UCARConnect, 2015 -

The vision and mission of UCARConnect originated with a small committee from across the organization that met in spring 2013 under the leadership of IT Director Shawn Winkelman and Communications writer and media associate Zhenya Gallon with other staff providing input and direction: Bruce Muller (COMET); Raj Pandya and Teri Eastburn (UCAR Center for Science Education); Jeff Van Damme (Multimedia Services); Cindy Schmidt (University Relations); Marijke Unger and Stephanie Barr (CISL); and Kate Legg (Digital Learning Sciences). With the rapid technological changes underfoot, richer opportunities to engage with key stakeholders, and an ongoing need for and attention to knowledge management and access, the committee began formulating a vision for UCARConnect. The site would synthesize and provide ease of discoverability to UCAR's rich collection of public and education-focused resources, but also amplify, echo, and synthesize content using rapidly expanding digital tools and services. UCP Director Emily CoBabe-Ammann arrived at UCAR in the mist of UCARConnect discussions and helped to formulate its direction and garner institutional support, transforming an idea into a reality. It creates monthly topical educational and informational features, promotes discovery and access of exceptional STEM resources, provides realtime access to most broadcasted UCAR seminars, promotes connection among UCAR, its member universities, their students, and the science savvy.