Based on the response received, this year’s topic for discussion will be
Recruitment and Retention

Below you will find a series of questions intended to start the discussion of student recruitment and retention:

• How much control do you have over recruitment?
• Does small “p” politics play a role in retention (numbers = funding rule)?
• Has your program been renamed in an attempt to attract greater numbers? Successful ?
• Do you feel that your program been expanded but that fundamental subjects have been diluted?
• Has your program been merged or joined with other programs?
• Is the job market affecting your recruitment numbers?
• Is the average age of your student changing?
• Do you feel that the students need to be entertained?
• As a teacher do you feel that you relate to the students?
• How many of you graduated from the school that you now teach at?
• If you could teach for another 20 years would you?
• Are there any steps that you take to foster greater retention (beyond the normal teaching duties/ activities)?
• What is the major reason that students give for leaving your program if not for academic reasons?
• What kind of competition for students do you find in your area?
• Do you have articulation agreements with institutes of higher learning and is this a benefit to your recruitment?

That being said, Harry Hutchins brought forward another topic for discussion which I felt was very appropriate. Harry talked about the importance of being able to transfer wisdom to the next generation of teachers. Specifically he talked about the importance of specific sites for labs, contacts for field trips, what works and what doesn’t. On behalf of Harry, I am mentioning this for future consideration.

from David McDonald

The Annual Meeting is fast approaching, so we are sending you an updated Schedule of Events. We have heard from some of you, on what you would like to discuss during the Cracker Barrel discussions.  We are always open to more suggestions. We are also looking at an optional fly fishing trip with guides (limited to 6 participants) before the Annual Meeting. Or maybe you would prefer a canoe jaunt on the St. John/Nashwaak Rivers.

Almost everyone flew into the Fredericton airport for the last meeting, but you can also fly into the Saint John airport, or Moncton airport (we will arrange pick-up from these points if requested).  We have arranged for lodging at one of our residences, which is located at our College – alternate accommodations at the Fredericton Inn – summer rates.

Some of you may prefer to fly into Bangor or Portland, Maine in which case perhaps Steve Resh or others attending may be able to co-ordinate a ride.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, August 1^st, 2011
5:00 – 6:00 pm             Early check-in

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

6:00 am                        Leave Forestry complex for fly fishing trip (confirmed fly fishing attendees only)
8:00 am                       Leave Forestry complex for canoe jaunt on Saint John river (confirmed attendees only)
12:00 – 6:00 p.m.         Annual Meeting check in – Hugh John Flemming Forestry Complex Lobby
7:00 p.m.                     Supper (BBQ)
7:45 p.m                      Welcome, Aboriginal Ceremony, Intro to the Maritimes (drinks and discourse in the Social Courtyard)
8:30 p.m.                     Executive Committee meeting

Wednesday, August 3, 2011 {Hardhats will be provided if required}
7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast (provided)
8:00 a.m.                     Tour of MCFT and HJFFC and Teaching Forest
12:00 -1:00 p.m.          Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m.                     Depart for Tour (Odell Park and Urban forestry tour)
5:00 p.m.                     Supper – Maritime fare – Racine’s  (sponsored)
7:30 p.m.                     Cracker Barrel – possible topics Recruitment and Retention, The Unwritten  Lessons, Threats to Teaching Forests…

Thursday, August 4, 2011 {Hardhats will be provided if required
7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast
8:00 a.m.                     Depart for Tour – Gagetown Army base
1: 00 p.m.                    Lunch (downtown Fredericton or in the field [sponsored])
2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.    Kings Landing Historical site.
5:00 p.m.                     Supper – Acadian fare (sponsored)
6:00 p.m.                     Business meeting
8:00 p.m.                     Aboriginal ceremony, Auction, Drinks, and social discussion

Friday, August 5, 2011
7:00 a.m.                     Breakfast
8:00 a.m.                     Depart for home or various activities

Contact Information: Heather Flinn is my Administrative Assistant, and can be reached at 506 458 0199, or her e-mail address is hflinn@mcft.ca.  I can be reached at 506 458 5124 or at dmcdonald@mcft.ca

**        The tours that we are looking at are an Urban Forestry guided walk-about, and then a tour of Forestry on the largest Military Base in the Commonwealth.

Note:   A number of you have indicated that you may like to extend your stay to appreciate some of what the Maritimes has to offer. We will be sending information packages out to those who plan on attending which will give a very good idea of what there is going on.

Fair warning to y’all, once you’ve been here you’ll never want to leave.

Dave