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AN-MSI (“Advanced Networking With Minority-Serving Institutions”) is a $6 million, four year National Science Foundation grant to EDUCAUSE, an association of 1800 colleges, universities and companies advancing the use of information technology in higher education. The purpose of the grant is to assist minority-serving institutions in improving Internet connectivity, campus networks, network technical support, training and advanced use of the Internet for teaching and research. The minority-serving institutions are Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The project is entering its fourth and final year, and through the efforts of all three communities working collaboratively, the project has developed a set of very useful services that are now available to all Minority-Serving Institutions. They include:

• Campus Visits, in which a small team of information technology experts assesses the campus network and information technology organization and provides recommendations.
• BROKEN LINKCollaborations, in which AN-MSI institutions develop cooperative efforts for internet connectivity or education and research projects.
• Curriculum and Faculty Development regarding the use of information technology in teaching and research.
• Assistance with Distance Learning, from helping institutions get started to providing expert advice on advanced techniques. AN-MSI collaborates with the eLearning Consulting Group, whose consultation specialties include needs assessment, design, implementation, evaluation, centralized infrastructure, strategic planning, and help desk and faculty development center creation.
• Monthly Newsletters, which provide monthly updates on the project, as well as upcoming meetings and events.
• Online Training for campus network personnel, so they can update their skills without leaving the campus.
• Potential participation in Remote Technical Support activities with other institutions, to share expertise in areas including security, virus protection, intrusion detection, and 24x7 monitoring.
• Strategic Planning, in which an experienced facilitator can visit the campus and lead the institution's team towards development of a campus information technology plan.
• Student Technology Services (STS), a unique service organization consisting exclusively of student employees. STS is a student managed organization that is tasked with the operation of various computer, media, and technology related campus services.
• Technical Assistance in designing and implementing an updated campus network. AN-MSI produced a booklet, "Mainstream Network Model: Guidelines to Upgrading Campus Networks", that has proven valuable in discussions with campus networking personnel.
• Consulting on implementation of Wireless Systems, including secure campus networks and wireless systems to assist in community outreach activities.

A printer friendly version of AN-MSI Services is also available.