The 2006 Convention draws 672 participants

The Palm Springs Riviera Resort and Racquet Club served as the official convention meeting hotel. By all accounts the resort provided participants with a memorable conference experience. With very few exceptions, the management and staff of the resort provided wonderful service to our members. Even though our Southern California members thought the weather was a bit cool, many members enjoyed the sixty degree temperatures after leaving colder winter climates in the north and central regions!

Western again enjoyed strong support for several of our awards and functions. Next time see you a Publisher Representative or a Department Chair, thank them for their support of WSCA, or if they haven’t participated in our events, encourage them to come join the best of the regional conferences. Many of our awards and functions are dependent on their sponsorship.

Executive Council Highlights

The Executive Council and Legislative Council approved the formation of the WSCA Scholar Award. The WSCA Scholar Award will recognize “sustained contribution to the study of human communication from a member of WSCA who has made a difference in the way scholars and students think about the nature, function, and scope of communication.” Criteria will include (1) a sustained research program, (2) theoretical, (3) analytically sound, (4) moves the discipline (as indicated by citations and other evidence), and (5) featured in WSCA journals as well as other outlets. The committee will solicit nominations from Association members. The nomination should include a nominating letter and academic vita (self nominations are acceptable). The committee will rank the nominations based on the criteria.

The Finance Committee recommended a service contract with Creative Computer Services (CCS). The Executive Committee approved the Service Contract with CCS. It should reduce and stabilize our costs associated with the integrated data base and web site. Our website and data base is great service for members.

Legislative Assembly Highlights

A Resolution from the Intercultural Communication Interest Group charged the Time and Place Committee with exploring the location of future hotels and conference sites with specific attention to the cost and accessibility for student members (e.g. negotiate for student conference hotel rate/inexpensive locations etc.) The resolution was approved.

The 2005-2006 budget, income, and expenses were reviewed and the Legislative Assembly approved the 2006-2007 budgets. Mark Bergstrom reported that WSCA’s assets are improving and the organization is financially sound. All of the recent improvements to the association’s operations and services, however, are increasing the administrative costs of WSCA. Mark reported that the Finance Committee is considering increasing Membership Dues for 2008. He noted that while WSCA has continuously improved the services it provides to members, these services are not without cost. If a rate increase is approved in 2007, it will be the first rate increase in ten years.

Election Results:

At-Large Representatives to Executive Council–two members (to serve 2006-2008).
1. Susan Larson – Southern Utah University
2. Shane Moreman – California State University, Fresno


WSCA Nominating Committee–two members (to serve 2006-07).
1. Karen Lovaas – San Francisco State University
2. Anne Hubbell – New Mexico State University

WSCA Representative to NCA Legislative Assembly-one member representing K-12, (to serve 2006 -08).
1. Bob Stockton, Katella High School

WSCA Scholar Committee (to serve 2006-2008)
1. Amy Kilgard – San Francisco State University (2 years)
2. Kevin Ayotte – California State University, Fresno (1 year)