The InterConnection VOLUME 5
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ISSUE 5
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
Classrooms are Expanding via Videoconferencing If you’ve put off earning a credit designation because classes weren’t offered at a location near you, there’s now a perfect solution! In addition to classroom settings, the Institute of Credit at NACM Connect is offering credit designation classes via videoconference. The Association has leased the technology needed to broadcast via videoconference from the classrooms at the headquarters o f f i c e . Distance, weather and location are no longer an issue for professional development opportunities! On August 21st, the 10week Fall class semester began with two videoconference classes, Basic
Overall it's a great experience and I Financial Accounting and Financial feel confident that this will be a great Statement Analysis I. Each class has a mix of students that are onsite in the classroom and Distance, weather and location are students that are videoconferenced no longer an issue for professional in. Remote students development opportunities! participate via our videoconferencing platform from the class." Another student said, "This is comfort of their home the first time that I have taken a class or office. This mode outside of an actual classroom. I was of distance learning is pleasantly surprised that I felt like I geared toward evening was in a classroom from the comfort classes in which students of my home. I could participate and all meet at the same time really feel a part of the class." but the instructor can be hundreds of miles away. The instructor for one of the classes The feedback from the commented, "As a teacher, I was students and instructors surprised at the amount of interaction has been unanimously that occurs between the students positive! One student in in the classroom and those online. the FSA I class said, "I am thankful that By the end of the second night of the class is being offered in this format.
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Proud to be an NACM Affiliate NACM Connect and many other local and regional credit management affiliated associations across the country recently signed new affiliation agreements with the National Association of Credit Management. This action was yet another milestone in the concerted and collaborative effort beginning five years ago to strengthen and unify NACM. In 2012, a focus group revealed that many NACM members and potential members were confused by the lack of consistency between NACM and its Affiliates and among Affiliates. This began a process driven by the Affiliates to clarify what NACM is and
to more closely align the Affiliates with the National Association, while still maintaining our independence and flexibility to meet the specific needs of the regions and industries we serve. The multi-year process to build unity provided countless opportunities for input and has been a true collaboration between the Affiliates, NACM and our National Board of Directors. Among the results of this work were new standards deemed necessary to be an NACM Affiliate. These standards include several practices that are
essential to operate a successful Affiliate, including maintaining a paid staff, offering multiple NACM core services and providing a consistent Continued on page 7