Publications > Dateline Houston > September 2002 > Society & Industry News

Volume 42, Issue 1

September 2002

Society & Industry News

STC News

STX: Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

An episode at STC’s 49th Annual Conference proved that STC programs really do make a difference.

It was the crowd at Leadership Day that inspired Sandra W. Harner, assistant to the president for academic and research programs, to do something a little different. At the event preceding the conference, Sandi recognized Mary Jo Stark, the current Society treasurer, who had been a Sigma Tau Chi (STX) member when Sandi had run the program. As Sandi continued to scan the attendees, she noticed several more former STX members. Looking at them, Sandi thought, “You've come a long way.”

The STX program was established to identify and support undergraduate and graduate technical communication students who will contribute to the profession. At Leadership Day, Sandi saw the results of that program—today's leaders developing STC’s direction and growth. At the Student Welcome Reception that evening, she asked Andrea Ames (Society second vice president), Jennifer L. Giordano (Central Ohio chapter president), Kenneth M. Kittle, Jessica E. Larcom, Martha K. Sippel (Rocky Mountain chapter president), Mary Jo Stark (Society treasurer), and all former STX members, to stand before the group. As the leaders rose in succession, Sandi read a list of their Society and professional achievements from their membership in STX to their current leadership position.

The leaders’ successes encouraged students and illustrated a thriving-and rewarding-environment for dedicated professionals. They also embodied STC's mission: to design the future of technical communication. “It was so cool,” said Sandi, “to see that Sigma Tau Chi is a program that works. It was really inspiring.”

For more information about STX and Alpha Sigma, STC’s honorary fraternity for two-year colleges, visit the Society Web site at www.stc.org/academic.html.

Applications for both fraternities must be received at the following address by November 1, 2002:

Elizabeth Overman Smith
Department of English
9030 Haley Center
Auburn University AL 36849

New Student Chapters

The Society welcomes three new student chapters: Rose City, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, and London, Ontario.

The Rose City student chapter is located in Portland, Oregon, and has been assigned to region 7. The chapter advisor is W. Tracy Dillon.

The University of North Carolina–Charlotte student chapter is located in Charlotte and has been assigned to region 2. The chapter advisor is Gregory A. Wickliff.

The London, Ontario student chapter is located in London, Ontario, Canada, and has been assigned to region 1. The chapter advisor is Deborah Ann Maskens.

2002–2003 Election Results

Meet the new Society leaders for 2002-2003 at www.stc.org/0203election_results.html. Among the new council members are:

• President: Edward J. See
• First Vice President: Thea Teich
• Second Vice President: Andrea L.  Ames
• Secretary: Andrew Malcolm
• Director-Sponsor, Region 5: Linda L. Oestreich

STC Specialty Gifts

STC Specialty Gifts are a great way to show appreciation to Society members or professional colleagues while spreading the STC name. Specialty gifts make terrific giveaways for chapter meeting, conferences, and special events. www.stc.org/specialty_gifts.html

STC Mission Statement

The mission of the Society for Technical Communication is to improve the quality and effectiveness of technical communication for audiences worldwide.

Educational Opportunities

Developing a Single-Sourcing Strategy

When and Where

October 8-9, 2002 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
2900 Wilcrest Dr # 2900, Houston, TX 77042, (Kitba Consulting Svc)
www.kitba.com

Book and Instructor

This seminar now includes JoAnn Hackos's Content Management for Dynamic Web Delivery book.

Registration

Online at www.usabledesign.com/03register/03register.htm or by phone at 303-234-0123

You’ll learn how to

• Evaluate the benefits and challenges of single–sourcing
• Decide when single-sourcing strategies are appropriate
• Identify opportunities to target information to multiple audiences
• Develop an information blueprint by examining authoring and publishing requirements
• Consider the criteria for selecting the right tools
• Identify and solve organizational issues for single–sourcing
• Follow a method for constructing an information model
• Change the way you write, edit, and review documents for single sourcing
• Identify the role of each member of your single-sourcing team
• Show that single-sourcing tools are a valuable investment

For more information visit, www.usabledesign.com/01seminars/01ss.htm.

Documentation and Training

Boston University Education Center

October 7-8, at the Boston University Corporate Education Center (Tyngsboro, Massachusetts Campus)

Tools such as: Acrobat, Author It, CourseBuilder, Deva Help, Dreamweaver, FrameMaker, MS

Word, MS Visio, Oasis Dynamic Publishing, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Robohelp, WebWorks Publisher

Technologies such as: XML, XSL, HTML-based Help, CSS, eBooks

Processes such as: Single-Sourcing, Educational Game Simulations, Minimalism, Structured Information, Enterprise Content Management, Indexing, Contextual Inquiry, Usability

Learn more at www.doctrain.com.

Marketing Communications Certificate Program, University of Houston

The Marketing Communications Certificate Program offers the following courses:

• Marketing Essentials: Principles and Practices of Top Marketing Professionals
• Communication Plans: Implementation and Analysis Tools
• Public Relations: Planning and Practices
• Creative Ideas: Increasing the Effectiveness of Advertising
• Successful Selling Skills
• Internet Marketing
• Graphic Design: The Importance of Image
• Rewarding Trade Shows: Getting the Most out of Your Exhibit

For more information www.uh.edu/continuingeducation/marketing.html.

Networking Opportunities

• International Association of Business Communicators: www.iabchouston.com/meetings.htm
• Association of Authors and Publishers: www.authorsandpublishers.org/upcoming-events.html
• Council of Science Editors: www.councilscienceeditors.org
• American Society of Journalists and Authors: www.asja.org

If you have a networking opportunity to share, please tell us! Go to www.stc-houston.org/contacteditor.htm.