Beyond Telecommuting - Telepresence

Name of Concept: Beyond Telecommuting: Telepresence

Overview

Many universities have established telecommuting policies in an effort to take cars off the road and thereby reduce the impact their institutions have on the environment and infrastructure. RIT should establish a similar policy in the short term, then utilize our community's expertise in IT and computer engineering to develop an innovative, comprehensive telepresence platform that will enable RIT students, faculty and staff to communicate effortlessly and effectively regardless of their physical locations or accessibility needs.

How this idea leverages current areas of RIT expertise

RIT is a well-known leader in the areas of expertise related to this proposal such as computer programming, network engineering, systems administration, and user interface design.

Main RIT on-campus champion(s) for this idea

Matt Dana, Web Manager, NTID Marketing Communications

Additional on-campus champions willing to collaborate with this individual and take a lead role in driving the idea

Jared Lyon, University Publications

Is there potential off-campus advocacy and support for the idea?

Yes, Cisco, Skype, IBM

How you envision this idea advancing RIT's national or global stature in an important or emerging field

Many universities have established telecommuting policies in recent years, in part because any reduction in employee commuting can have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, air quality and road congestion. If RIT plans to become known as a world leader, we should not just follow their lead and establish a similar policy, but go one step further, utilizing our technological advantages to establish a system for "telepresence."

Why you believe RIT has a unique opportunity or an ability to differentiate itself through this idea

By enabling employees to telecommute, RIT will make a statement about its commitment to sustainability. By going a step further and developing innovative means by which members of the RIT community can work together irrespective of location, RIT will significantly improve its standing as a leader and innovator in sustainability.