Note: The following message was e-mailed to commission members on September 27, 2006.

To: Advising Transfer Students Commission Members
From: Troy Holaday, Chair
Re: Commission Activities in Indianapolis

The excellent interactive schedule planner that was debuted last year for the national conference is once again available!  Before you finalize your plans, I would like to draw your attention to a few of this year's highlights for transfer-minded advisors.

• Session 74: Honor Society Students Speak Out — Thursday, 11:15 a.m.
  This may not sound like a transfer student presentation, but this very special session will feature a panel of transfer students. The title stems from the fact that some (perhaps all) of them are members of Tau Sigma, an honor society for transfer students. I know a lot of work has gone into arranging the logistics and funding for these students to attend, and the panel was built out of an idea/request put forth in last year's commission meeting. I would love to see a good turnout in support of the session and the students involved.

• Session 76: Advising Transfer Students Commission Meeting — Thursday, 2:00 p.m.
  Our group has been very energetic and productive over the last few years. This year promises to be just as good. Please plan to attend for a review of accomplishments, a recognition of award winners, a quick update on national transfer initiatives and legislation, and (most importantly) a discussion of the group's future plans. This meeting will be your chance to help direct the commission and to get involved! It will also be an excellent opportunity to generate an idea and form a group to present at next year's conference. Many of the presenters on the transfer track this year did just that at last year's meeting.

• Session 306:  Commission Hot Topic Session — Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

Yes, I know you have a plane to catch, but your suitcase is welcome in this session on how the overall change in transfer patterns has translated into new roles for traditional institutions of all levels. This session will be a moderated discussion, and should be an excellent wrap-up to your conference experience.

In addition to these three highlights , there are three other commission-sponsored sessions and a slew of tasty sounding presentations that the commission would have sponsored if it could have. Other than the session above that showcases students, I hesitate to name these separately, since a few will be competing for your attention within a time slot and all seem worthwhile. You can get a listing of sessions tracked by commission at www.nacada.ksu.edu/NationalConf/2006/tracks/index.htm.

I hope you enjoy Indy. It's a nice, clean, safe, easily navigated downtown area with lots to do and see. My personal favorites within walking distance of the conference include the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, The Indiana Repertory Theatre, Buca di Beppo's (Italian food, $12-24), The Claddagh Irish Pub (Under $12), and the Slippery Noodle Inn ("notorious for its good food, booze, and blues").

Don't forget to stop by and say hello at the Commission and Interest Group Fair on Thursday morning.

Troy

Troy A. Holaday, Ph.D.
Assistant Director,
Office of Academic Systems
Ball State University
400 N. McKinley
Muncie, IN 47306
(765) 748-1198
fax (765) 285-2082