The NACADA Technology in Advising Commission made significant advances in its attempt to increase its active membership during the October 1999 national conference in Denver.

The commission's annual meeting attracted close to 50 interested members, many of whom had already joined our Volunteer Network. Commission representatives introduced session participants to three project activities: Regional Liaisons/Teams, Advising Technology Education Center (ATECH) web project, and Administrative/Student Information Systems web resource project. Each project leader provided a brief overview of their specific project with members then being invited to join in small group brainstorming discussions focused on ways in which the commission could best move forward with its strategic initiatives. Clearly, the enthusiasm generated through these discussions bodes well for the success of these projects, and for the commission and its Volunteer Network. The commission meeting also provided a brief opportunity for us to highlight other activities and topics including our “Critical Issues” newsletter article and web page, the enhanced commission web site (http://www.psu.edu/dus/ncta/), the newly created “Service to Commission” awards, and the national conference proposal review process. Members of the commission's steering committee met prior to the commission meeting to discuss these and other commission activities.

The 2nd annual “Electronic Publication Awards” were presented as part of the traditional NACADA Awards Ceremony for the first time. In addition, all nominees were highlighted at the Publications/Exhibits area through a well-designed poster and accompanying flyer developed by the NACADA executive office and the commission chair. Oklahoma State's College Prep 101 web site (http://collegeprep.okstate.edu) was selected “Outstanding Electronic Publication,” while three other sites were recognized with Certificates of Merit. More than 20 electronic publication nominations were reviewed this summer by the commission's selection committee. For information on this year's Electronic Publication Awards process, see http://www.psu.edu/dus/ncta/commnews.htm.

Approximately 40 advising technology-related conference sessions were offered in Denver, with several including Internet and/or other electronic presentations. The following six sessions were selected as “commission-sponsored” based on the commission's annual review of proposal abstracts:

“Testing Luddite Prophecies: Will Academic Advising Survive Technological Innovation?” – Troy Holaday, Ball State University

“Taming Technology: Partnership and Collaboration Among Advisors” – Laura Gintz Jasper, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

“Turning Data Into Advice” – Alan Welch, Purdue University

“The Mentor: An Electronic Journal for Advisers” – Michael Leonard and Edward J. Danis, Pennsylvania State University (co-sponsored with Advisor Development Commission)

“Web Sites: Why Are We Doing This?” – Linda Campitelli, Pennsylvania State University Delaware County

“Strategies for Successfully Implementing a Degree Audit System” – Stephanie Jacobson, Arizona State University

Several commission-related issues were discussed at NACADA's fall board meeting which preceded the conference. The commission chair and/or other commission members participated in ongoing discussions concerning the organization's strategic plan implementation and national conference planning initiatives. In addition, the chair is involved in committee efforts focused on the conference proposals review process, regional/commission liaison coordination, and on-line web resources for NACADA members and others. The chair has also participated in deliberations concerning a proposed Commissions Fair for the Orlando 2000 conference.

Our focus now turns to this year's regional and national conferences. A variety of technology-related sessions are sure to be offered at our various regional conferences. And, our commission steering committee will soon be reviewing all of the technology-related conference proposals for the national conference.

With NACADA's increased focus on advising technology and the commission's energized volunteer project teams, the Technology in Advising Commission expects to continue to play a leading role in the organization's advancement of technology initiatives. Please contact me at chaberle@providence.edu if you'd like to get involved.

Already looking forward to Orlando!