Preconference workshops in Vancouver

We have an amazing lineup of preconference workshops at this year's NCFR conference (which I've described below), all of which have come about as a result of member interest and action. And these are just a portion of what attendees can expect, so...

• Take a good look at the conference program, as well as the special opportunities noted in the schedule.
• Book your flight and guest room (discount rates apply, but space is limited).
• Complete registration before late fees apply.

If you're not planning to attend the conference this year, consider participating via the Online Conference.

How to get your work in front of the public

Stephanie Coontz has accepted our invitation to share her successful approaches to getting the word out to the media about Family Science in Media Training: Translating Family Science for the Public. This workshop will focus on taking your research to the public. Topics include how to identify what parts of your research will appeal to a broader audience, how to construct an op-ed piece, and how to prepare for interviews.

This limited-enrollment preconference workshop filled quickly. However, we will offer similar hands-on opportunities in the future so that you will have the skills and knowledge needed to expand the reach of your work. You can help determine the topics and formats of NCFR's offerings by completing the post-conference survey or simply emailing your ideas to NCFR.

Take action to eliminate sexual violence on campus

Thank you to Drs. Elizabeth Sharp, Shannon Weaver (Feminism and Family Studies Section Chair), and Anisa Zvonkovic who are organizing a workshop, on behalf of the FFS Section, about sexual violence and assault on college campuses. We expect that this preconference will result in a set of recommendations and action steps for colleges to eradicate on-campus sexual violence. Some of the invited presentations include:

• Framing Sexual Assault from a Feminist Lens
• An Overview of the Research on Sexual Violence on College Campuses
• Campus Administrators' Knowledge & Impact
• Teaching: Human Sexuality Courses in the HDFS Curriculum (including Triggers)
• Greek Life: Engaging Sorority Women
• Grief, Trauma and Response
• Student Voices: Responses, Resources, and Ideas

A special thank you to the workshop sponsors who are making it possible to offer it to you at a very low price: Virginia Tech, Texas Tech, the University of Connecticut, the University of Missouri, and Miami University.

Training on MAXQDA

NCFR is pleased to partner with Dr. Áine Humble who will offer her popular Introductory MAXQDA workshop. This full-day workshop will provide deep insight into MAXQDA qualitative data analysis software version 11. The workshop is entirely interactive and at its conclusion, you will be ready to start your own data analysis. Plus, you will receive an 80-page training manual, consisting of screen shots, instructions, and tips.

Vet your research methodology with the experts

Our fourth preconference workshop is Theory Construction and Research Methodology (TCRM). A long-standing tradition, this one-and-a-half-day workshop is a conference highlight for researchers. Research works in progress are reviewed, discussed, and strengthened in this unique, interactive environment.

This year's TCRM co-chairs are Drs. Erin Holmes and Claire Kamp Dush. The TCRM sessions take place during the day on Tuesday, Nov. 10, and on Wednesday morning, Nov. 11. This year's major sponsorship for TCRM is again provided by Auburn University. NCFR also thanks the Journal of Family Theory & Review and editor Dr. Libby Blume for continuing support of TCRM.

Update on the Future of Family Science Initiative

"Family Science" in department names

When the Future of Family Science Task Force met in May (2015), three of the members reported dropping "studies" and adding "science" to their department names since August 2014.

Dr. Larry Ganong at the University of Missouri commented that while he was pleased to have his department become Human Development and Family Science, an unexpected benefit was students identifying as "family scientists." Standardizing nomenclature for the family science discipline and professions is an objective of the Future of Family Science Initiative. The need for visibility and identity for our scholars and practitioners is a driving force behind this work.

Family Relations title change

In our ongoing efforts to standardize the name of the discipline, we are exploring a title change for Family Relations: Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies. Current editor Dr. Ron Sabatelli and incoming editor Dr. Jason Hans are leading the way for this change. If you are called upon to assist with the market research for a possible name change through an interview or a short survey, please participate. As always, your thoughts are welcome.

One last update…

While we continue to plan the 2015 conference, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Bahira Sherif Trask was recently appointed by the NCFR Board to chair the 2018 conference in San Diego. Congratulations, Dr. Trask!

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