Letter from the Directors
Jane Halonen & Peter Seldin
June 14, 2006

It seems that IUT in Pittsburgh was such a short time ago, and yet in just over 2 weeks the 31rst Annual Improving University Teaching Conference will kick off in Dunedin, New Zealand.

As with past years, this conference will present an opportunity for participants from across the globe to share practices, discoveries, and challenges in improving postsecondary teaching and learning. Come ready share good practices in student learning and to learn from others in a culturally diverse setting. Very soon you will be listening to provocative keynote addresses, interactive theme sessions, panel presentations, and participating in lively engaging workshops.
As you travel to the conference site, spend some time to reflect on the theme for this year: Extending Our Boundaries: New Solutions for Complex Problems in Higher Education. Education around the world is facing difficult challenges and this conference will give us an excellent opportunity to examine more closely how participation in university life can produce a profound and positive impact on student learning. We have worked diligently on the conference program and feel the speakers this year will serve as exceptional facilitators on this very important topic.
We look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes for fun and safe travels to all.

~Jane and Peter

2005 IUT Conference Photos
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Theme Sessions at IUT 2006
Todd Zakrajsek, Central Michigan University, USA

This year IUT has a particularly strong line-up of thematic presenters and plenary speakers. Below you will find some biographical information about these speakers. Each is an accomplished scholar and it is expected much will be learned from each presenter.

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Last Minute Details
Rachel Spronken-Smith
University of Otago

So you are heading for IUT in the deep south? Just to let you know winter has thus far been a bit cooler than normal. Christchurch (see photo) and South Canterbury were hit hard this week with heavier than normal falls. Great news of course for skiers as the major ski-fields are about to open! We have already had a couple of snowfalls on the hills around Dunedin with more forecast in the coming weeks. However we never get much snow (at most only a couple of inches around the University area - and that is rare) and it never lasts more than a day. So just be sure to bring a warm, waterproof coat, hat and gloves and sensible winter shoes (snow boots not necessary)! Warm clothes are very important for those going on the pre-conference tour down the Otago Peninsula to see penguins and albatrosses.

As a presenter in a paper session, you will have 7-10 minutes to summarize the key ideas in your paper. The postings on the web of those papers will help you familiarize yourself with the other papers. We ask you to read the papers of your colleagues to support an integrative discussion. If you are using Powerpoint please email your presentations in advance to nell.smith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz by June 25.

A reminder about getting to your accommodation. The Dunedin Airport Shuttle costs NZ$20 per person, or NZ$15 if three or more people are going to the same address. A taxi from the airport into the city costs about NZ$60. A door-to-door shuttle is available to and from Dunedin Airport which is approximately a 30 to 45 minute drive to the University of Otago campus. Most shuttles accept credit cards and cost around NZ$20 per person. If you are picking up a hire car please remember that in New Zealand: all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road; all road distances are measured in kilometers; when turning left, give way (yield) to traffic crossing or approaching from your right; when the traffic light is red, you must stop (there is no left turn rule); drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts in both front and rear seats.
Need to know more? Contact rachel.spronken-smith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz. We are really looking forward to welcoming you with our typical southern hospitality!

Snow in Cathedral Square Christchurch on June 12. By the way, if in Christchurch some must sees are the Art's Centre (particularly the market on weekends) and the Antarctic Centre. Hop on one of these trams for a great look at the inner city.