Call for Submissions:

Special Edition of the Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (JCOTR)

The JCOTR is excited to announce that we are seeking manuscripts for “The Impact of COVID-19 on Orientation, Transition, & Retention Programs.” This special edition aims to bring contributions from practical experiences into a conversation to share and discuss what challenges emerged, what solutions were implemented, and what lessons were learned during the COVID-19 pandemic from community-based practice. We encourage program coordinators, NODA Interns, graduate students, practitioners, and scholars to consider submitting a manuscript for publication!

We offer the following examples of potential topics that may be featured:

• The lessons learned from needing to transition programs offering an in-person experience to a virtual or hybrid experience

• The training and management of student staff in a virtual environment

• The impacts of orientating first-year students in a virtual or hybrid environment

• The adaptation of programs to a virtual or hybrid experience

• The process practitioners went through to change their practices and programs

• The role of assessment and evaluation in shaping student services and support

• Challenges, barriers, and opportunities experienced

For this special edition, submissions should focus on the reflections from a practitioner’s experience, as well as from researchers reflecting on the literature to guide professionals on the challenges and opportunities experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes but is not limited to:

• Manuscripts written from a practical perspective: reporting on activities, techniques, and experiences in adapting programs and modifying practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be reflections of lessons learned, descriptive narratives of the programmatic process, timelines for implementation, and advice for future professionals. Pieces should be informative for professionals looking for practical guidance. 

• Manuscripts reporting on data: including pre- and post-orientation data that influenced how programs were implemented and operated this fall. Submissions can also include reflections on technology and tools used to facilitate online or hybrid programs.

• Manuscripts reflecting on concepts, theories, and literature: providing relevant current readings for those working with orientation, transition, and retention programs, offering a perspective relevant to practice (i.e. best practices) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions might include literature reviews, conceptual and theoretical proposals, and critiques offering a foundation for future practice and research reflecting on what is known or proposing new perspectives. 

• Manuscripts reporting on research: focusing on how COVID-19 has impacted the work relevant to those who work with orientation, transition, and retention programs. This includes original research and syntheses of multiple studies providing a broader perspective. We encourage submission of experimental studies, field studies, pre- post- studies, and quasi-experimental studies.

The timeline for this publication is:

1. Full manuscripts due: February 19, 2021 at 11:59pm CST.

2. Review of manuscripts is complete and feedback sent back to authors: March 12, 2021

3. Revisions and final drafts of manuscripts due: March 31, 2021

4. Target Publication Date: May 2021

Submitting a Manuscript

Please adhere to the following criteria to submitting your manuscript:

1. Review and follow the submission guidelines on the JCOTR website: https://pubs.lib.umn.edu/index.php/jcotr/about/submissions

2. Upload and submit your manuscript following the instructions and prompts on the JCOTR submission website: https://pubs.lib.umn.edu/index.php/jcotr/submission/wizard

3. Word count of individual manuscripts should be between 1,500 - 7,000 words. This excludes the title page, abstract, tables, figures, and references.

4. JCOTR publishes articles that adhere to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (seventh edition).

Journal Overview

The Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (JCOTR) focuses on the trends, practices, research, and development of programs, policies, and activities related to the matriculation, orientation, transition, and retention of college students. Also encouraged are literature reviews, "how-to" articles, innovative initiatives, successful practices, and new ideas.

The JCOTR is an open access, peer reviewed, web-based journal. Manuscripts accepted for publication are posted on the web site immediately upon final acceptance. There are no submission or article processing charges. As an open access journal, JCOTR does not require authors to transfer full copyright ownership to the journal as a condition of publication.

For more information, please contact noda@umn.edu. 

Leadership Applications Now Available

Are you looking to get more involved with the Association? We are now accepting applications for several volunteer leadership positions! 

• 2022 Regional Conference Host(s)
  
• Faculty and Lead Faculty for NODA's Institutes, Symposiums, and Summits
  
• The Journal of College Orientation, Transition, & Retention (JCOTR) Associate Editor

We also are currently accepting applications for most of the NODA Committees on a rolling basis.

The committee has been working hard to create a structure for additional professional development opportunities in a virtual environment. The goal is to find practitioners who have experiences within the 12 foundational areas of the competencies and help to build online content, using a four-week cohort model, that’s led by members within NODA. The committee is currently in the pilot phase of developing modules within the competency of Research, Assessment, and Evaluation.

We all continue to navigate the blending of our work and home life. There are days with many challenges and other days that go by without a hitch. Either way, we need to remember that we are doing our best every day under difficult circumstances.

Last week we announced the virtual format for those Regional Conferences that moved to an online format. Regions IV, V, VI and VII Regional Conference participants can now view the educational programming with presentations available from all regions. An email was sent last week with a password to access the presentations. I apologize if you received an email announcing the virtual educational programming and you did not register for the conference. The Regional Conference Virtual educational programming is only available for participants who paid to attend the in-person conference. If you did not receive an email with the corrected password for those who registered and paid, please send an email to noda@umn.edu.

I want to thank the Regional Conference presenters for their ability and willingness to record their presentations. I also want to thank the Regional Leadership for working with the Association staff to make the virtual educational programming happen. I especially want to thank the Association staff for working on the logistics to build the platform and prepare the virtual educational programming.

The Association Office recently sent a survey to ask members what their educational programming needs are as we head into summer. Please take the time to complete the brief survey. We will be seeking your input until May 8.

In the next month you will see a change to NODA Connect. For the past three years NODA Connect has been powered by a company outside of our membership database and that product came with a large price tag. YourMembership, the company that provides power to our website and membership database, has made significant improvements to their system and is available to NODA complimentary with our subscription. As a result, you will see this changeover complete by the end of May. Watch for additional updates on how to use this new system and how to stay in contact with your peers online.

The NODA Board of Directors held the Spring Board meeting virtually last week. The Board had several strategic conversations around finances, contingency planning and future planning for NODA. You can review the highlights here. I’d like to thank the Board for staying engaged throughout the various times we met and helping to guide conversations as we consider future programming for NODA.

Remember to take time for yourself every day. Give yourself some grace. Take a deep breath and always find some joy. I know you will continue to do great work!

Be well NODA-

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

holl@umn.edu

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. We all have been watching as swift changes have taken place globally, nationally and locally due to COVID-19. The NODA Association Office staff have been working diligently to provide members a space to connect with Open Forums and Affinity Spaces. In addition, they are adding webinars to connect you with NODA Associate Members to learn more about the products they have to offer you. I am incredibly proud of this work that has been developed by the Association Office staff in a short amount of time. From the results of the number of participants, it appears you are finding value with them as well.

I am excited to introduce you to two our newest Association Office staff.

		Emily Borra is our new Assistant Director of Education and Regional Conferences. She joins the NODA team after serving the University of Minnesota, Duluth as a Coordinator for First-year Programs and Student Development. She also has experience as Student Development Specialist and also worked in Residence Life.  Emily has her Masters of Science in Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs, as well as a Master of Music, Horn, from Indiana University Bloomington.
		Meagan Hagerty is our new Assistant Director of Education and Annual Conference. She joins the NODA team after serving the University of Minnesota as a Coordinator for Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Liberal Arts, as well as an Academic Advisor in the College of Science and Engineering. She also has experience in Residence Life and has worked in the Semester at Sea Program for a semester. Meagan has her Master of Science, College Student Counseling and Personnel Services from Western Illinois University.

I know NODA that you will give Emily and Meagan a warm welcome to the NODA family.

As you continue to navigate the evolution of change in higher education and our work life, please continue to reach out to your NODA community through NODA Connect and the online communities. The Association Office staff will continue to upload resources in the NODA Connect library so watch for those.

Please feel free to connect with me to let me know what you need or how I or the Association can assist you. As I mentioned in my video last week in NODAifications, we are in this together and NODA is here to support you during this uncertain time.

Be well NODA-

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

holl@umn.edu

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the Final Rule in December 2019 for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). FLSA was first enacted in 1938 and did not have any significant updates for over 50 years. The revisions include rules around “perks and benefits” not included in regular pay rates; bonuses, minimum wage, and overtime pay. The Final Rule went into effect starting January 15, 2020. For more information about FLSA go to: www.wagehour.dol.gov.

Additional resources on FLSA at it relates to higher education:

·       Fact Sheet: Higher Education Institutions and Overtime Pay under FLSA: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/17s-overtime-educational-institutions

·       Fact sheet: Internship Programs under FLSA: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/whdfs71.pdf

Note: NODA encourages members to speak with their institution human resource department regarding FLSA

NODA Governmental Affairs January Update 

FUTURE Act 

• Last Month, Congress was able to enact the Future Act, simplifying the FAFSA, and making permanent funding for HBCUs, HSIs, and MSIs 

Spending Bill 

• Congress was also able to keep the government open and passed its budget bill for FY2020. There are funding increases for education across the board: 

o The Education Department will get $1.3 billion more in funding under the FY2020 appropriations deal than last year, for a total of $72.8 billion (https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/house-to-consider- domestic-priorities-and-international-assistance#Labor-HHS-Education); details of the appropriations deal include: 

▪ Just over half of the total appropriations and most of the additional 

funding ($1.2 billion) are for K12 programs 

▪ Student Financial Aid will see $75 million more than FY209, $24.5 billion 

total • The max Pell grant increases $150 over FY2019 to $6,345 

• SEOG increased $25 million over FY2019 to $865 million 

• FWS increased $50 million to $1.2 billion 

▪ Higher education programs increase $163 million over FY2019 to $2.5 

billion • MSI funding increases $93 million ($760 million total): $93 million 

more for MSI Aid for Institutional Development ($760 million total), $42 million for HBCUs ($325 million total), $19 million for HSIs ($143 million total), and $5 million for tribal colleges ($37 million total) 

• TRIO increases $30 million to $1.4 billion 

• CCAMPIS increased $3 million to $53 million 

▪ Other items in the Labor-H bill of possible interest: 

• Head Start will get a $550 million boost ($10.6 billion total) 

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

(SAMHSA) will see $140 million more than last year ($5.9 billion 

total), mostly for substance abuse prevention, though also some for substance abuse treatment, suicide prevention, and mental health resources 

 The bill also includes $12.5 million to the CDC specifically to support firearm injury and mortality prevention research o Appropriations deal includes a deal to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco to 21.  

Proposed Free Speech Regulations 

o The Education Department has released their proposed rule on religious liberty 

and free speech; see the press release here: https://www.ed.gov/news/press- releases/us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-announces-proposed-rule- regarding-equal-treatment-faith-based-education-institutions-provides- updated-school-prayer-guidance The Education Department is proposing deference to the courts for determinations of whether a institution – public or private – has violated free expression rights 

Note: NODA is providing this information as a resource and encourages members to read more about legislation that impacts higher education institutions. 

After an extensive review of the needs of NODA’s membership, in the spring of 2016 the NODA Board of Directors approved the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity and Inclusion led by Dr. Kathryn Kay Coquemont. This committee was given three charges: examine the strengths and challenges of the association, develop recommendations to address the concerns of membership, and provide guidance for the future of the ad hoc committee. During their time together, the committee utilized the Global Diversity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GBIB) created by the Diversity Collegium and peer associations to determine the opportunities and potential priorities that existed for NODA to become an association rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. From that group, the Diversity & Inclusion Committee emerged as a standing committee ready to look toward the years ahead.

As the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) committee has worked together over the past couple years, there have been several accomplishments the committee is proud of completing. Under the chairmanship of Marc Skjervem and LeAnne Wiles, the D&I committee was instrumental in writing and advocating for the NODA Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Commitment statement that was accepted in 2018. This hallmark statement was a way for the association to affirm the importance of equity, inclusion and social justice in the work we do as higher education professionals and within the association itself. Another effort the D&I committee supported was advocating for and contributing ideas toward the brand new Equity and Inclusion Officer position on the NODA executive officer team. Within the coming weeks, NODA will have elected its first person to this position. The scope of the role will help guide the strategic direction of equity and inclusion work within the association while also supporting the D&I Committee in moving forward its future educational initiatives.

The D&I Committee understands that there is still much work to be done within the association. To this end, the committee hosted listening sessions during the 2018 and 2019 NODA Annual Conferences. These listening sessions were facilitated by members of the D&I Committee and have allowed committee members a brief opportunity to provide updates on the work of the committee before opening the floor to guided discussion questions from NODA members in attendance. NODA members have provided valuable insights and lived experiences related to the work of D&I and where the committee’s efforts should be focused within NODA.

D&I Committee members have also made an effort to liaise with all other NODA committees by checking in with committee co-chairs and offering space for conversation on how to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion topics within the work of each committee. Hopefully by maintaining these connections, the association as a whole will operate with a social justice lens in all of the work that we do.

Moving into the year, the committee will work alongside the new Equity and Inclusion officer to develop new initiatives and program frameworks dedicated to engaging members and students year-round and during regional conferences. The committee has also discussed opportunities to create accessible educational opportunities for NODA members through webinars, group chats, enhanced utilization of NODA Connect, and additional affinity opportunities during the annual conferences.

The D&I Committee currently meets once each month and invites members to submit continuous feedback to guide the work centered around the NODA Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Commitment statement.

I am honored to officially start my term as your President. NODA has been my professional home since 2006, and the relationships I’ve built through my involvement have enriched and sustained me both personally and professionally. In the past year as President-Elect, I have been inspired by the energy and commitment of NODA leaders, members, and staff, and I am thankful for the efforts of so many who have contributed to NODA’s success. 

Reflecting on 2019, I want to highlight several noteworthy NODA accomplishments:

·       The NODA Board of Directors voted to establish a new Executive Committee position, an Equity & Inclusion Officer. The professional elected to this role will serve a three-year term, and their focus will be on providing strategic direction for equity and inclusion within the Association, building on the tremendous work already started by the Diversity & Inclusion standing committee. The election will take place this January, and I encourage everyone to participate by voting.

·       NODA honored the inaugural Circle of Excellence nominees at our 2019 annual conference in Houston, TX, and announced the exceptional 2020 nominees:

o   Charlie Andrews, Assistant Vice President for Academic & Career Success at Florida International University

o   Bonita Jacobs, President of the University of North Georgia

o   Andrene K. Kaiwi, Director of New Student and Transition Programs at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)

The Circle of Excellence recognizes individuals who have served as outstanding professionals, teachers, leaders, and scholars in the fields of orientation, transition, and retention in higher education. Each nominee strives to raise $3,000 to support the NODA Excellence Fund, and these funds directly support NODA members by providing scholarships to enable participation in leadership roles or professional development opportunities. I encourage you to learn more and consider making a contribution in honor of the 2020 nominees.

·       NODA released two new exciting publications - Building Successful Foundations: Best Practices in Orientation, Transition, and Retention, and ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates. I hope these publications will enrich your practice as OTR professionals and provide inspiration for how to enhance students’ transition and success on your campuses.

·       NODA launched a brand-new website, designed to be more user-friendly, accessible, and responsive. Visit today to see the exciting upgrade and while you’re there, consider ways you can get more involved in the Association by reviewing the involvement opportunities available for members.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we must also look to what lies ahead and build on these successes. The NODA Board of Directors and other Association leaders will need your input and involvement as we:

·       Identify strategically how to engender a culture of equity and inclusivity, honoring the diversity of our members and institutions

·       Position NODA as a leader in OTR and seek strategic opportunities to partner with other Associations given the increasing complexity and intersectionality of our work

·       Clarify our goals and vision as an Association to chart a path forward by revisiting our strategic plan

·       Develop emergent leaders to aspire to volunteer leader positions both regionally and nationally and encourage involvement at all levels

I look forward to serving as your NODA President and invite you to actively engage with me and the Association as we find our focus, gain clarity about our goals, and collectively shape our vision for the future in 2020. I encourage you to connect with me directly at hamaginn@udel.edu to share your thoughts and ideas for moving the Association forward.

Best wishes for a wonderful year!

Heather Kovanic

President, NODA: Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education

Director of Orientation & Transition Programs, University of Delaware

It’s December and registration is now open for the Regional Conferences. Our Regions are working hard to welcome NODA members to their institutions. I hope that you will take the time to review the schedules and find time in your busy schedule to register so that you can network with your NODA peers. Remember if you need financial support to travel, consider applying for the NODA Excellence Fund.

As we close out 2019 and head into a new year, the Association will be transitioning new leaders into their roles. As we move to a new year the Board of Directors will be reviewing and revising the NODA Strategic Priorities at the Spring Board meeting where they will focus on creating priority goals for the Association. As part of this review, the Board will also consider trends in higher education and how they impact our members, institutions and the Association. We will want to hear from our members as we continue the “listening campaign” with the NODA Needs Assessment. Please watch for emails in 2020 as we seek your feedback. There are many discussion points to consider and I look forward to having these discussions.

The end of the year is often a time people will give to a cause. I hope you will consider giving to the NODA Excellence Fund and the Circle of Excellence. Your contribution, no matter the amount, makes a big difference to our members with financial constraints to travel.

I look forward to another great year of educational programming for NODA members and I wish everyone a happy and joyous holiday season!

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

As we near the end of the calendar year (and for some, the end of the semester), many find themselves busier than ever. The NODA Association Office is no different as we prepare to open Regional Conference registration in December, provide the platform for many Network Webinars and manage the logistics of the NODA Internship Program; there is a lot going on. With that, we don’t want to lose site of the many ways NODA members can stay involved and engaged throughout the year.

As was announced in NODAifications earlier this month, we now have the leadership opportunities application open year round. I encourage you to look at the Leadership Opportunities webpage to see all the ways that you can get involved. In fact, we currently are in need of volunteers to serve on the Membership Task Force. This is a short-term commitment (6-8 months), and will look at barriers to membership, current member interest, and membership models. The goal is to submit a report to the Board of Directors for the April meeting. We are seeking a variety of experiences, regions and institution type-please consider applying. To learn more go to the Association Committee application and complete the form. 

As part of NODA’s effort to provide continues professional development I want to remind members of the several publications that are offered through the NODA store. Our two newest publications Building Successful Foundations and ASCEND to Higher Retention Rates have been selling very quickly. Don’t miss out on adding these publications to your resource library. We know of some departments that are purchasing the books for their staff to read and discuss together, such a great idea to further professional development.

The deadline to submit your manuscript for consideration of the Journal of College Orientation, Transition & Retention (JCOTR), 2020 Spring edition is due December 1, 2019. Consider submitting your featured manuscript, emerging research or campus notes by the deadline. You can learn more by going to the JCOTR webpage.

As you prepare for orientation, transition and retention programming consider working with NODA to conduct an External Review. Reviews are conducted by seasoned professionals with over 40 years of expertise with a wide range of experiences. The review is catered to each institutions needs and can be in any portion of orientation, transition or retention programming. All reviews conducted receive a final report showcasing highlights of the program and areas for improvement with guidance suggested. It is a great resource to help with reimagining your OTR programs.

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the 2019 NODA Annual Conference in Houston last week. From the Board meeting, committee meetings and the conference itself, the week was a great success. Seeing all of you connect last week and with the Facebook posts and pictures it fills me up and I thank you for all that you bring to NODA.

The Conference Program Committee, along with the Association staff worked for two years to bring this educational program together. Thank you to Stephanie Keiner, Andrea Mitchen, Nicole Ponticorvo, Sarah Merrill, Larry Cloud, Lily Oyarzun, Elizabeth Burns, Maria Arbizo, Logan Adams and Liz Walsh. Thank you to our great graduate student interns Erin Wilkins, Ena Walker and Brandon Cheatham. Of course, the Association staff guiding this team along the way, thank you Geida Cleveland, Chad Henderson, and Shannon Gilligan Wehr and to our undergraduate students Diyab, Devon, Maggie, Anastasia, Nick, Hailee and Maggie. It takes a village and we have a great one! Thank you all!

I had the privilege to announce the Publication & Media Showcase winners and all of the Scholarships & Awards at the opening during the Annual Conference. Take a look at the winners and Congratulations to everyone!

The Board of Directors held the Fall 2019 meeting just prior to the start of the annual conference. The Board passed a motion to add an Equity & Inclusion Executive Committee position to the Board of Directors. This new position will be a three-year term and will be elected by the NODA membership. An announcement will be made soon for applications. Many other discussions took place along with plans for the spring meeting as we discuss, review and revise the NODA Strategic Plan. See the Board Highlights to learn more about Board discussions.

Through our continued effort to raise funds for the NODA Excellence Fund through selling pins, Regional Spirit Baskets, making donations and recognizing the Circle of Excellence nominees. These funds assist professional and graduate student members who do not have financial support to attend a regional or annual conference. The fundraising efforts continue through-out the year, in fact, we announced the 2020 Circle of Excellence Class at the closing during the Annual Conference. Congratulations to Andrene Kaiwi, Charlie Andrews and Bonita Jacobs as the nominees for 2020.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

NODA Governmental Affairs October Update

 College Affordability Act (CAA)-Higher Education Act (HEA) H.R. 4674

House Democrats introduced revised HEA legislation last Tuesday. The over 1,100 page legislation is the long awaited reauthorization HEA legislation now called The College Affordability Act (CAA). The legislation includes provisions related to student aid and institutional support for institutions that have historically not received support. It also includes changes to the student loan repayment. The bill also authorizes changes to Title IX and addresses institutional accountability and quality. Much of the reauthorization is critical in that the legislation links to funding for Hispanic Serving Institutions as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities along with Minority-Serving Institutions. It is very possible that this portion of the legislation (Title III), will move forward due to the funding stream for these institutions. There will be much to debate in other portions of the legislation due to complicated processes and unknown outcomes and very likely will stall when it gets to the Senate floor. To learn more about H.R. 4674 go here.

 Protect the GI Bill Act H.R. 4625

The Protect the GI Bill Act would require institutions of higher education to follow certain principles as a condition of approval for purposes of the educational assistance programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs. On October 16 the House ordered to amend the legislation and no further action has happened to date. To learn more about this H.R. 4625 go here.

Note: NODA is providing this information as a resource and encourages members to read more about legislation that impacts higher education institutions.

As has been noted in recent Governmental Affairs Updates there is little action taking place in Congress related to higher education legislation. That being said, in the last few weeks there has been discussion taking place around efforts to provide over $225 million in annual funds for Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions. This bill (known as FUTURE Act), is part of the Higher Education Act and was first introduced in the House in May (bill # H.R. 2486). Discussion did not take place in the House until mid-September. With this discussion the bill passed the House and moved to the Senate.

Senator Lamar Alexander, Chairman of the Senate Education Committee has indicated that he would like to pass an updated Higher Education Act (HEA) prior to his retirement next year. His priority is to simplify the process for federal student loans and repayment options for students who burrow funds. However, HEA has been stalled for months in the Senate.

There have been discussions to create a scaled-back version of HEA which could be attached to the FUTURE Act. The concern is there is a looming deadline of September 30 to fund HBCUs and other minority serving institutions. Since discussions between Republicans and Democrats has fallen short there is concern not only about the funding deadline but any movement at all for HEA. The debate continues and NODA will continue to monitor any progress.

We just received notification that the US Department of Labor released the new overtime rule. The salary threshold for white-collar exemptions to the federal overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act to $35,568 (from $23,660). Employers will need to be in compliance with the new rule by January 1, 2020. Go to the DOL website to learn more about this change.

The Association Office is happy to announce the results of the Regional Coordinator elections for Regions I, III and VI. Congratulations to Region I Regional Coordinator: Devin Carpenter, University of Montana; Region III Regional Coordinator: Nathan Cheesman, New Mexico State University and Region VI Regional Coordinator: Jordan Holliday-Millard, University of North Carolina at Charlotte. These leadership terms will begin on January 1, 2020 and will serve a two-year term. We look forward to welcoming this new group of leaders and working with them as we continue to provide great educational programming in the NODA Regions.

NODA is still seeking applications for the Region VII Regional Coordinator. If you want to know more about this position I encourage you to contact me or the current Region VII Regional Coordinator, Jessica Cunion. We would be happy to chat with you about this great leadership opportunity.

We are also seeking Association Committee members and Network Chairs. Please consider applying for these leadership and volunteer opportunities so that NODA can continue to work toward our strategic goals. We cannot do this work without you, our members. Let me know if you would like to discuss any volunteer or leadership opportunities so that I can help find the right fit for you.

If you haven't been involved with NODA in the past, I encourage you to consider applying to the Emerging Leaders Program. This new initiative is a cohort model program and is meant to prepare future leaders for NODA and promote engagement among members.

NODA is once again partnering with several other associations and organizations to endorse International Pronouns Day. The Day is meant to make asking, sharing, and respecting personal pronouns to be something that is common every day. There are many tools and resources available to prepare you to promote and get involved on October 16 for International Pronouns Day.

Every year as we head toward the NODA Annual Conference we seek donations for the NODA Excellence Fund (NEF). The Fund is used for NODA professional and graduate student members who do not have the financial support to attend annual or regional conferences. Last year we raised over $12,000. With this we were able to fund six Regional Conference attendees and thirteen Annual Conference attendees. I want to thank those who contributed and support the NEF initiative. With the volume of applications received our funds are low and we want to be sure to continue to provide this service to our members needing financial assistance. I ask that you please consider supporting NEF so that we have funds available for the regional conferences. You can contribute two ways, either through the NODA NEF webpage or new this year, Venmo. You can find us my clicking on the three parallel line icon in upper left-hand corner of the main Venmo screen and typing @NODA-OTR into the search people field. Any amount is appreciated and I thank you for your consideration.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

NODA is heading into the second year of our partnership with Skyfactor. This partnership provides an
assessment platform for OTR programs seeking feedback for improvements. NODA will receive a royalty
share from the Skyfactor partnership with all of the assessments sold which will be of benefit to the
Associations general operating funds.

The Skyfactor offering focuses on benchmarking services specifically for student orientation, family
orientation and orientation leader assessment. NODA members will be able to purchase any one of the
assessment tools that will provide insight into how institutions are creating change in students lives and
how to improve upon programming.

When you visit the Skyfactor website you will have the opportunity to view a video on benchmarking.
This webinar is presented by NODA member, Jamie Mantooth, Executive Director of Enrollment Services
and Student Engagement at the University of Tennessee, Martin and showcases the value of
benchmarking.

Our partners at Skyfactor offer some thoughts on yearly assessments and justification to benchmark.
Read about collecting data on an annual basis and its impact on providing resources.

We look forward to this continued partnership over the next year and hope that you will find the
opportunity to utilize this partnership as you evaluate your programs.

Take care-

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

NODA Association August Update

Excitement (and maybe a little exhaustion), is in the air at our institutions as new students head to campus. Hopefully this will give NODA members a bit of a breather and much needed time away. As you have some time to recoup and think about what’s next-think about NODA. 

The Association Office has had a busy summer getting ready for the 2019 Annual Conference in Houston. Although the early bird rate has passed, you can still get a reduced rate at the regular rate. The Planning Committee has planned many great speakers so don’t miss out with this annual gathering of OTR professionals.

We recently announced the Journal has gone digital through the University of Minnesota libraries. This new format is now open access with a searchable data base. This is your new online resource library for the JCOTR.

Our newest publication “Building Successful Foundations” has been released for purchase. This publication is a merger of the “Orientation Planning Manual” and “Designing Successful Foundations”. The next step is the development of online resources which will be available soon. Watch for an announcement.

The NODA website has been revamped. If you haven’t had a chance to go to the website, take the time to do so. You will find the new site to be crisp and clean and easy to navigate. 

The Association Office has been working hard this summer to continue to bring NODA members great educational opportunities and experiences. I hope you enjoy all that we continue to offer.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

It’s the end of July and we are heading into August very soon. That means, some of you have been able to take a much needed break and for others it’s just starting or moving on to extended orientation and other programming.  Where ever you are with your OTR programs know that you are doing a great job and remember to take one day at a time. You got this!!!

As OTR near the end of programming for the year, many NODA members pause and reflect on possible changes for the next year. This is the time that we often see more activity in NODA Connect seeking to answer questions or new resources. There are several resources already online in NODA Connect: Assessment and Learning Outcomes; OTR Position Descriptions; and Orientation Leader Training are just a few examples of what you can find in the NODA Connect Resource Library. Follow these directions to review resources and network with your NODA Community.

You may also find that you are in need of a review of your OTR programs. You may need either all or a few components that need some changes. NODA has several excellent external review consultants with years of OTR experience that would be happy to connect with you. Take a look at the NODA External Review program and connect with me or Chad to find out more.

Don’t forget that the Early Bird Rate for the NODA 2019 Annual Conference ends on August 26. Register today to get the lower rate and don’t forget to make your hotel reservation at the Hilton America’s- Houston.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

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How is it mid-June already? The Association Office is gearing up for the 2019 NODA Annual Conference in Houston. As we announced earlier this month, registration is now open so don’t forget to register before the end of the fiscal year and use up those professional development funds. Our hotel Hilton Americas-Houston is beautiful so don’t forget to book your room by the September 20 deadline.

Applications will be opening for Regional Coordinators in Regions I, III, V, VI and VII on July 9. If you or someone you know might be interested please have them reach out to me to learn more. The term is a 2 year appointment and an important leadership position for the regions.

We will be opening applications in August for Network Chairs and Association Committee Members. These positions are two year terms and a great way to get involved with the Association. To learn more about these opportunities go to the Leadership Opportunities page on the NODA website and watch your email for the announcement.

It’s a busy time for all of you. Please remember to take a deep breath and know that you are doing great work. We are looking forward to reconnecting this fall at the 2019 NODA Annual Conference.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

NODA Association May Update

May is always a bittersweet time of year as we say goodbye to the students who have touched our lives. We have seen these students grow and championed their accomplishments. At the same time, we welcome incoming students to prepare them for their next chapter of their lives. Our responsibilities as OTR professionals is rewarding and can be daunting as well. It is great to see our accomplishments play out as we watch our students through their years with us.

Thank you to everyone who put in the time and effort to apply for the 2021 Annual Conference Program Chair. We know the personal effort that goes into applying and appreciate you for wanting to give back to your Association. I would like to congratulate Larry Cloud, from the University of Arkansas, who has been selected to serve as the 2021 Annual Conference Program Chair. The applications for the 2021 Program Planning Committee will open in the fall so watch for more details.

Later this summer the Association Office will be seeking applications for various leadership and volunteer opportunities. We will be searching for network chairs and association committee members, along with Regional Coordinators for select Regions. If these are areas that you are interested in or know someone who would be please watch for the announcement.

Mark your calendar for June 3rd as we open registration for the NODA 2019 Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. The 2019 Program Planning Committee has been working diligently to bring NODA members an excellent educational experience. In addition to the Annual Conference, the Retention Symposium will be offered, along with the Orientation Professionals Institute and back this year, the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Summit. For our students, we will offer again this year the Student Leadership Institute and Grad Symposium. Many exciting educational programs are offered and you do not want to miss out. Please plan to join us October 20-23 for the NODA 2019 Annual Conference.

It’s go time! Know that we at the Association Office are cheering you on. Good luck as you welcome new students and families. You Got This!

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

I personally want to thank all of the Regional Conference Hosts (RCHs) and Regional Coordinators (RCs), for their leadership in facilitating the regional conferences and providing an important educational opportunity in the region. Region I: RCHs: Ashley Morehouse, University of Idaho and Heather Barnes, College of Southern Idaho, RC: Marcella Flores, Oregon State University ; Region II: RCHS: Evan Razor, University of California, Berkeley and Rigoberto Flores, San Jose State University, RC: Micki Antovich, University of California, Berkeley; Region III: RCHs: Erin Sine, University of Utah and Oliver Anderson, Westminster College, RC: Mariana Ortega, New Mexico State University ; Region IV: RCHs: Chris Hensley, Texas A&M University Commerce, Marissa Steimel, Missouri Western State University, RC: Sara Khalifa, University of Houston ; Region V: RCHs: Brianne Schwarz, University of Iowa, Jenni Brost, University of Nebraska Lincoln, RC: Colin Daly, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Region VI: RCHs: Susannah Marshman, Coastal Carolina University, Ashley Perry, Coastal Carolina University, RC: Emily Wheeler, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; Region VII: RCHs: Rachel Florence-Spaetzel, Saginaw Valley State University, Nicole Nagy, Madonna Univesity, RC: Jessica Cunion, University of Mount Union; Region VIII: RCH: Lizette Rebolledo, Virginia Tech, RC: Becca Baier, Rutgers University New Brunswick; and Region IX: RCHs: Sarah Richardson, Lasell College, Kate McMichael, SUNY Oneonta, RC: Sal Rizza, Southern Connecticut State University. Thank you so much for all you do for your NODA region!

The Association Office announced last week that the Journal has a new name: Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention (JCOTR). We also announced that the Journal will be going digital in collaboration with the University of Minnesota libraries. The Spring 2019 journal (along with all archived copies) are in NODA Connect. We will be transferring all of the archived copies to the University of Minnesota library. Watch for an announcement in the fall.

The NODA Board of Directors held the Spring 2019 meeting at the University of Tampa in early April. Several discussions took place that are highlighted here. If you would like to see the complete meeting minutes please contact me. I would also be happy to address any questions or provide more information if needed.

Until next time….

Joyce Holl, NODA Executive Director

The NODA Board of Directors will be heading to the University of Tampa the first week of April for the Spring Board meeting. The Board will be having several strategic discussions related to work of the committees and future educational programming offerings. Highlights will be shared in the April NODA Review.

I am thrilled to share that we are expanding the NODA External Review Program by offering retention consultants. Dr. Jared Tippets and Dr. Eric Kirby, Southern Utah University are well known experts in the field and are now available to NODA members to conduct your external review programs related to retention. We, of course, still offer our orientation and transition reviews with our current program. As you prepare for your programming, contact me for more information.

Also available to you is assessment opportunities through Skyfactor. Our partnership provides you an opportunity to assess your orientation leaders, family orientation or student orientation.  As a partner, NODA shares in the revenue, which is of great benefit to the Association. Skyfactor is hosting a free webinar on March 27, "Benchmarking and Assessment Best Practices for Your Orientation Program,"  presented by Jamie Mantooth, Executive Director of Enrollment Services & Student Engagement, University of Tennessee, Martin.

We have several additional webinars coming up with our partner Innovative Educators. NODA members receive a $50 discount using code NODA50. Don’t miss out on these great learning opportunities.

As you think about buying supplies for your office and orientation programs consider using Amazon Smile. Amazon will donate funds directly to NODA with the purchases you make.

Until next time….