SLATE, the Midwest Blackboard Users Group, was created from the concept that all educational institutions that are developing and/or currently using Web-based components, specifically Blackboard, to enhance their teaching and learning activities, have the same questions, the same challenges, and the need for the same solutions. By drawing together the expertise of these institutions, a broader and more assessable support system could be established.

The first meeting was held at the University of Chicago in May of 2002. The original core of eight institutions included; The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, Moraine Valley Community College, Joliet Junior College, Purdue University Calumet, DePaul University, Northern Illinois University, and Northeastern Illinois University. That number has now grown to almost 40 in the last two years, and has gained us international recognition. SLATE meets on the third Wednesday of each month and all interested institutions are invited. See the monthly meeting schedule on our home page for more information.