From the Editor

CAUSE/EFFECT

Copyright 1997 CAUSE. From CAUSE/EFFECT Volume 20, Number 3, Fall 1997, p. 2. Permission to copy or disseminate all or part of this material is granted provided that the copies are not made or distributed for commercial advantage, the CAUSE copyright and its date appear, and notice is given that copying is by permission of CAUSE, the association for managing and using information resources in higher education. To disseminate otherwise, or to republish, requires written permission. For further information, contact Jim Roche at CAUSE, 4840 Pearl East Circle, Suite 302E, Boulder, CO 80301 USA; 303-939-0308; e-mail: [email protected]

From the Editor

In recent years the distinctions between academic and administrative computing have been blurred. It's difficult to tell where responsibilities that were once clearly defined now lie. The need for a fully integrated information technology infrastructure is as important in the learning environment as it is in the administrative function. The integration of technology is as prevalent in teaching and research as it is in recruitment.

It's obvious from the articles in this issue that information technology personnel are playing an integral role in training faculty in the use of technology, and faculty members and librarians are playing a critical role in determining how technology is used on campus. It's also apparent that problems related to intellectual property rights, copyright, and other legal issues and policies are no longer simply fodder for casual discussion, but are working their way into institutions and corporations on a daily basis.

It's true that technology has changed the way we work, the way we play, and the way we live. It has eliminated some tasks while creating others. It has made our lives easier, and harder. It has had a profound impact on individuals and organizations.

CAUSE too has been affected by the changes technology has created. As a membership organization, it's essential to not only stay abreast of change, but to anticipate the needs of the members and act accordingly. In recent months, steps have been taken to restructure the organization in order to continue to provide valuable direction and representation for our members.

One of the key elements of this restructuring is a plan to consolidate CAUSE and Educom. Originally the two organizations served different clients. However, as our missions evolved to keep pace with the changes technology brought to higher education, CAUSE and Educom have begun serving more and more of the same constituents.

As with any change, there's excitement and concern; apprehension and anticipation; but best of all: opportunity.

By consolidating their operations, CAUSE and Educom have the opportunity to redefine the higher education information technology organization of the 21st century. For our members, it means an organization that will more closely mirror the changes taking place in your institutions and businesses.

The new organization will mean a single voice for information technology in higher education, one that will represent members in and among your respective institutions. As issues of policy and regulations become more prevalent in the area of information technology, it also means a collective representative voice in government.

A new organization offers greater and more unified opportunities for professional development. Conferences at the regional, national, and international level can be clearly defined to serve specific constituents.

As boundaries between technology users on campus disappear, so do the boundaries between institutions. With decisions about distance education and virtual universities looming, a consolidated organization will offer a better understanding of the role higher education institutions will play in the global marketplace.

The collective resources of two organizations are greater than either of the two alone. Members stand to benefit from a single knowledge database, one that will help them connect on critical issues and share solutions to common problems. A single organization can also help form stronger bonds and partnerships between institutional and corporate members. At a time when the two entities rely on each other for their special brands of expertise, a common base is essential.

It's important that all members take an interest in the development of the new organization, but it's essential that the voting representatives familiarize themselves with the issues. We've established a Web site (http://www.cause.org/admin/neworg.html) that is full of information related to the creation of the new organization. I encourage you to read it and respond. Your insight is vital to the successful evolution of CAUSE.

James Roche, Editor

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