The Council of Graduate Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders has had an active fall and winter, both in terms of our own Council agendas and participation and input at the national level. The following update highlights some of the activities of the past months.

• Webmaster. It's official! Maurice Mendel has agreed to be the Council Webmaster. He was appointed by the Executive Board to serve as our consultant for communication-technology for a minimum 3-year term, beginning July 1, 1998. He's been the behind-the-scenes Webmaster for quite some time now, and our vote of confidence goes to him and the work he does for the Council. Thanks, Maurice!

• New Features on the HomePage. And speaking of our web site, Maurice reminds you to check it frequently for updated information. You'll find the directory, 1997 conference proceedings, a new locator map for academic positions, plus much more. Now in the works is the addition of the survey---watch for it! Check www.CAPCSD.org.

• Archivist. Another appointment is now official with Barbara Shadden agreeing to serve as Council Archivist. Barb will begin her work soon, and will travel to our management office in Minneapolis to sort through accumulated "treasures" and records. We've badly needed this help for some time and thank Barbara for her willingness to serve!

• Council Survey. You've received the most recent Council Survey. Take a moment to give us any feedback regarding the instrument itself. Linda Petrosino, Information Exchange Chair, and her committee will meet prior to the 1998 conference to begin the next survey development, and would like to hear from you. Thanks, Linda, for an excellent job!

• Additional Surveys. The Executive Board discussed the need for more and different information that might assist program directors as they communicate with administrators regarding their program needs. We will be developing a survey for salary information, and we will also be asking you to respond to a survey on future sites of Annual Conferences.

• U.S. News and World Report Survey. It's out. Check your news stand or www.usnews.com. You may wish to comment in a letter to the editor. EB will be framing a response shortly.

• Reputational Survey. After extensive discussion, the Executive Board endorsed a proposal to establish a program for conducting a reputational survey of research doctoral programs in communication sciences and disorders. The Board asked Jon Miller to discuss the proposed survey with a survey research group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison concerning the adequacy of the survey questions and the probable cost to member programs. Detailed information will be presented in the Plenary Session in April.

• Council Membership Increases. New member programs are Arkansas State University (Mike McDaniel), Louisiana Tech University (Clarice Dans), Northern Michigan University (Roger Towne), Marywood University (Mona R. Griffer), State University of New York at Plattsburgh (Robert Davis), University of Western Ontario (J.L. Stouffer), and Seton Hall University (Brian Shulman). We also have the first two undergraduate-only program members with Harding University (Daniel Tullos) and the University of Canterbury, New Zealand (Ilsa Schwarz) joining the Council. We now represent over 90% of all graduate programs!

• 1998 Conference. And speaking of the conference, be sure to send in your registration and join us in Palm Springs for a wonderful time of learning, networking, and enjoying the company of program directors and faculty. We look forward to an excellent conference and send thanks to Elaine McNeice, Program Chair, and Rodger Dalston, Co-Chair, for their excellent work. And a huge thank you goes to EAS for their work producing the conference brochure, processing applications, and attending to the myriad of details that contribute to the smooth functioning of the conference.

• Working Groups. Members of our Working Groups are continuing work to meet their charges on your behalf. Please support your colleagues' work by responding when called upon for surveys and information. We look forward to their reports at the Plenary Session in April.

• 1997 Corporate Business Meeting. The minutes of the November, 1997 Corporate Business Meeting held in Boston will be read for approval at the Plenary Session in April. In addition to committee reports and the usual business reports, the Council discussed the U.S. News and World Report Survey. The Executive Board reported that they would revisit the question of "reputational surveys" at the February meeting. Discussion also covered the LC resolution calling for recision of LC 44-93 (the Au.D.) as the preferred title for the practice of audiology.

• Council's Report during Legislative Forum, November 1997. As many of you have heard and read, the Legislative Council of ASHA did not vote to rescind LC 44-93. The headline in the ASHA Leader, however, misstated the 'fervor' with which the LC acted. Members of the Council who observed the action felt that Council made a clear point regarding mandating degrees without first consulting the programs that will be responsible for offering such degrees. There was some action to table the resolution, to reword it, and some comments in favor of the points made by the Council; but in the final vote, LC 20-97 failed.

• Mini EB/EB Meeting with ASHA. A meeting was held in January with members of each executive board present. Council representatives were Scudder, Wilcox, and Mendel; ASHA representatives were Swigert, Creaghead, Bernthal, and Anderson. The issues discussed were IDEA and the future, AuD education, ASHA Academic Affairs and Council interface, Status of the Guide to Graduate Education and the Doctoral Education Guide, SID 10 and Council interactions, ASHA networking at the annual Council conference, and the status of research and scientific efforts of the two groups. We also talked about how to facilitate future communications between ASHA and Council Executive Boards. Those attending the meeting agreed that it was a positive interaction that should lead to improved communication and smoother workings between the groups. We plan to meet again next January and to have a conference call in July.

• Articles of Incorporation and Bylaw Changes. You will receive notification prior to the April meeting of proposed changes. We will discuss the changes at the Plenary session and then you will vote by written ballot following the meeting. The Executive Board approved a motion at the February meeting to propose a change in the name of the Council. The new name would be the Council of Academic Programs in Communication Sciences and Disorders. This proposal and many of the others relate to the recent inclusion of undergraduate-only programs. Other recommended changes are needed to bring the articles and by-laws into compliance with common practices. Please read the changes prior to the meeting in April and be prepared to discuss them.

• ASHA Directory of Doctoral Programs. As mentioned above, discussion was held and a decision was subsequently made that the Council will co-sponsor the ASHA Directory of Doctoral Programs, which will be accomplished at no cost to the Council.

I think this about does it! I hope you feel updated about the workings of the Council. I look forward to seeing you in Palm Springs, and to the excellent meeting in store for us. Please let me know if you have questions, opinions, or concerns about our work on behalf of the Council.

Rosalind R. Scudder

President