UK Division of Instructional Communication and Research Hosts Annual Basic Course Director’s Conference

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 29, 2015) — The Division of Instructional Communication and Research housed in the University of Kentucky School of Library and Information Science hosted the 53rd annual Basic Course Director’s Conference at the Lexington Hyatt Regency Jan. 22-24.  

A different university hosts the annual conference each year, and this was first year UK earned the bid to do so. The conference planning team, led by Brandi Frisby, consisted of Amy Gaffney, Deanna Sellnow, Marjorie Buckner, Michael Strawser and Mary Ann Nestmann.

The conference theme was “Building on the Basics: Renovation and Innovation in the Basic Course” and attracted program directors, directors of undergraduate studies, department chairs, deans, publishers and graduate students from institutions across the country.

Historically, conference attendance is intentionally held to between 75 and 100 participants. This size allows for an intimate, productive and interactive conference. The 90 participants that attended this year hailed from 21 states and 46 universities and included 37 first-time attendees.

The conference participants focused on issues related to administering, revising and assessing the basic course including, for example, best practices for using new technologies; employing online and hybrid course delivery formats; integrating and assessing listening; promoting the value of the basic course on campus and in the community; training graduate teaching assistants; and managing organizational change. The participants heard from keynote speaker Steve McSwain on the power of listening and enjoyed dinner music from the Taylor-Murtaugh Duo from the University of Kentucky College of Fine Arts. To conclude the conference, many attendees joined a social gathering to learn about Kentucky bourbon at the Town Branch distillery.

“This conference always brings together so many passionate and engaged administrators and administrators-to-be," the primary conference planner, Brandi Frisby, said. "It is a great opportunity for us to share both challenges and solutions to common issues associated with administering a basic communication course, which is so critical to student development and success as they progress through their studies at the university.  We leave the conference feeling rejuvenated and inspired each year. This year was no different.”

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu