Are you asking yourself, “Should I attend the IMC Weekend”? Well, if you’re thinking about enrolling, or you’re currently involved with the program, the answer is yes.

As a prospective student, you will have the opportunity to speak directly with current students, faculty and program directors to help you decide if the program is right for you. You’ll also hear industry leaders discuss some of the hottest topics in IMC.

As a current student, IMC graduate or faculty member, you will meet your colleagues face to face and have the opportunity to discuss issues, socialize and hear about relevant topics in the field of IMC.

For an online program like ours, The IMC Weekend provides a great opportunity to come together on campus as a group.

The weekend kicks off at the Welcome Dinner and Keynote Address on Friday, May 29, where you’ll get the chance to match faces with names and partake in some relaxed, “real-time” conversation. After dinner, our keynote speaker will have a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to share with all of us. Check back for updates on the keynote speaker.

Saturday morning, prospective students can attend an Information Session designed to answer specific questions, such as:

• How many classes are required?
• Should I take two classes each term?
• Can I run eCampus on a Mac?

The Information Session will provide a solid overview of the program’s academic requirements and curriculum, as well as the technology that hosts our online courses. If you’re unsure whether IMC is right for you, I strongly encourage you to attend this session. You’ll come away with a thorough understanding of our program and how it fits with your lifestyle.

Following the Information Session, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a Panel Discussion. In it, you’ll hear first-hand accounts of the program from both current students and IMC faculty. This candid, uncensored Q & A session provides a truly unique perspective.

After the Panel Discussion, you’re invited to stretch your legs as you learn a bit about our beautiful campus. We’ll provide a Walking Tour, where you’ll learn about the historic clock tower that sits prominently on the WVU campus, the history of the chiseled Mountaineer statue and much more.

After lunch, we will host Breakout Sessions featuring four industry professionals speaking on the latest and greatest topics in the world of IMC. I have no doubt that every Breakout Session will have something special to offer. The response to the Breakout Sessions from last year was wonderful, so this year, we’re offering the opportunity to attend two of the four sessions, instead of just one. Check back for updates on the Breakout Session topics.

The Roundtable Meeting is the Saturday “capstone event.” This closed-door discussion brings current IMC students, graduates, faculty and administration together to engage in a dialogue specifically focused on improving the program. As those familiar with the program will attest, many suggestions born out of past roundtable discussions have come to fruition on the website, in our administrative processes and throughout the curriculum.

With snow falling on the WVU campus today, May 29 seems like a world away, but it will be here sooner than we think. Spring is just around the corner.

I hope you’ll consider attending the 2009 IMC Weekend and taking advantage of all that we have to offer. If you’re planning to attend, please take a moment to reply to this blog and let us know.

I speak for all members of the IMC team when I say that we sincerely look forward to having you as our guests. We’ll see you in Morgantown!