The NorthWest Academic Computing Consortium is comprised of thirty-one colleges, universities, and other non-profit organizations in Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota. Founded in 1987, NWACC's mission is to provide a mechanism for the cooperation and collaboration of institutions in improving access to and use of advanced technological resources in instruction, research, and administrative operations.

NWACC's current efforts are focused on promoting awareness of innovative technologies at member institutions. Specific objectives include:

• Facilitate communication and collaboration on the development, use, management, and support of information technology
• Foster enhancement of technical expertise via shared training opportunities and other means
• Promote development, access to, and sharing of advanced information technology resources

Programmatic Activities - 2003-2006

In order to pursue its strategic objectives, NWACC supports several programs:

• Annual conference: This two-day event brings together CIOs, technology staff, and others from the NorthWest and elsewhere to discuss current issues and initiatives related to technology in research and instruction.
  
  
• Workshops: NWACC, sometimes in conjunction with partners from higher education, government, or the private sector, sponsors seminars and training workshops for faculty, IT staff, librarians, administrators, and others to help enhance expertise and awareness of technology trends at member institutions.
  
  
• Grant program: NWACC supports an annual grant program to promote the development, use, and dissemination of advanced information technologies. Faculty and staff at NWACC member institutions are eligible to apply for such grants.
  
  
• Best practices award: NWACC sponsors an award to highlight some aspect of IT management, support, service delivery, or use of innovative technology among NWACC member institutions. (New in 2004)
  
  
• Board retreats: Bi-annual gatherings of NWACC technology leaders and guest experts from outside the region to discuss specific IT issues and other items of shared interest.
  
  
• Online communications: NWACC sponsors listservs and web pages to promote regional conversations and the development of peer groups at different levels within NWACC institutions.