Merit announces seminar on E-Rate strategies

[Merit Network Professional Learning]

Merit Network is pleased to present "E-Rate Funding: A Strategic Asset 
for Institutional Goals," a one-day seminar on strategies for 
maximizing the benefits of the federal E-Rate program. The seminar will 
be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008, at the Michigan Information 
Technology Center in Ann Arbor. Full information and registration are 
available at:

  http://www.merit.edu/learning/erate

Now in its eleventh funding year, the federal E-Rate program has become 
an essential means of helping fund technology and telecommunications 
for schools and libraries. By reimbursing providers for discounts on 
eligible services, the program greatly enhances the ability of schools 
and libraries to bolster their missions through the use of technology.

The September 23 seminar will focus on current best practices in E-Rate 
funding and compliance, emphasizing the strategic aspects of managing 
E-Rate funding over time. A series of presentations and discussions 
will provide expert-level information for professionals who manage and 
finance technology and telecommunications for schools and libraries.

This event will be of special interest to:

   * Technology coordinators at K-12 schools and public libraries
   * Business managers and financial officers for school
     districts, intermediate school districts, REMCs, libraries,
     and library cooperatives
   * Vendors participating in the E-Rate program

The agenda will include presentations by experts in the field; case 
studies from organizations that have made effective use of the E-Rate; 
examinations of particularly important technical and policy issues; and 
opportunities to discuss issues with the presenters and other attendees.

Featured speakers
-----------------
We are pleased to welcome as keynote speaker Dan Farslow, consultant 
for E-Rate Central, provider of consulting, compliance, and forms 
processing services to E-rate applicants and service providers. Dan was 
formerly E–Rate coordinator for the State of Ohio and program manager 
for E–Rate support and information at the eTech Ohio Commission.

Also appearing are:

   * Jeannene Hurley, E-Rate Coordinator for the Michigan
     Department of Education
   * Ricardo Tostado, Director, E-Rate/RHC, AT&T
   * Sue Mangiapane, Solutions Business Development Manager,
     Cisco Systems

Location, times and registration
--------------------------------
"E-Rate Funding: A Strategic Asset for Institutional Goals" will be 
held at the Michigan Information Technology Center in Ann Arbor, 1000 
Oakbrook Drive, Ann Arbor, on Tuesday, September 23. The agenda will 
begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m., with presentations from 
approximately 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration for attendees from Merit Member organizations is $99. 
Persons not affiliated with a Merit Member organization are welcome to 
attend for $149. Registration include breakfast, lunch and refreshment 
breaks. Wireless Internet service is available in the seminar room.

Registration is available online, and payment can be made by credit 
card, check, or purchase order. Registration and more information about 
the seminar are available at:

  http://www.merit.edu/learning/erate

For more registration information, please contact learning@merit.edu


=========================================================

Other upcoming Professional Learning events:

Juniper Operating System Workshop
  September 18-19, Ann Arbor
  http://www.merit.edu/learning/juniper

MITE Forum Meeting
  September 24, Ann Arbor
  http://www.merit.edu/resources/mite

Fall MJTS meeting
  October 7, MSU Union, East Lansing
  http://www.merit.edu/learning/mjts

NANOG44
  October 12-15, Los Angeles, CA
  http://www.nanog.org/

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