 | FAQ
General Frequently Asked Questions
On behalf of the Datatel Users’ Group Governing Board, we want to thank you for your participation in our organization. We are working to improve communications to our members about DUG and the Annual DUG Conference and have prepared the following information in response to comments received from conference attendees at last year’s conference.
The Conference Planning Committee takes time to review all the conference evaluations. Of the 1,731 individuals who attended the 2004 conference, 598 took time to complete a conference evaluation form. In reviewing these evaluations, several themes emerged. Of course we realize we have responses from only 35 percent of the attendees, but we believe the issues raised are worthy of a response. We hope our responses will give you more information about the Conference and help you make appropriate plans for your attendance.
1. Meeting Room Temperature...
2. What is a SIG?
3. First time at the conference?
4. What is a roundtable?
5. What should I do if I have dietary needs?
And we've prepared some more specific FAQ documents as well...
> Registration FAQ
> First Timer FAQ
> Presenter FAQ
1. Meeting Room Temperature...
The hotel makes every effort to try to keep meeting rooms at a comfortable temperature. There is no way to predict what sessions will attract enough people to help keep a room hot or cold. You are the best judge of your own personal comfort. If you always feel cold, please bring a light sweater or jacket with you when you attend the conference. If you are always hot you can dress appropriately.
2. What is a SIG?
A "SIG" is a Special Interest Group
Special Interest Groups (SIG) have been a successful part of the DUG conference program for some time. Before SIGs, DUG had birds of a feather sessions and table talks. As the conference grew larger, the DUG Board recognized the need to recapture some of the smaller conference atmosphere within the existing program.
SIGs are held in conjunction with the Annual DUG Conference. In the past, information shared at SIG meetings was collected, synthesized and reported on to Datatel via the DUG Governing Board. We are pleased to bring continuous improvement to DUG with some enhancements to the facilitation process of SIGs at the 2005 DUG Conference. At the recommendation of the CAC, CAT members will continue to take on the role of facilitating SIG meetings where there exists a clear correlation of topic between an operating CAT and a SIG. This will significantly enhance the overall flow of information at the DUG Conference. It will also provide CATs with an excellent opportunity to lead discussions and exchange information first hand. SIGs that do not have a respective CAT will be facilitated by knowledgeable users and information will continue to be gathered and communicated to the DUG Board.
To receive information on a SIG, indicate your interest on your conference registration form by selecting from the list of potential 2005 SIGs. All SIGs will have a trained facilitator who will focus the group on identifying common issues and sharing information and best practices.
3. First time at the conference?
If you are new to DUG or this is your first conference with us, your DUG leadership has organized a brief conference orientation just for you. You’ll make new acquaintances and learn how to optimize your meeting experience. Knowledgeable people will be on hand to provide you will excellent guidance on navigation your way successfully through this comprehensive and valuable program.
To receive information on a first-timer orientation, indicate your interest on your conference registration form by selecting from the special activities section the first-timer’s orientation.
4. What is a roundtable?
A roundtable is a facilitated group discussion during which small groups meet together in the same session room to discuss and review topics relevant to the roundtable topic. It is an interactive session where you can share your questions and answers with fellow professionals. Examples would be an Admissions roundtable, or a Human Resources roundtable. Roundtables should have several ‘facilitators’ to help guide the discussions among the groups and report back to the larger group as a whole.
5. What should I do if I have dietary needs?
If you have any dietary needs please check off the appropriate box on the conference registration form. Standard categories include vegetarian, diabetic, kosher or food allergies. You will receive a dietary meal card in your registration packet and, if appropriate, a personal follow up by a member of the DUG Conference Planning Team. Be sure to bring your dietary meal card with you for all of your meals.
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