I’m pleased to report that our 2023 Process Education Conference was a very successful event. Over 50 members and guests actively participated across 2 days which were packed with a welcome from VSU Provost Dr. Palm, an informative keynote presentation by Dr. Nia Haydel from Complete College America, an interactive panel which included five representatives of organizations dedicated to student success, conference team insights and conversations, numerous well received breakout sessions and an improved Hall of Innovation featuring the work of 10 Academy members all focused on “Closing the Gaps” in student performance.
As the Conference Planning team conducts a “Post Mortem” on the experience, we are sifting through the assessments shared by the participants. On first glance the assessments appear positive and contain several useful ideas for future conferences.
The annual meeting was called to order by President Ingrid Ulbrich. A quorum was established via a count of those present. The President introduced the current members of the Executive Board thanking the outgoing members for their service to the Academy. Peter Smith shared the minutes from the 2 previous annual business meetings (2021 business meeting and 2022 business meeting) both of which were approved by unanimous consent. The 2021 minutes had not been officially approved in during the 2021 meeting requiring us to bring them to the membership this year. President Ingrid Ulbrich presented her report on the Academy activities from the past year. Treasurer Matthew Watts presented Treasurer’s reports from FY 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23 to date. These reports were approved by unanimous consent.
Election of Officers: Academy President and President Elect presented candidates for the following Academy offices. (President Elect, Secretary, Finance Officer, and 3 Members at Large). Nominations were opened to the floor for each office. No additional candidates were nominated and the slate of candidates was approved by unanimous consent. The candidates listed below were all approved by acclamation.
- President Elect: Chaya Jain
- Secretary: Steve Spicklemire
- Finance Officer: Peter Smith
- Members at Large: (2 year terms) Will Ofstad, Christopher Sweeney
- Members at Large: (1 year term due to vacancy) Colleen Taylor
Announcements and closing comments included:
- Sharing the proposed dates and location for the 2024 Academy Conference tentatively scheduled for May or June, 2024. The Conference will be face to face with a virtual option depending on technological capabilities and support at UIndy. Specific dates will depend on the UIndy calendar and will be shared soon. Approval to be considered by the Administration of UIndy and the Academy Executive Board.
- Continuing and Incoming Board members were notified that the new board will have an organizational meeting to be scheduled for late July or early August. The new president will survey the board members to establish that date. At that time the board will consider dates for monthly meetings, the Academy winter meeting, and the 2024 Conference. Additional outstanding issues include continuing to reviewing the assessment report from the 20234 conference, seeking candidates for any of the vacant Appointed Director positions, and establishing Board meeting dates and times for the remainder of 2023.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Conference, our Co-Sponsor VSU and the planning team which included: Steve Beyerlein, George Dombi, Peter Smith, Steven Spicklemire, Colleen Taylor, Will Ofstad, Mathew Watts, Ingrid Ulbrich, Tris Utschig, and Patrick Barlow