The virtual collegiate chapter initiative.

The Virtual Collegiate Chapter Initiative or VCCI is a new MTNA program focused on collegiate members. When fully implemented, the VCCI will be an online, virtual and high-touch professional development and networking environment. We have many strong college chapters throughout the association, and they serve our students well. This initiative is designed to provide resources to complement their already robust programs. In addition, there are many college students who do not have the advantage of taking part in a physical chapter because of geographic or other limitations. This program provides a means of engagement for ALL collegiate members to interact with one another in a professional environment.

The VCCI program intends:

* to cultivate relationships for and among college students nationwide

* to develop peer relationships, student to student regardless of whether the student is part of a physical collegiate chapter

* to foster connections between the college student and the independent music teacher, local association communities and geographic collegiate chapters

* to be the focal point for synergistic relationships linking these connections to other MTNA programs including Certification, Educational Services, Information Services and the MTNA FOUNDATION FUND

* to result in a strong mentorship program pairing seasoned MTNA members with college students so that the latter can truly experience the benefit of being a lifetime member

VCCI is an outgrowth of a collegiate chapter task force approved by the MTNA Board of Directors in June of 2005. Task force members Martha Hilley, Julianne Miranda and Debra Ronning were charged with exploring ideas for the creation of an online, internet nation-wide virtual MTNA Student Collegiate chapter. The resulting "chapter" would take advantage of emerging technology to support the needs of collegiate MTNA members by providing them with enhanced opportunities to communicate professionally. Because of the scope of the project, the task force is assisted by an advisory committee consisting of independent music teachers, college faculty and students.

The initial stage of development was highlighted at the 2007 MTNA National Conference in Toronto, Canada and included a fledgling website. The website includes links to MTNA resources and services, as well as examples of how interactive media such as blogs and podcasting tools might serve college students nationwide.

The project is in need of volunteers who would be willing to donate their time writing blog posts (basically short articles in a web format), contribute lectures or teaching materials or help mentor college students.

You can view the site, find information about the advisory committee, and sign up as a volunteer by pointing your browser to www.mma.org/vcci.

Julianne Miranda, NCTM, CPCC, is chief information officer at MTNA. A consultant and clinician, she works with independent music teachers, schools and music industry representatives.