The Division of Student Affairs has recently made clear its commitment to serving distance learners through the creation of the Distance Education Coordinator position. Intended to help units within the Division plan and implement services and programs for distance learners, this position will help the units navigate various university resources and collaborate with each other to maximize our individual and combined impact.

The Division of Student Affairs has a long history of recognizing the importance of technology. A long-standing committee in years past was SAITAC (Student Affairs Information Technology Advisory Committee). Additionally, one professional staff member served for several years as a Representative to the Large Staff group regarding Computer Technology. And most recently, the Division's Technology Initiative Award was established in 2000 to recognize outstanding uses of technology.

The advent of the university's and Division's commitment to distance education has made clear that distance education and technology are matters that must be addressed hand-in-hand. While not all technology innovations relate directly to distance education, virtually all distance education efforts rely directly on technology.

Who
This 9-member group would consist of the following:

• One person from each of the Small Staff areas (7 total)
  
• One person to serve as chair
  
• The Distance Education Coordinator

Term
Each individual would serve indefinitely, providing that:

• Participation does not interfere with regular position responsibilities
  
• Participation is approved by their immediate supervisor and Small Staff administrator
  
• Participation remains relevant in some way to position responsibilities
  
• The stated expectations of participation are met (attendance, etc)

Protocol for Appointment

• Chair
  The Distance Education Coordinator would make a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Appointment would then come from the Vice Chancellor.
• Other Members
  The Distance Education Coordinator, in consultation with the DETAG chair and members of the Small Staff, would make a recommendation to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Appointment would then come from the Vice Chancellor.

• This group would meet on a regular basis: no less than twice a semester, and possibly as often as once per month.
• The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs would provide a charge to the group, including responsibilities of the members (attending meetings, communication with their respective areas, etc). From there, the group would determine its own focus and agendas.
• Administrative support for the group would be provided by the Office of the Vice Chancellor, primarily through the Distance Education Coordinator.
• The group would provide an annual report to the Vice Chancellor.

Establishing the DETAG for Student Affairs would accomplish the following:

• Provide the Distance Education Coordinator with a resource for consultation, advice and guidance
• Provide a clear, two-way chain of communication regarding distance education and technology
• Assist units in collaborating on distance education and technology efforts
• Provide a means for informally (and possibly formally) educating staff on these issues
• Emphasize the importance of distance education and technology issues to the Division

• It is recommended that an advisory group relating to the issues of distance education and technology be formed immediately, with meetings commencing as soon as all members have been identified and appointed.
• It is recommended that this group be temporarily named the Distance Education/Technology Advisory Group, pending a review of this name by the group itself.
• It is recommended that Jim Pressley, Director of the Crafts Center, be appointed as chair. Jim has provided leadership for distance education and technology issues in his unit, and has assisted others in the Division on both fronts. He has expressed a great deal of interest in the Division's distance education efforts. Additionally, a positive working relationship already exists between Jim and the Distance Education Coordinator. His is well regarded by others in the Division and would likely provide excellent leadership for a new initiative such as this.