Minutes of Meeting
December 14, 2001

President Sarah Cunningham called the meeting of the Nebraska Distance Learning Association to order at 9:00 a.m.. In attendance were the following officers: Sarah Cunningham, President; Phyllis Brunken, President-elect; Carl Mesecher, Secretary; Gloria Vavricka, Treasurer; and Shirley Schall, Past President. Board Members present included: Pat Hoffman, Max Thacker, Randy Hiatt and Wayne Erickson. Members and others present were John Horvath, Gwen Nugent, Chris Petroff, Tom Rolfes, Gary Satchell, Michael Beach and Cindy Plate.

Officers, board members and members introduced themselves.

Sarah Cunningham and Shirley Schall reported on the exploration meeting regarding distance education certification for teachers. This would be an activity on which NDLA could focus. A discussion followed on how the certification would provide:

Max Thacker reported on the upcoming NDLA conference. Conference location and budget items were discussed. The Scott Center, Peter Kiewit Center, and UNO were discussed. Max Thacker mentioned that having the conference at the Med Center might cause a problem because of transportation and parking. Cindy Plate reported that she has looked into five area hotels to house conference participants. Sarah Cunningham reported that 185 people attended last year and that the Iowa Distance Learning Association is having their conference in April. Mike Beach said he thought the Neb*Sat grant could be used to pay for anything except food. Sarah Cunningham reported that we currently have about $12,000 for the conference with the NEB*SAT grant and a potential funding from Nebraska Catalyst.

Sarah Cunningham said one of the biggest complaints from last year's conference was that we didn't have enough time between tracks and have enough time for sessions. Sarah mentioned last year's tracks: teachers, administrators, Web enhancements, support issues, and technical. Max Thacker suggested we have a telehealth track. Gloria Vavricka suggested having a technical track for technical people and one for non-technical people. Chris Petroff would like to see more tracks led by teachers. Pat Hoffman suggested combining support issues and administrators. The following tracks were decided on: technical, telehealth, teaching/learning, online learning, and support services. Max Thacker said the program committee should meet soon to finalize the tracks and location, and Sarah Cunningham said the RFP for presenters should also be sent soon. It was determined that the program committee would meet on January 10th at 10:00 a.m. (Central Time) via NVCN.

Phyllis Brunken announced her resignation as NDLA president-elect. She said she would be happy to serve on the board but that health considerations prevent her from taking the demanding role of president-elect. Sarah Cunningham reported that Elizabeth Hoffman has agreed to serve as president-elect, and Phyllis Brunken would take Elizabeth Hoffman's place on the board. Wayne Erickson moved to have Elizabeth Hoffman serve as president-elect and Phyllis Brunken serve on the board. Pat Hoffman second the motion. Motion passed.

Treasurer Gloria Vavricka reported that $1,518.48 was in the NDLA account.

Phyllis Brunken reminded us that some people paid for a three-year membership. Gloria Vavricka will send out a reminder regarding member dues.

Sarah Cunningham asked if NDLA wants to sponsor something at NETA. Gwen Nugent suggested that NDLA sponsor a session on distance learning teacher certification. Sarah Cunningham and Shirley Schall said they would develop a session to present at NETA regarding distance learning teacher certification.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.