<p> 2017 DLS EXEC BOARD MEETING MINUTES December 5, 2017 1:30 pm, EST.</p><p>Present: Cheryl Blevens, Michael Courtney, Michelle Joy, Amanda Ziegler, Rebecca Renirie, Andrea Hebert, Sean Hogan, Rebecca Nowicki, Carrie Girton, Danielle Skaggs, Christal Ferrance, Sandy Hawes, Joelle Pitts, Natalie Haber</p><p>The meeting was called to order at 1:30pm</p><p>1. Corrections/Additions to the Agenda. None</p><p>2. Approval of minutes: 7 November, 2017 (Michael Courtney) http://connect.ala.org/node/270969 Rebecca N. motioned to approve the minutes, Andrea H. seconded. All committee members being in favor, the minutes were approved as posted.</p><p>3. Chair’s remarks. Cheryl congratulated committee members on their good work thus far.</p><p>4. Action Items. None</p><p>5. Committee Reports a. Awards Committee (Rebecca Nowicki & Cynthia Thomes) Rebecca N. stated the committee has finished the call for nominations and they have received a good number of candidates. She stated they received more nominations this year than the past. b. Communications Committee (Amanda Ziegler & Sandy Hawes) Sandy stated the committee is working with the Web Committee on the “member of the month” project. c. Conference Planning Committee (Michael Courtney & Natalie Haber) Natalie stated the call for proposal for potential panelists is still open (will close on Dec. 22). So far, the committee has received quite a number of proposals. The committee is seeking one additional panelist via this call. d. Strategic Planning Committee. (Christal Ferrance & Andrea Hebert) Andrea stated the committee has distributed the link to the survey and will push it out one more time before it closes. Christal stated the survey closes on Friday, Dec. 8. e. Instruction (Anjali Bhasin): Anjali stated the committee hosted a roundtable discussion in early November focused on accessibility and had about 30 people in attendance. We are planning on doing something around OERs and instruction in the spring. f. Discussion Group (Sean Hogan & Lindsey Wharton) : Sean stated the committee’s Midwinter discussion event will be a two hour mini- conference with focused chat sessions. our topic is serving the needs of distance grad students. g. Research & Publications (Rebecca Renirie & Carrie Girton): Rebecca R. stated the next “top 5” post will likely be in early January</p><p>6. Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 1:30-3:00PM EST. (GoTo Meeting login instructions will be distributed via email.)</p><p>There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:42pm. </p>