Editor's Podium

INTRODUCTION

During the past 18 months, USDLA has reinvented itself under the guidance of Dr. John G. Flores and the USDLA Board. This final issue for 2000 provides in depth review and documentation of the amazing growth of our organization under the guidance of John Flores. USDLA is an exciting, creative force within the Distance Learning environment.

Also included in this issue is the proposed editorial schedule for the year 2001. We welcome additions, ideas for special issues, and requests for discussion and articles on special subjects, areas of research, implementation and technological innovation.

Consistent with our commitment to our academic learning community, we have rounded off our final issue for 2000 with research from the renowned Dr. Guy Bensusan.

Best Wishes for a Marvelous, Creative and Exciting New Year.

Don and Elizabeth Perrin, Managing Editors.

 

FISCAL YEAR 2000 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

(July 1, 1999 – June 30, 2000)

John G. Flores, Ph.D., Executive Director, USDLA

During fiscal year 2000, USDLA has been involved in a variety of efforts – financially, technically and programmatically. The following report describes activities, projects and outcomes. As you will see, we are working hard to fulfill our mission, “to support the development and application of distance learning in education and training” on a number of different fronts and initiatives.

First, from a budgetary perspective, we finished FY00 with a positive balance. All our expenses are up-to-date and our future is quite optimistic. In terms of importance, the Budget will always be an immediate priority and the basic principle of minimizing expenditures and maximizing receipts will be closely followed. My administration has committed to a policy of never spending what we do not have. Budgetary adjustments will be made as needed and new plans and expectations will be measured against conservative risk, budgetary review and executive committee communications.

Fiscal Year 2000 has been a major year of transition with positive growth, communications and impact. As we closed FY 00 on June 30^th the following list of accomplishments should give everyone a good overview of where we have focused our energy – what we have achieved and where we need to go. In addition, I ask you to keep in mind that what has been completed this year has been the result of a strongly committed National Board of Directors, State Chapter Associations, numerous pro-bono services and the hard work of your national team represented by Kathleen M. Clemens, Director of Marketing and Membership Services and myself. Without this team approach to growing USDLA we would not have accomplished nearly as much as we have in such a short period of time.

In summary, Fiscal Year 2000 has been an incredibly intense journey. Foremost has been the survival and reestablishment of the association, the overall budgetary rebuilding and the monitoring of membership needs and fulfillment. I believe we have managed to accomplish everything we set out to do in a professionally measured approach which has resulted in a year of many successes not the least of which is a very positive future.

Major Accomplishments

1.         National Office:  Completed restructuring and relocation of national office headquarters to Needham, Massachusetts.

2.         Budget:  FY00 – completed year with positive cash flow with all expenses paid and up-to-date.

3.         Membership:  Recruited 21^st Century benefactors, numerous premium sponsorships, corporate sponsors and individual members. This includes non-profit and for-profit organizational memberships.

4.             State Chapters: Revitalized state chapters and involved chapters at national level.

5.         Board of Directors and Executive Committee:  Strong USDLA Board leadership and commitment has resulted in renewed services to members at all levels.

6.         Database: Have worked closely with Marshall Allen and staff in the updating and maintenance of our database file.

7.         Web Site: Have worked closely with Glenda Mathis and staff in the re-creation of our web site, its maintenance upkeep, links and updating.

8.         Partnerships: Have created numerous partnerships for the association, which have increased benefits and level of membership services.

9.         Grants: Developing grant opportunities available through Federal Government and various foundations for Distance Learning projects. Will involve State Chapters and national locations in planning and implementation.

10.      Certification: Have established core expectations for Certification service, which will address standards for distance learning applications and delivery.

11.      Membership: Have visited and traveled to various corporations, state chapters and conferences promoting USDLA membership and benefits.

12.      Policy Forum: Re-establishment of USDLA National Policy Forum scheduled for April 16 and 17, 2001 in conjunction with the
e-Learning Conference.

13.          Pro-Bono Services: Maintained pro-bono support services for the association including:

14.      Publications: Publications Survey conducted April 2000 under direction of Kentucky Chapter President, Dr. Denzil Edge. Initiated development of new Quarterly Refereed Printed Journal and new USDLA Newsletter and maintained continuation of Ed at a Distance Journal.

15.      “Ed at a Distance Journal”:  Maintained electronic journal on USDLA Web site under direction of Drs. Elizabeth and Don Perrin with design assistance from Mary Ann Havriluk, Florida State Chapter President.

16.          Chapters: Clarification of 501 (c) 3 Status. Maintained monthly audio conference calls with chapters. Established New York State Chapter, and welcomed return of Hawaii/PanPacific, California/ADEC, and North Carolina Chapters. Increased global interest for formation of USDLA chapters with proposed establishment of Trinidad/Tobago, West Africa and Russia Chapters. Dr. Philip J. L. Westfall serves as Senior Vice President for USDLA Chapters.

17.      Distance Learning Course Link Connect Program: Established fee generation course listing web site link for educational institutions and training organizations for annual fee of $500.00 through USDLA web site.

18.      On-Line USDLA Member Registration and E-commerce Site: Created electronic encryption service and commerce opportunities on the USDLA web site for future services and products.

In closing, Fiscal Year 2000 was a year of major transition. USDLA finished the year on schedule and on task with enthusiasm and excitement. As we enter into our first year of the Millennium, USDLA has never been stronger. Our management, member services and new direction will serve us well as we move forward into Fiscal Year 2001.

Respectfully submitted,

United States Distance Learning Association

John G. Flores, Ph.D.

Executive Director