My Agenda for NCA.

This article discusses the agenda of Martha Solomon Watson, a candidate for second vice president at the National Communication Association (NCA) in 2002. To strengthen the future of the NCA, Watson believes that the organization should: extend opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research and provide encouragement for their efforts; recognize achievements of undergraduates through regional and national research awards; and aggressively pursue funding to provide travel scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to attend national meetings. Moreover, Watson suggests on ways to serve graduate students. One of these ways is by seeking to expand the existing Doctoral Honors Seminar. The NCA also should explore program formats for national conventions that bring the students into conversation with scholars. In addition, to advance the communication discipline, she believes that the NCA should expand sponsorship of programs like the former Hope Institute for Faculty Development and explore development and/or sponsorship of smaller research based conferences. And to further the strategic planning process, Watson proposes that the NCA should initiate strategic planning meetings with NCA leadership and leadership of regional and affiliate associations to build cooperation.