We Know Times Are Tough

In recognition of the fact that the current economic climate has triggered the slashing of budgets and close scrutiny of travel requests at colleges and universities across the country, we’ve put together this list of Top Ten Reasons to Attend ResNet. (To help justify the value of attending ResNet 2010 to your supervisor, we have also provided some sample text that may be edited to submit with your travel request.)

1. Student Support Focused – ResNet is the only professional organization in higher education focusing entirely on student technologies and their integration with the academic mission.

2. PDS Sessions – As an additional opportunity for professional development, these optional sessions, offered at an additional (but very affordable) cost, allow for longer and more thorough learning experiences.

3. Presentations – Given by people that work in the trenches everyday just like you, you’ll have the opportunity to compare and contrast your own ideas and policies with those of other schools.

4. Registration cost – At the low price of $475, the early-bird registration fee can’t be beat! Be sure to register by May 21st in order to take advantage of this discounted rate.

5. Networking opportunities – Having the opportunity to converse with your colleagues from other institutions is invaluable. Some of the most useful information is gained through casual conversations, usually over meals. The conversation doesn’t end when the symposium ends….many of our attendees keep in touch throughout the year, particularly through the RESNET-L listserv.

6. Lodging costs– To further increase networking opportunities and provide a low cost alternative to a hotel, on-campus lodging is available for as little as $50 a night. Compare this to the cost of a hotel room ranging from $110 – $220 per night, and you can be getting up to 3 nights on campus for the price of 1 in a hotel. In addition, by staying on campus there is no need for a rental car, thus saving additional money.

7. Incidental costs – with the exception of dinner on Monday evening, all meals (including breakfast and lunch on Saturday for PDS participants) are included with your registration fee!

8. Travel costs – As an alternative to the Bellingham airport, the Seattle airport (SEA) is located just two hours to the south and the Vancouver, British Columbia airport (YVR) is an hour to the north. Shuttle from either airport to Bellingham will cost you about $40-$60 round-trip. (See Travel page for details.)

9. Activities – While some of our events may just look like fun, they are much more than that. Take some of our activities back to your institution to use as team building exercises and ways to quiz your students on what they have learned during training.

10. Vendor Fair –Take this opportunity to meet with representatives of different companies that provide products and services that can benefit your institution. Have a face-to-face conversation and learn how they can help you.