Two different advisory groups help Technology Services to better address the needs, interests, and concerns of Whitman faculty and students. WCTS would like to take a moment to introduce you to each of these groups, explain their purpose, and tell you a little more about what each group has been doing so far this year.

STAC
The "Student Technology Advisory Committee" (STAC for short) was originally created by ASWC at the request of Technology Services, to facilitate better communication with students and to help us better understand student needs. Although new this year, STAC will be a permanent part of our advisory organization. The committee consists of six students, all selected by the ASWC Vice President of Committees. Current members are Elliot Anders, Perry Garvin, Matt Lee, Brendan McMahan, Aaron Perrine, and Noa Piper.

STAC has been very active this term, gathering student ideas and opinions, and meeting weekly to discuss many different issues of interest to students. If you are interested in knowing more about what STAC is doing, visit their web page where you will find meeting agenda and minutes, as well as contact information for STAC members. The STAC web page can be found through the Whitman People page, under "Student Organizations" or by going to http://www.whitman.edu/student_orgs/stac/

AITAG
AITAG is the "Academic Information Technology Advisory Group." It is a standing faculty committee, appointed by the Dean of Faculty, which provides feedback and suggestions to Technology Services on matters of concern to faculty and, in some cases, to students. The six faculty committee members for the 98-99 year are Fred Moore, Tom Hines, Pete Parcells, Nina Lerman, Holly Phillips, and Steve Schvaneveldt. In addition, two members of STAC (the Student Technology Advisory Committee) are selected to sit on AITAG. Current student representatives are Noa Piper and Brendan McMahan.

The committee has been discussing a number of important issues so far this year. Topics have included dial-in modem access, software use and purchasing, and Year 2000 impact. Continuing discussions include issues surrounding policies and guidelines concerning the use of technology-based resources, and copyright guidelines necessary for support of digital copyright legislation.

We count on both AITAG and STAC for their insights and ideas, as we continue to expand and enhance facilities and resources for faculty and students. If you have comments, questions, or suggestions, we want to hear from you. You are always welcome to contact WCTS directly, but you can also contact your representatives on any of our advisory committees.