About MAP
Before MAP started in 1997, local and affordable professional development opportunities were not readily available for academic advisors in Manitoba. In addition, there was very little communication among advisors working in the various post secondary institutions across the province. Marion Tetrault, an academic advisor from the University of Winnipeg, had the idea that Manitoba advisors could form a provincial association, and organize our own conferences and workshops. This would address the need for professional development, and foster collaboration and community. Marion and her colleague, Suzanne Martin, were able to secure some modest funds from the University of Winnipeg to bring this idea to life. A mail survey confirmed that advisors from across the province were interested in meeting to share ideas. Marion and Suzanne planned MAP’s first conference, which was held at the Union Center in Winnipeg in November, 1997. Forty-one enthusiastic participants attended, and MAP was officially born. Today, we have 87 members, representing most post-secondary institutions in Manitoba.
At the end of the first conference, several people met to discuss future directions for our newly formed group. MAP's first Steering Committee included Loxie Armstrong, Michelle Beitel, Carlene Besner, Rosanna Caruso, Tracey Collyer, Jan Cruise, Suzanne Martin, Joan McConnell, Michael Munro, Lynne Romuld, Marion Tetrault, and Leslie Walsh. In later years, Adrienne Carriere, Lois Martin, and Carl Stone also served on the Committee. The current Steering Committee consists of Deb Bradley and Patty Hawkins from the University of Winnipeg, Roxanne Dueck and Randy Rummery from Red River College, and Brigitte Wiebe and Karin Nowak-Bailey from the University of Manitoba. We have been fortunate to have had so many dedicated volunteers since MAP's inception. MAP owes a special debt of gratitude to pioneering members Carlene Besner, Rosanna Caruso, Lynne Romuld, and Leslie Walsh for their long term commitment and significant contribution to MAP's growth and development.
Over the years, MAP's membership has expanded to include other professionals, for whom academic advising may not be a primary job responsibility, but for whom student service issues are of professional interest. We have had members from the areas of Advising, Admissions, Registration, Counselling, Recruitment, Career Placement, Coaching, Administrative Support, Retention, Teaching, and Financial Aid.
In addition to holding annual conferences, MAP offers a variety of workshops on topics and issues relevant to its members. We will be holding our 14th annual conference in November, 2010. We are grateful to have the continued support of our membership, and look forward to serving the student service community for years to come.
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