News from the President

As we approach the spring conference with NABE, we face a number of challenges. We seek new avenues for funding for bureaus, we want new exposure for our research findings, and we seek respect within our colleges for our applied research. Many of us have found answers to these challenges through partnerships-with other bureaus, with faculty and our deans, with academic organizations, with governmental agencies, and with the press.

The AUBER board is currently taking steps to form a marketing committee. This group will work with members of the Membership Committee and the Committee on Relationships with Other Organizations to promote the organization. In a time of continued budget cuts for some and a focus on the productivity of each and every dollar spent within the college, deans need our help to understand the extraordinary value of AUBER units to the college, to the university, and to the community. One task of the Marketing Committee will be to effectively communicate to deans around the country.

The AUBER web site is a fabulous resource for members. Have you used it lately? I often refer callers to members through the web site. Selfishly, this direct referral is an efficient way to handle calls. However, these referrals also promote the value of our organization to its membership.

Speaking of the web site, congratulations to all who contributed to the excellent coverage of the fall conference. This success enhances the value of the meetings for all who attended and for those who did not. Many of my colleagues have said that they think this should be the model for post-conference coverage for all organizations! Thanks to all the presenters, to Maile, Jennifer, and the many others who make AUBER look so good.

Be sure to make your reservations quickly for the NABE/AUBER spring conference in Washington, D.C., March 20-22. The conference starts with a reception sponsored by AUBER on Sunday evening. The program is filled with informative discussions of policy issues; AUBER is organizing three sessions and participating in others. Thanks to Jeff Collins, Andy Brod, Stephen Smith, Jack Kleinhenz, and Rich Wobbekind for their hard work. Remember: networking is great at all AUBER meetings.

While you're making travel plans, don't forget our visit (my first) to Montana for our fall conference, October 8-11. Paul Polzin will be our host. Jerry Conover, Stephen Smith, and their team have started early, working with major enthusiasm, to put together a program that's not to be missed. Don't forget! I have you covered in the hospitality suite!

Janet Speyrer
University of New Orleans

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