Dear Editor,
In an article and an editorial on January 30, 2006, The Eagle asserted that "American University will formulate a terms of use policy for the popular student Web site Facebook next month." Wrong. The genesis for this erroneous statement is that staff at the university, primarily from the Office of Campus Life, will listen to an audioconference on the legal and judicial issues raised by the quick proliferation of "digital marketplaces."
This program is a staff development opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about what has become a hot topic on college campuses today. The panelists to whom we will listen via speakerphone are experts from other campuses who wish to share their own insights and approaches as might happen were any of us to attend a session at a "live" conference. We have also invited some students who are interested in this topic so that they might share in the learning and discussion.
Staying abreast of information that is important to students is a far cry from creating a policy. We suggest that in the future, The Eagle talk with us if there are questions about our activities.
Faith C. Leonard, Ph. D.
Asst. Vice President and Dean of Students,
Office of Campus Life
