Director's Message:
NW/MET 2007/2008
Dear NWMET Colleagues:
As we begin to prepare to meet in Walla Walla, Washington for the 2008 NWMET Conference, my attention turn’s to the subjects of change and renewal.
As many of you are aware, 2006 saw many changes here at my institution ( Portland State University). We saw long time staff members within my unit lose there livelihood at PSU. In fact, the unit that I had worked in Instruction and Research Services (IRS) was disbanded.
For me, this was a very difficult time. I saw a collection of valuable co-workers, who I considered my friends, directly loose their positions or saw their position as something that was hanging in the wind on a daily basis. In addition, some staff saw this as an opportunity to leave the University to both improve their lot, but also regain that sense of security that you should get from doing your job well.
I was given an opportunity to lead what I still like to refer to as “what was left” of IRS. When deciding whether taking on this challenge was in my best interest, I asked one of those staff who’s position was hang day to day and they said (knowing my emotional make-up), “Doug, do you have a choice!” Not a question, but a statement. They were right.
As professionals in the field of instructional technology, we all understand that the evolution of technology for instruction is a constant variable. It when changes are thrust upon us our various colleges and universities; we start feeling the investments we have made are being lost.
As you can image, I have reflected on all of this quite a bit. My primary attitude on this is it is more a matter of evolution than anything else. Playing an active role in your institutions evolution and transformation is what we all should be aiming for at are individual institutions.
Renewal is also a part of the equation. It is with renewal that the battery charge’s up again. I strongly believe that NWMET provides that for all of us. For me, it’s almost a family reunion (or better!). The topics, issues and friendships are 2 nd to none at NWMET.
I was able to visit Western Washington University, last July and spent a few hours with Gary Malick & Nancy Grayum. It was a real special visit for me to see the WWU operation.
I encourage all of you who are on the fence about attending NWMET 2008, to go ahead and make that commitment to go! The 1 st onions are on me!
Take care,
Doug McCartney
Director, Instructional Technology Services
Portland State University