Program

Committee Goals

• Recruit quality programs with different presentation styles by:
  
  • Create a newsletter article to recruit from Mid and Senior Housing Professionals.
  • Ask high rated programs to present again – to help fill in for any canceled programs.
  • Work collaboratively with other committees to recruit sessions to create a meaningful and worthwhile experience.
  • Continue to facilitate a positive experience for those who submit and present programs.
• Balance the programs offered in each session to make sure that there are programs of interest for professionals of all levels.
  
  • Identify and promote "hot topic" programs and work together with other committees to recruit presenters in these areas.
  • Contact presenters that presented highly rated programs to invite and encourage them to present again this year.
• Critically examine each program proposal to determine its fit with the goals and mission of UMR and with the needs of conference attendees
• Foster a sense of inclusiveness to all forms of human diversity that are represented in our Upper Midwest Region.
• Ensure that every presenter is informed and has the information they need to be successful.
• Honor our responsibility to those unable to attend the conference, by working to have materials posted online, and available outside of the program session.
• Commit to sustainable practices, not just for programmatic sessions, but within all our committee work, and efforts.
• Honor the feedback that we acquire and honor the needs of our attendees to the best of our abilities.
• Ensure the Conference Bulletin is easy to use, easy to read, and error-free (grammatically & spelling).
• Update program evaluations to provide presenters with more specific-feedback.
• Be innovative in the ways we reach out to SHOs, mid-level, etc.; ensure there are adequate programs for professionals at all levels.
• Promote networking & mentoring opportunities through programming.
• Emphasize and promote program attendance during the conference.
• Provide passive programming opportunities; consider having other items available outside of programs for attendees.
• Critically examine how top programs are selected – make changes to better serve the organization and presenters if needed.
• Maximize attendee’s ability to access information (handouts, recording sessions, etc.).
• Provide program presentation materials online by the conclusion of the annual conference for all members.
• Strive to be transparent regarding awards criteria, etc.

Committee Members

Linda Garbisch - Iowa State University, Chair
Teresa Frederick- Missouri State University, Chair-Elect
Alex Abendschein - Kansas State University
Jennifer Beneke - Pittsburg State University
Brandon Blakely - University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
Delcenia Collins - Kansas State University
Peter Costanza - University of St. Thomas
Paul DeCock - St. Cloud State University
Christopher Durkin - University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Louis Edwards - University of Kansas
Andrea Fults - University of Wisconsin - Stout
Gavin Grivna - University of Minnesota
Shawn Grygo - Gustavus Adolphus College
Tera Humphrey - Wichita State University
Raechel Kepner - University of Kansas
Alexis Olson - University of Northern Iowa
Megan Paradis - North Dakota State University
Nikki Peters - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Norma Salcedo - University of Kansas
Daniel Sandberg - St. Cloud State University
Jon Tingley - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sarah Vait - St. Cloud State University
Nicholas Winkler - Carthage College