Still not sure if ResNet 2010 is right for you?  Here’s what some of our past attendees have to say about their ResNet experiences.

Yesterday & Today

“When I started supporting a residential network, most ResNet programs were still getting started and there was a lot of uncharted territory out there:

• How will this new network be used?
• What technologies should we purchase to ensure a positive experience?
• What is the best way of providing support?

While many of these questions have been answered now, our program has been successful by participating in the ResNet organization.

As a peer group, I’ve been able to bounce ideas and questions off of others in my same situation, as well as gain advice on new things to do or try to improve the service we provide. The various Symposiums have been a collaborative resource and informational repository far outweighing the cost of attending. I’m confident that as things continue to evolve with student computing, networking, operating systems, and support, that the ResNet organization will be a place to help steer my program to success and allow me to share those successes with others.”

Great for New Professionals

“I started working at ResNet as a student at the University of Connecticut. It helped me grow in knowledge and find a career path. Now, as a full time employee at Providence College, managing the IT Helpdesk, we support student technology issues, including the residential network.

With my background of working as a student for a ResNet program, I helped start a formal ResNet support program at Providence College. I used my experience as a student, along with the experience of the thousands of other people on the ResNet listserv and the networking I did at the Symposiums, to really get the program off the ground. The presentations gave me some general ideas for support and solutions for problems, while the conversations during meals and the Birds of a Feather sessions helped with more specific questions and thoughts in my head.

Being someone who finds it easier to get information in a face-to-face setting, the Symposiums have helped quite a bit. The listserv serves as my first “go to” resource when I see a strange problem come up or want to share a new tool I created. Having gone through the beginnings of a ResNet program, I use the listserv and Symposiums to assist others and share my knowledge and experiences. The collaborative nature of ResNet and generosity of those involved with the organization is outstanding. As a newcomer about 4 years ago, I felt lost and I was welcomed with open arms.”

Great for your IT Career

“I am one of the more unique members of the ResNet community as I do not work for an educational institution. I currently am employed by Blackboard but have remained connected to ResNet since leaving the EDU space in 2006. The focus of my work has obviously shifted with the different needs of working at a commercial organization.

ResNet was and remains the most dynamic, engaged and relevant professional organizations I have been involved with. My role as a Network Communications Specialist for Millersville University was the first professional IT position I held. The ResNet attendees and contributors were the best mentors I could have expected. Professionally and technically they guided me to effective tools and best practices that have helped me continue to succeed in my career. The ResNet listserv, wiki, user contributed links and media are all some of the best resources offered by “in-the-trenches” IT and student community professionals.

Many other professional organizations lose relvancy and credibility as the discussion often disintegrates into negative reactions to vendors and internal politics. ResNet members continue to keep the signal to noise ratio at a level that makes our community a trusted and reliable resource. It is a privilege to continue my participation and association with ResNet and I recommend the group to other professionals with highest regard”

Keeping up with emerging trends in IT

“Can you remember a point in time when students did NOT arrive on campus with 2 or 3 workstations, laptops, iPods, iPhones, Wiis, Xboxes and multiple identities on Myspace, Facebook and Second Life? Although that may seem like a page out of history, the reality is that less than a decade ago (e.g., 2000, 2001), many universities and colleges were still debating whether or not to provide a “connection per pillow” in their residential housing environments.

The first ResNet Symposium was held at Stanford University in 1994 to guide discussion, tool development, policy, and organizational structure around the emergence of computing technologies and Internet connectivity in residential settings. Since then, the ResNet organization has grown and now takes the place as the only professional organization in higher ed focusing entirely on student technologies and their integration with the academic mission. ResNet provides an international forum for discussion, collaboration, and professional growth via the organization’s many on-line resources and its Annual ResNet Symposium and Professional Development Seminars.

Members of ResNet not only feel an enormous commitment to their jobs and universities, but have formed life-long personal and professional bonds through their involvement in ResNet.”

The value of face-to-face connections

“I have been attending ResNet for the last ten plus years. When I initially started coordinating a ResNet staff, my early attendance provided vast resources of people who had been pioneering student technology initiatives – all of whom gladly shared their thoughts and experiences. There are always at least a few seminars that address specific issues I am considering, but even more than the seminars, it is the discussions that have happened in between and after seminars, throughout the conference, that have always made these times such an amazing and rewarding investment.

I relay on this yearly retreat to meet with those who share similar and different roles, to take a step back and really think about what my staff and I are doing, and what direction we should take for the future.”

Face-to-Face Continued

“Attending ResNet conference is like going to a family reunion year after year, you see mostly familiar faces and you feel right at home . The new members are welcome immediately. There is no shortage of food and drink. There is no need to worry what to wear. There is always tips, tricks and swags you can can take home with you!”

Professional Development

“More than any other event or conference I’ve attended, ResNet has helped me grow, not just technically, but  socially and professionally as well. Every time I attend ResNet, I come away with knowledge and ideas that help me greatly improve how I help run my department. As a result, I’ve completely changed my approach to hiring and training staff, as well as how we approach dealing with malware and rootkits.  And just as important, ResNet has a great, relaxed social atmosphere. I leave every ResNet with new friends from all over the country.”