Roberta 'Bobbie' Flaherty, NACADA Executive Director

As a means to assess how well this association is meeting the needs of its members, we have initiated a series of three surveys seeking member feedback. The first survey, completed in November and early December 2003, was directed toward persons who had been members for one or more years, while the second survey in December 2003, was completed by new members (less than one year). A third survey, to be completed in late February, will go to individuals who have not renewed their membership.

The results of the first survey from 853 individuals who have been members for over one year are very interesting. Some highlights are:

• 66% of respondents had been members six or fewer years.
• 74% reported that their membership dues were paid by their institution or through grant monies.
• When asked their primary reason for being a member, 44% indicated it was to “keep abreast of current advising issues,” while 34% said it was “for my personal professional development (conferences, institutes, etc.)”
• In rating member benefits,
  91% said that NACADA sponsored professional development conferences, Institutes, etc. were “important” or “very important” to them as a member.
  82% rated “increasing awareness and recognition of the field in the higher education community” as “important” or “very important”
  73% rated the “NACADA Journal Subscription” as an “important” or “very important” member benefit
  67% said “networking opportunities at conferences and through NACADA sponsored list serves” were “important” or “very important”
  65% selected the electronic communications and the NACADA web site information as “important” or “very important” member benefit
  85% of respondents identified “offering a conference/event within driving distance” or “offering a video conference or teleconference” as the ONE new initiative they would like to see pursued in the next year.
  95% believe NACADA dues are reasonable in relation to the benefits.

A sample of the comments to the question, “What one thing NOT covered above would you like the NACADA Leadership to know regarding your member benefits” were:

• Need some professional development opportunities delivered at-a-distance
• Canada members would like more meetings for them in Canada
• Experienced members want advanced professional development opportunities
• Advisors need to present at discipline related conferences within higher education
• Would like the leadership to encourage new leaders from diverse groups within the association
• Highlight practical advising information resources on the web site
• Many stated their appreciation for all the association provides, and they expect the high level of services to be maintained and to grow.

We appreciate the ‘experienced’ members who took the time to complete the survey and express their thoughts. We look forward to comparing these results with the responses of our newest members and of those who have not renewed their memberships. These responses and comments will help leaders shape the organization’s future in the Strategic Planning process.

Roberta “Bobbie” Flaherty
NACADA Executive Director

NACADA Research Grants

Preliminary proposals are now being accepted for NACADA Research grants. Proposals received by March 8, 2004 may receive feedback to enhance their submission prior to the June 7, 2004 final deadline. Complete information is available at the NACADA web site.

NACADA has particular interest in soliciting proposals that document the outcomes of different advising models. In addition, submissions are encouraged that are concerned with developing, conducting, and reporting: empirical studies; evaluation or analysis of advising practices, models or systems; development, evaluation or analysis of advising-based theory; studies of the history, evolution and future of the field; empirical research related to the advising process (inter- and intra-personal dimensions); and, qualitative research on advising practices.

Up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) may be awarded to support a single-year proposal. Multiple-year awards may also be awarded. Award winners will be notified by late summer. Funds will be disbursed following the research award winner's submission of the completed NACADA Research Agreement.

To review a list of ten advising topics identified by the NACADA Research Committee as being critical areas of research in advising, please visit the NACADA web site. For a list of those research topics awarded NACADA grants in the past, please visit the NACADA web site.

NACADA / Kansas State University Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising Has a Successful First Semester

The newly initiated NACADA / K-State Partnership with K-State’s Graduate Certificate in Academic Advising had a very successful first semester with over 70 students from across the country and Canada enrolling in and completing the first course,Foundations in Academic Advising. The course, taught byCharlie Nutt, Associate Director of NACADA and Assistant Professor in the K-State Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, had a very diverse student enrollment – faculty members, full-time advisors, administrators, full-time graduate students, and those interested in entering the field of advising. The on-line format proved to be very positive as students were able to gather vast amounts of information from each other about advising programs and initiatives across the country.

January-May semester classes being offered are Foundations of Academic Advising and Multicultural Counseling and Advising. Students may register for these courses through March 15, 2004, understanding that all course work must be completed by the end of the term in May 2004.

For information on application and registration procedures, as well as the course syllabi for these courses, visit the NACADA web site.

NACADA Journal

The NACADA Journal Editors have worked hard to put the Journal back on schedule without skipping any issues. The Editors thank you for your patience and hope you will enjoy the upcoming Journal issues.

NACADA Journal Seeks Editorial Board Members

Qualifications:

• Published in peer-reviewed journals (preference forNACADA Journalpublications)
• Experience in academic advising
• Interest and strength in quantitative (experimental or descriptive), qualitative, historical, or philosophical/theoretical research methodology
• Active membership in NACADA (required)
• Graduate degree (required)

Expectations:

• Review manuscripts for significance, appropriateness, research methodology, and quality of writing within 30 days of receipt.
• Provide constructive feedback to authors for manuscript improvement.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word and E-mail with attachments.
• Annual attendance at the Editorial Board meeting held during the NACADA National Conference (Preferred).

Appointment: Editorial Board members serve 3-year terms that begin and end at the National Conference in the fall. An Editorial Board member may serve non-consecutive terms.

Application: Applicants familiar with the field of academic advising who are interested in seeking a position as manuscript reviewer on the Editorial Board should submit an email message to [email protected] stating interest in and rationale for serving as a member of the NACADA Journal Editorial Board. A professional resume prepared in Microsoft Word .doc format should be attached. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

Cite this article using APA style as: Flaherty, R. (2004, February). From the executive office. Academic Advising Today, 27(1). [insert url here]