Spring Update Volume 24 Issue 2
Conference 2008 Nashville
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION
PROPOSALS REQUESTED
Are you interested in presenting a workshop on a topic related to this year’s conference theme, “The Future of Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges”? If so, then please submit your proposal immediately to Dr. Russell Fitzgerald, TRACS Executive Director. Space is extremely limited. Proposals must be received no later than July 31. Please email proposals to Dr. Fitzgerald at rfitzgerald@tracs.org

More Information
~MAKING YOUR CONFERENCE HOTEL RESERVATIONS~
This year’s conference will convene at the 4-diamond Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville. This beautiful facility is located directly across from Vanderbilt University with a view of the famous “Music Row.” TRACS has secured a special room rate of $169 per night plus taxes. The deadline for making reservations is SEPTEMBER 30. Rates will increase dramatically after this date. Call 1-800-336-3335 to reserve now - be sure to mention that you are attending the TRACS Conference to receive the special rate.
 
TRACS WELCOMES NEW ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DR. Paul Boatner

The Commission and Staff of TRACS are pleased to welcome Dr. Paul Boatner as Associate Executive Director. Dr. Boatner moved from California to Virginia in June and will officially assume his duties in the office on July 1. Dr. Boatner has 37 years in public and private higher education, including most recently Executive Vice President of Southern California Seminary and previously Vice President of Academic Affairs for Cugamaea College in California. He also served has served as a consultant with Western Association of Schools and Colleges. (WASC) and with TRACS.
Dr. Fitzgerald said that “Dr. Boatner’s broad experience in higher education and accreditation will contribute greatly to TRACS leadership and its role in developing quality Christian postsecondary education through the accreditation process.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...
ARE INSTITUTIONS ACHIEVING THEIR MISSIONS?
Dr. Russell G. Fitzgerald

It is essential that TRACS institutions be able to evidence the degree to which they are accomplishing their missions. In this perspective it is imperative that institutions can demonstrate through their assessment process and resulting data, that students and parents are receiving educational value for their money, especially in today’s era of rising costs in education and in society as a whole.

TRACS evaluation teams are seeking data from its member institutions demonstrating that students are learning and developing, not only in knowledge and skills areas, but in classic areas such as reasoning and logic, plus in value added areas such as character building, values, ethics, integrity and civic responsibilities.

Christian institutions should market these inherent elements using data to support reasons for parents to send their sons and daughters to their universities and colleges. Saying “we provide a quality education in a Christian environment” sounds good, but how is this demonstrated and defined within their mission statements?

TRACS is dedicated to enhancing and advancing Christian higher education through reliable and valid Standards, a commitment to continuous development and improvement, plus serving as a voice for Christian higher education.

Russell G. Fitzgerald, Ed.D.
TRACS Executive Director

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Inside This Issue...

Page 1:
- 2008 TRACS Annual Conference
- Keynote Speaker, Matthew Staver

Page 2:
- 2008 TRACS Annual Conference Continued
- TRACS Welcome New Staff Member
- From The Executive Director

Page 3:
- TRACS Institute for Institutional Effectiveness Upcoming Events

Page 4:
Article:
How to Use Wikis in Class
By Cathy Garland,
VP of Marketing for Scholar360 LMS

 
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