Members Present

Karen Thurmond, Chair (2007-2009), University of Memphis

Maura Reynolds (Publications Advisory Board Chair, 2008-2010), Hope College

George Steele (2008), Ohio Learning Network

Doug Waddell (2008), Florida State University

José Rodriguez (2009), Florida International University

Leigh Cunningham, Ex Officio, NACADA Executive Office

INCOMING:

Roxie Catts (2010), University of Arizona

Melissa Lantta (2010), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Ned Muhovich (2010), University of Colorado at Boulder

Members Absent

Elaine Borrelli (2008), University of California-Davis

Sarah Bedingfield (2008), New Hampshire Community Tech College

Yolanda Mathews (2009), University of Memphis

Remy Sotto (2009), Pima Community College-West

INCOMING:

Josh Gaynor (2010), Columbia University

Discussion Materials

Handout 1

Handout 2

Members of the NACADA Webinar Advisory Board met in Chicago October 3. It was discussed that the term “webinar” may no longer be completely appropriate, and that the term “webcast” best defines the NACADA product. Some future web offerings, which will be known as "workinars," will be interactive with groups.

General discussion concerning webcasts centered around a “Best Sellers Chart” developed by Leigh Cunningham, NACADA Executive Office Liaison (see Handout 2). This chart demonstrates the marketing push power of the webcasts as they are combined with other print and electronic media. We discussed at length webinar registration information and possible trends.

It appears that the process developed by the WAB to engage potential presenters is not an effective method for generating the number of webinars planned. Leigh Cunningham will continue to work with Best of Region presenters, highly rated annual conference presenters, and topics suggested by webinar participants to develop suggestion for future webcasts for the committee to discuss and present to the Management Team.

The WAB issued a vote of confidence in the process of webcast production as it has emerged, and charged Leigh to partner with the WAB in continuing to spend time at conferences hearing presentations and talking to potential presenters. Leigh’s experienced ears and eyes are a critical part of providing excellence in the webcast program.

There was brief discussion concerning the sustainability of the relationship with Kansas State University as it pertains to webcasts and the infrastructure provided by Kansas State University. All WAB members were glad to have some details about this relationship, and felt there were in a better position to understand board policy as a result.

The WAB members gathered discussed goals for the coming year. After discussion, it was decided that the WAB should concentrate on demonstrating informed consumership of NACADA webcasts. Melissa Lantta and Karen Thurmond agreed to write a brief article to introduce the topic for the upcoming Academic Advising Today. Leigh Cunningham agreed to provide about 10 contacts from the list of regular webcast registrants for the WAB. Each member present agreed to contact two of those regular attenders to find out the ways in which they consume webcasts. In particular, the WAB will investigate:

• Size of groups attending together and feedback on importance on size of group
• Types of activities planned for groups attending together
• The way groups veteran groups “normally” do things when they gather for a webcast
• What individuals viewing alone do who tune in to a webcast, any special activities that make the webcast more consumable for an individual

The results of these discussions could provide the WAB with text for future publications of Academic Advising Today, for narrative that can be provided to webcast registrants, and for suggestions that can be added to pocket guides. WAB members will report to Karen Thurmond concerning the results of these discussions in writing.

This webcasts consumption project will be the major new activity for the WAB in 2008-2009.

Meeting ended on time.