p>\n
Sessions and workshops are presented by people from universities and colleges from across the nation – but they are just like us in so many ways. I have found over the years that Miami is way ahead in some areas, behind in others, but generally we are working on the same issues as the best schools around the country. I always come away with a sense of pride in Miami and the work we do.<\/p>\n
Exhibit Hall<\/p>\n
OK – I always find this a little overwhelming. But you can learn a lot about what is going on and where the next “big” ideas might lead us by wandering around and listening to a few sales pitches. You also get a great selection of pens and other freebies to fit into your suitcase.<\/p>\n
People<\/p>\n
This is the hardest part for any introvert. This is a very large conference \u2013 with upwards of 2000 people attending. It is, however, where I have meet colleagues who have become a valued network. My counterparts from Rice University and SUNY – Albany are just two examples of people I am hungry to meet up with. We will share our stories of reorganizations \u2013 yes, we are not alone. We will also talk about the serious issues and how each of us addresses them at our institutions. That informal network is likely the best part of the three and a half days I will spend in Orlando this month.<\/p>\n
Watch for follow up in October – I will fill you in on what I hear in the CG meetings, sessions, and around the exhibit floor. It should be interesting \u2013 at least it always has been!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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