iSchool community,

I wanted to send out a note about some events that we will be holdings
this semester related to CASCI (the Center for the Advanced Study of
Communities and Information - see http://casci.umd.edu). We are just
getting CASCI off the ground and would love to have widespread
participation from the iSchool (along with other departments on
campus). Here are a few ways you can participate:

1) Join our email list where we announce events of interest to CASCI
members, share other information of interest, and form collaborations
on projects of mutual interest. Just send Dana Rotman
([log in to unmask]) or myself ([log in to unmask]) an email and we'll add
you to the list.

2) Come hang out with the CASCI crowd on Tuesdays from 10:00am-noon in
the CASCI room (2118D in Hornbake, South Wing). On September 16th we
will be setting the agenda for the rest of the semester, brainstorming
on ideas for Roundtable discussions and skill-based Workshops of
interest to researchers and students, and using our interior
decorating skills to decide how to furnish and decorate the CASCI
room. We would love to have those of you who can, come "hang out"
during that block of time even on the days that we don't have
something formal scheduled. Bring a laptop, ideas for projects that
other students or faculty may be interested in, or just yourself and a
willingness to get involved.

3) On Thursday, November 13th we will be holding a CASCI Kick-Off
Event. We are pleased to announce that Marc Smith of Microsoft
Research, will be presenting. Details for the event are forthcoming,
but please put it on your calendar now.

I also want to introduce Dana Rotman, a doctoral student studying
online communities at the iSchool. She will be helping to coordinate
CASCI activities. If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free
to email her at [log in to unmask] or myself at [log in to unmask]

I look forward to seeing many of you at the various CASCI events and
getting your input on how we can best benefit from each other's
association,
Derek Hansen
Assistant Professor
CASCI Director
Maryland's iSchool