Following the success of our first two IR Manager Certification Courses in 2013 and 2014, this month we welcomed a new class of 20 enthusiastic IR administrators from institutions across the U.S. to the bepress office in Berkeley, CA. The course provided detailed information about a wide variety of IR related topics and hands-on activities for both new and experienced administrators alike.
Amanda Makula (Augustana College) reported “Excellent variety and depth of content, and a wonderful chance to network and learn from other attendees….All in all, extremely valuable and inspiring!” David Dunham (IPFW) said that “The immersive experience was wonderful. I came here feeling a bit overwhelmed. Now I am excited. I am seeing as many possibilities as challenges, and I feel more equipped to meet the challenges.”
Session topics ranged from DIY environmental surveys and recruiting content, to SEO and measuring success, to special collections and supporting data in the IR. Attendees also participated in several topic table discussions and individual meetings with their consultants. All attendees said they “loved the one-on-one time with my consultant—very valuable.”
Lisa Davis (FIU Law) said she “I learned a lot about functions and customizations I want to use, and new ways to sort and display content. I made friends and developed contacts among my peers.” Tom Lyons (UNT Health Science Center) said that “The IR assessment was extremely helpful for me to get some very simple improvements implemented. Having the slides to make notes was great. All sessions high quality.”
The course ran from March 3rd through 5th, with daily small group lunches at local restaurants that provided an opportunity for attendees to network and share insights with their peers in a fun, relaxed setting. As always, we wrapped up with a celebratory dinner and graduation ceremony in downtown Berkeley.
Andy Prock (Ursinus College) said that “It was very useful to have the 3-day block of time to devote solely to thinking about the IR. Hearing everyone’s experiences/advice/examples is valuable. I feel like I have a cohort of colleagues I can contact for help/advice.” Jossalyn Larson (Missouri S&T) added that “The whole DC team was extremely receptive and flexible. Excellent course!”
We’re excited to announce our class of graduates:
Chad Arney, Michigan Technological University
Jean Bigger, Illinois Math and Science Academy
Lisa Davis, Florida International University College of Law
Lee Dotson, University of Central Florida
David Dunham, Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne
M. Ryan Hess, DePaul University
Jossalyn Larson, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Ashley Lowery, Georgia Southern University
Tom Lyons, University of North Texas Health Science Center
Amanda Makula, Augustana College
Meg Manahan, University of St. Thomas
Ellen Neuhaus, University of Northern Iowa
Lisa Palmer, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Andy Prock, Ursinus College
Haiying Qian, Lincoln University
Elizabeth Richardson, Kent State University
Kathleen Spring, Linfield College
Carol Terry, Rhode Island School of Design
Megan Wacha, City University of New York System
Roger Weaver, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Congratulations graduates! To learn more about future courses in IR management or scholarly publishing, contact Ann Connolly (aconnolly@bepress.com) or Eli Windchy (ewindchy@bepress.com) and see information at http://digitalcommons.bepress.com/bepressu/.
