Today is the final lesson in the Provosts on Portals project.  I've created an executive summary which condenses this exploration of portals into an overview with links to the web content. I'm hopeful this will be a useful tool to assist you in returning to items for further study or that you may have missed. If you wish to introduce others to this subject, the executive summary could be a useful place to begin. It is accessible at http://weber.edu/portals/executive_summary.htm 

Provosts on Portals has involved over 120 AASCU provosts in a collaborative study beyond anything attempted before.  In this process I've created 51 web pages with over 360 links to information. You've responded by accessing the portal project pages over 2800 times!

The provost portal project has demonstrated the power of simple technology, e-mail and web pages, to engage a group of extraordinarily busy individuals across the country. For me it has demonstrated the power of the Internet to create new  learning communities independent of location.

During the course of this project you've received lessons sent from Ephraim (UT), Orlando, Albuquerque, and Boston, as well as Ogden. This truly has been a course created and managed using distance technology. My e-mail folder for this project includes over 290 messages.

I want to thank Steve Gilbert of the TLT Group for his contributions on collaboration and his thoughtful insight on this project. A debt of gratitude goes to George Mehaffy of AASCU for his energy and commitment throughout. At every step of the way George has provided feedback, critique, and suggestions on the materials as they were developed. A number of chief academic officers shared information from their campus efforts to help strengthen and broaden this experience.

Finally I wish to thank you for your involvement in the provost portal project. As a CAO I understand the extraordinary commitment it requires to help guide the academic life of a university. I appreciate very much your willingness to participate and to share these materials with others. I'm hopeful the Provosts on Portals project has helped you consider and address these issues on your campus.

On Monday George Mehaffy will be sending a final assessment on this project. I'm hopeful you will take time to respond with your thoughts, suggestions and reactions.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season.

dave