2008 DUG Conference Highlights


The 2008 DUG Conference & Expo provided a tremendous learning experience for the 2,080+ members from 405 institutions (22 percent of which were first-time attendees). In addition to this record breaking attendance, there were 420 members at the Sunday IT Track and 143 at the CIO Forum.

The Conference kicked off with the Opening General Session featuring John Powers—a master at communicating with audiences. A two-time Emmy Award winner, he created and produced the Broadway musical "Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" and is the author of several best-selling books.

The entire DUG Conference - including pre-conference and general conference offerings - provided members with a total of 281 sessions and seven unique tracks. Here are a few conference highlights:

  • Finance and Business Track was a robust track that included sessions focused on Datatel Colleague Finance and Accounts Receivable. Keys to its success were the host of client-led presentations focusing on workflow management, approvals, ledger reconciliation and payment allocation, and the year-end close. Other topics included updates from Datatel on new features and enhancements such as e-Commerce 3.7, e-Check, and AR Archive. NACUBO representatives were also in attendance and provided an interesting update from Capitol Hill.

  • Financial Aid Track presented over 20 sessions that focused on solution directions; new ACG/SMART regulatory and software information; client best practices; and sessions on rule writing, loans, and communications management for FA. Datatel FA Community support and participation was discussed often with encouraging words for members to volunteer to participate in the FA DUG Track Team, FA CAT or present at DUG 2009.

  • The information-packed HR & Payroll Management Track provided clients with many sessions that demonstrated how Colleague HR solutions add value to our institutions' success. Sessions highlighted best practices, success stories, and lessons learned. Hot topics included self-service, reporting, and workflow. Additionally, the CEO of CUPA-HR, Andy Brantley, presented a session at DUG and there were multiple opportunities to network and provide feedback to Datatel, including a brand new session called "Small Group Discussion Paradise" and the all-important Client Feedback Forums where clients provided feedback on projects in flight, such as Benefit Enrollment Online and Payroll Priorities.

  • Thirty-two Institutional Advancement sessions were provided, including the new Datatel Colleague Advancement solution, three "coffee talk" Q & A sessions, the CAT Feedback Forum (CATFF) meeting, a hands-on session for ActiveAlumni, and presentations and poster sessions on best practices, user training, and reporting.

  • Over 40 sessions in the Enrollment and Student Services Track included presentations featuring best-practices for e-marketing, degree audit, e-advising, managing student records and Communications Management, as well as a hands-on session focused on Datatel's e-recruitment solution-ActiveAdmissions.

  • The Information Technology Track took place on Sunday and provided IT professionals and power end-users the opportunity to exchange ideas and supply experiences related to Datatel's technology, architecture, systems management tools, and application development environment. In addition to the main conference sessions, this track provided extended, in-depth, 90-minute sessions targeted towards system administration, Envision development, Reporting, and WebAdvisor administration.

  • Managing for Results Track sessions focused on increasing institutional effectiveness, improving business processes, increasing accountability, and maximizing return on investment.

    In addition to all these wonderful sessions, many DUG members enjoyed the various networking opportunities, which included the First Timers Orientation, Membership Business Lunch, Welcome Reception, and Be True to Your School Party.
    Finally, the 2008 DUG Conference & Expo was wrapped up by Durwood Fincher (a.k.a. Dr. Robert Payne). He truly entertained the audience with his knowledge of communication, linguistics, and insightful comedy. This was one entertainer we hope you didn’t miss!

    So, what's next? The BIG move to our New Venue!
    Save the Date and Plan to Attend Next Year's DUG Conference & Expo
    April 5 - 8, 2009
    Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
    More Information will be Available on this Web site soon!