Small College Computing Symposium - Call for Papers

[Randy Kolb]

CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

29th Annual Small College Computing Symposium
April 18-20, 1996
St. Cloud State University/St. John's University/College of St. Benedict
St. Cloud, Minnesota

CALL FOR PAPERS
St. Cloud State University in cooperation with The College of St. Benedict
and St. John's University  is hosting the 29th annual Small College Computing 
Symposium to be held on the campus of St. Cloud State University on 
April 18-20 1996.  On Thursday, April 18, pre-conference workshops will be
held in the afternoon.  Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, keynote addresses
and selected papers will be presented. 

The theme of the 1996 Small College Computing Symposium (SCCS-96) is
"Making the Right Connection".  Technical papers in all areas of computer
science, social science, academic computing, multi-media, and learning
resource services will be presented.  Also included will be reports
describing new teaching innovations, techniques, and making connections
into the future.

MAKING THE RIGHT CONNECTION
The theme for  SCCS '96  involves making a commitment in higher education
toward networking and technology.  On the Information Highway there are
many choices about how to use information effectively in and out of the
classroom.  Other choices involved are, directions educators should  be
moving toward regarding technology, how much computer knowledge do students 
need in order to be successful after they complete their university goals?  
Making the Right Connection involves building on ideas that allow universities 
to tap into current resources through networking.  The Small College Computing 
Symposium was designed to provide  educators with the necessary networking 
tools such as ample free time to discuss issues with other professionals in 
your field.  The speakers presenting specialize in areas of technology and 
information.  The networking possibilities are endless.  SCCS '96 is dedicated 
to helping you "Make the Right Connection"!
 
Topics include but are not limited to:
	
	Networking                       Multi-media Computing
	Software Engineering             Parallel Computing
	Computer Center Management       Object Oriented Programming
	Expert Systems                   Computer Science Education
	Computer Architecture            Graphics
	Programming Languages            Computer-aided Instruction
	Computer Lab Management
	Computer Services - campus policies, issues

SCCS-96 will provide a unique opportunity for discussion and interaction
among professionals in the fields of computing and computer and information
sciences in small colleges and universities as well as in the computer
industries.  Student papers and presentations are also being solicited.  
SCSU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.

PAPERS:
Original research papers (not published or submitted elsewhere).  Send one
copy (photo ready), or electronic version format,  15 pages or less, single
spaced, 1.5"  left margin; 1" right , bottom and top margin, with no page 
numbers.  Please enclose cover sheet and specify name and address of
contact person.

PANELS:
A detailed proposal including topic, overview and participants should be
submitted.  Each panel will be limited to 60 or 90 minutes depending on the 
number of participants.

STUDENT PAPERS:
Student papers are strongly encouraged; stipends may be available for
students of accepted papers.  Original research papers (not published or 
submitted elsewhere).  Send one copy (photo ready), or electronic version 
format,  15 pages or less, single spaced, 1.5" left margin; 1" right, bottom 
and top margin, with no page numbers.  Please enclose cover sheet and specify 
name and address of contact person.

DATES:
Abstract deadline:  Friday,  December 1,  1995
Notification of Acceptance:  January 15,  1996
Paper deadline:  Friday,  March 1, 1996

THE MAKING OF THE SMALL COLLEGE COMPUTING SYMPOSIUM

In 1968, the use of computers for instruction at small institutions of
higher education in the Upper Midwest was just beginning to flourish.  A
number of faculty members interested in this subject came together that
year on the campus of the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.  This
was the start of the annual Small College Computing Symposium (SCCS).  The
1987 symposium marked the twentieth anniversary of an event that has become
one of the nation's oldest regional efforts to focus, and share, creative
thinking about computer-related issues and opportunities at smaller
institutions of higher education.

The first nine annual symposia were hosted by the University of North
Dakota.  To promote new perspectives and broaden participation, in 1977
other regional institutions were invited to be the symposium host.  The
tradition of rotating the Small College Computing Symposium between
campuses in the region has continued, with the meeting usually scheduled on
two days in March or April.

The common objective of all symposia has been to provide small college and
university faculty and administrators with an opportunity for continuing
education in the application of computers to all areas of academia.
Typical symposium programs have included the presentation of technical
papers, current discussion sessions, and featured speakers from  business
industry and government.  The objective has been to provoke participants
with up-to-the-minute information about new developments and issues.  A
highlight of many symposium is an extensive exhibit of vendor displays.
There is, however, always ample time for informal conversation in a
friendly atmosphere.  Perhaps the greatest benefit is the 'networking' of
professional colleagues that naturally occurs in this kind of setting.  One
evidence of networking is the assistance and encouragement provided to
develop the Eastern Small College Computing Conference(ESCCC).  The 
ESCCC is similar to the SCCS, but is scheduled in October.

Although the symposium objective has remained the same, the symposium
itself has undergone changes obvious to both the organizers and the
participants.  Early symposia programs were totally arranged by the
organizers.  Speakers of national prominence participated through the
generous support of professional organization speaker bureaus and computer
companies.  Beginning with the fourteenth symposia, the solicitation of
papers for presentation has provided a significant part of each program.
The careful review of submitted papers has contributed to the continued
quality of the SCCS.  Since the 12th symposium, both invited and submitted
presentations have been recorded in the SCCS proceedings.  

As the symposium began to be hosted by various regional institutions there
developed a need for an institutional conference chairperson to plan and
organize each annual symposia and for a steering committee to provide
continuity to the tradition and purpose of the SCCS.  These organizational
matters have now been formalized in three documents:  the Articles of
Incorporation of the Small College Computing Symposium, the Articles of
Agreement, and the Chairperson's Conference Guide.  The steering committee,
like the proceedings, was initiated with the 12th symposium.

SCCS '96 OFFICE & INFORMATION CENTER
Randy Kolb                            Email:  SCCS96 at tigger.stcloud.msus.edu
Academic Computer Services            Fax:    (612)-654-5172
ECC 101                               Phone:  (612)-255-4711
St. Cloud State University
720 4th Ave South                     TDD:  1-800-627-3529 (outstate)
St. Cloud, MN 56301                         (612)-297-5353 (Twin Cities)

The SCCS '96 planning committee is proud to offer conference information at:

    http:// www.stcloud.msus.edu/sccs

..............................................................................
Randy Kolb, Academic Computer Services, St. Cloud State University,
  ECC Bldg, Room 101, 720 4th Ave. So., St. Cloud, MN, 56301, ph:612-255-4103
Internet: Randy at Tigger.StCloud.MSUS.edu