AIR 2009 Forum Recap

The 49th AIR Forum in Atlanta was a great success. The theme “World Class Institutional Research” and the emphasis on collaborative research and panel discussions generated high quality presentations on a wide array of topics. Presentations ranged from developing assessment models for distance education, to research on retention within the profession of institutional research. The opening international panel of higher education experts set the stage for debate and discussion throughout the Forum. International participants added to the depth and breadth of knowledge shared.

Participants were pleased with the Exhibit Hall, where vendors showcased products and services for more effective assessment and better data access and analysis, as well as various useful publications. The introduction of AIRbucks proved to be very popular, as did the new AIR logo products. Exhibitors provided AIRbucks to attendees who stopped by their booth, and in turn, participants used AIRbucks toward purchases at the AIR Store.

I was delighted with the comments overheard in elevators about the quality of the program and the quality of the facilities. I credit AIR members with submitting great proposals and the 2009 Track Chairs and their teams with creating an excellent Forum curriculum. Local Arrangements did a fantastic job welcoming everyone to Atlanta and making our time in the city particularly enjoyable. Everyone involved with the 2009 Forum Committee did an extraordinary job of making the 49th Forum a memorable experience.

I also enjoyed all the sessions I attended, including the Forum Chair picks. The Forum gave me renewed enthusiasm for IR work and lots of ideas for possible implementation. When economic times are tough, that is precisely when we need new ideas for more efficient and effective ways to use our own resources and to help our institutions to do the same.

Along with the 2010 Forum Committee, I urge you to complete the online evaluation survey if you have not already done so. The results are carefully considered in the planning for the next Forum, so please take the time to provide us with your feedback. I am looking forward to a great Forum in Chicago next year.

Jennifer Brown
2009 Forum Chair

P.S. The Forum Program Book is available online at www.airweb.org/forum09 and session presentations (logon required) are being added each day. Be sure to check it out.