Our Mission
The purpose of the New England Regional User Group (NERUG) is to develop and maintain a network of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who use Ellucian software across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
What We Do
We promote the effective use of Ellucian technology within each member institution by:
- Facilitating the exchange of information through personal relationships and educational presentations
- Organizing discussions, informal meetings, and trainings relevant to HEI professionals
- Maintaining a website and mailing list to facilitate rapid communication among members
- Acting as a collective voice to influence Ellucian product and policy direction
- Organizing an annual conference for affordable, regional professional development
Our History
The New England Regional User Group (NERUG) was re-established in 2025, building on the legacy of the former New England Banner User Group (NEBUG). Founded in the mid-1990s to support Banner and Colleague schools in the Northeast, the original organization evolved from a small gathering of registrars to a robust, multi-disciplinary community serving IT professionals, financial aid administrators, registrars, and student services staff.
After a period of hiatus, Higher Education leaders across New England recognized the continued need for regional collaboration and collective advocacy. In 2025, the organization was re-established as NERUG with renewed focus on supporting all Ellucian products and providing affordable, local professional development opportunities for institutions across the six New England states.
501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status
NERUG is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, ensuring that all membership revenue is reinvested into member services, conference subsidies, educational grants, and community building initiatives.
NERUG Board
The NERUG Board is composed of up to 15 individuals from member institutions across New England. With five fixed officer roles and up to ten associate members, our board strives to operate as a collaborative body. All members share responsibility for key functions including communications, events, finances, operations, registration, and vendor coordination. Board members serve three-year terms to ensure continuity and institutional knowledge.
Kristen Corey
President Framingham State University Director of Enterprise Data Services kcorey@framingham.eduMarc Couture-King
Vice President Holyoke Community College Director of Enterprise Applications mcoutureking@hcc.eduDarleen LeGrand
Treasurer Mount Wachusett Community College Dir. Accounting and Financial Reporting dlegrand@mwcc.mass.eduAnne Clawson
Recording Secretary Community College of Rhode Island CRM Architect aclawson1@ccri.eduKevin DiPalma
Communications Lead Albany Medical College Director of Financial Aid dipalmk1@amc.eduLana Ludanova
Associate Member Massachusetts College of Art and Design Chief Innovation Officer lludanova@massart.eduBill Shew
Associate Member Framingham State University Systems Integration and Cloud Services Specialist wshew@framingham.eduStanley Styrczula
Associate Member Central Connecticut State University Director of IT Strategic Initiatives styrczulas@ccsu.eduJoin The Board
Interested in serving on the NERUG Board? We welcome expressions of interest from motivated Higher Education professionals across New England. Complete the form below and a board member will follow up with you.
Governance & Elections
NERUG operates under a collaborative governance model. Board elections are held annually, with nominations opening in the spring and voting conducted by member institutions virtually.
Voting Rights
Every employee at each member institution in good standing (dues paid and current) receives one vote in board elections and organizational decisions. All staff at a member institution may participate in discussions and cast their vote.
Board Meetings
The board meets quarterly to discuss membership services, plan the annual conference, manage finances, and address strategic initiatives. Meeting minutes are made available to all member institutions upon request.
Constitution & Bylaws
Our organization is governed by a constitution that outlines our operational procedures, voting rights, board responsibilities, and member benefits. The constitution was most recently updated in September 2025.
Key Constitutional Provisions
- Institutional membership open to all HEIs in the six New England states using Ellucian software
- Annual membership fee of $250 per institution (covers all staff)
- Board composition of up to 15 members from diverse institutional types
- Commitment to non-discrimination and data privacy protection
- Vendor partnership opportunities limited to Ellucian Partners only