NACLAA News: East Meets West
by John Sinclair

East met west very literally this week as Halifax-based NACLAA program manager Jane Mulatz, like a fresh Atlantic breeze, blew into Edmonton for a week of meetings and greetings with University of Alberta staff. Aside from shopping at West Edmonton Mall and recovering from "Juan" heck of a hurricane in Nova Scotia, there was serious business to be done, too.

High on the agenda of the deepening collaborative effort between Dalhousie and the UofA is to use the same internet based tools for program administration that students now use in the online classroom. "The virtual environment is a very real one; our students attest to that day after day," gushed Mulatz, donning her cybernaut cap. "The same suite of tools has tremendous potential for management, and as a leader in this field, we're keen to keep pushing the envelope. This technology is still very new, and no one really understands its full capability yet. I'm sure NACLAA will be a leader in finding and utilizing those efficiencies as yet undiscovered."

But discussions were not limited to computer bits and bytes. Look for NACLAA to engage in a strategic branding process over the coming months, and to develop a unique visual identity blending the best of Dalhousie and the UofA. Expect an even higher level of service when you call NACLAA on the phone. "It's a solid educational package we have," winked NACLAA's Atlantic ambassador, "and the next challenge is to back it up with a solid, consistent level of service. Now that we've all met face to face and gotten to know each other, I think we'll make an awesome team." And finally, to those on the east coast, get ready to, um, see Jane. "I'm really looking forward to meeting all the people," enthused the irrepressible Mulatz. "I'll be writing articles for all the regional newsletters, and speaking at association gatherings on a regular basis, starting next week at the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities."

See Jane talk, see Jane run (from engagement to engagement.) Here in Alberta, we're sad to see Jane go, but looking forward to our next online meeting.

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