Consortium Tackles IT Issues in Higher Ed.
Seven leading higher education associations have joined forces with Microsoft to address the challenges that accompany the incorporation of information technologies. Partners for the Advancement of Technology in Higher Education (PATH) helps colleges and universities tackle such issues as Internet integration, strategic and financial planning, and faculty training.
Members of PATH are: the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the American Association for Higher Education (AAHE), the American Council on Education (ACE), the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), the National Association of Colleges and University Business Officers (NACUBO), the National Association of Foreign Student Advisors (NAFSA) and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Each association will receive the latest software, networking technology and assistance in strategic planning from Microsoft, enabling them to share appropriate solutions with member institutions.
Released this spring, a free CD from PATH gives academic decision makers the resources and tools for effectively using technology in instruction and administration. The CD includes over 50 papers of ìbest practicesî from faculty members, ìthought piecesî from influential educators, case studies involving Microsoft products, a list of sources for more information, and free copies of Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0.
PATH also sponsors a Web-based monthly newsletter containing tips for faculty members and a forum for discussing administrative concerns. Produced by Dr. James L. Morrison at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the newsletter can be found at Microsoftís Higher Education home page (www.microsoft.com/Education).
In addition, PATH has organized task forces comprised of technical, communications and member services committees to develop a cohesive vision for finding and implementing technology solutions. Microsoft Corp., Redmond, WA, (800) 426-9400.
This article originally appeared in the 04/01/1997 issue of THE Journal.