Educause Policy Conference

On May 7 and 8, Educause held its annual Policy conference.  This was also the last Policy conference.  Rather than continue with a dedicated Policy session, policy issues will be added to the agenda of many other Educause seminars and conferences.  This is an attempt to provide information to more members and to allow more timely policy updates rather than hold a single event each Spring.

Several of the sessions revolved around the upcoming Presidential election and changes that may occur with a new administration and congress. 

Jeff Lehman, Chair of Internet2 Board of Trustees, gave a thought provoking talk on the need to shift our networking perspective to international connectivity.  He argues that a number of institutions are creating international campuses or increasing global on-line programs, and as we have had success in creating regional and national networking consortiums, we now need to consider an international one.

During a session on proposed FERPA changes, Francis Moran, a Program Specialist from DoE, was asked about FERPA implications with third party contracts for email.  She admitted her office has not considered this and asked that an inquiry be made.  Educase submitted this question to DoE, so we expect a response in the next few weeks.

The conference ended with a talk by FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein.  He followed a session describing the Educause Blueprint for Big Broadband proposal.  Commissioner Adelstein praised this proposal and described his reasons for supporting a policy of encouraging true broadband throughout the country.

If you're in the DC area try to visit the Newseum, a new museum devoted to reporting and news gathering.  It's a good reminder of the importance of the press, in all forms, for maintaining an open society.  The gallery of Pulitzer prize winning photos is an especially powerful exhibit.