* Research and Analysis: Educause conducts extensive research on emerging technologies and their impact on higher education, providing insights and trends through reports, publications, and presentations. This informs institutional strategies and best practices.
* Networking and Community Building: A major aspect of Educause is its vibrant community of IT professionals in higher ed. They offer networking opportunities through conferences, webinars, online forums, and regional groups. This allows members to share best practices, collaborate on projects, and learn from peers.
* Professional Development: Educause offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, online courses, and certifications. These programs help IT professionals enhance their skills and knowledge in areas relevant to higher education.
* Publications and Resources: Educause produces a wealth of publications, including reports, white papers, case studies, and articles, covering a wide range of IT topics in higher education. They also provide access to a substantial online resource library.
* Advocacy: Educause advocates for policies and practices that support the effective use of technology in higher education at both the institutional and national levels.
* Benchmarking and Assessment: Educause provides tools and resources to help institutions benchmark their IT performance against their peers and assess their progress towards strategic goals.
* Consulting Services (sometimes): While not a core service for all members, Educause may offer or facilitate access to consulting services to help institutions address specific IT challenges. This is often facilitated through their network of experts and partnerships.
In short, Educause acts as a central hub for information, collaboration, and professional development for IT professionals working in colleges and universities. Their services aim to improve the use of technology to enhance teaching, learning, and research in higher education.