Sharing expertise: more than just "Ah Irony"

[Michael]

I found the discussion about the degree we should feel free to share our
expertise (free of charge) to be quite interesting.  But I'm also
concerned that there is a current of something even more disquieting
happening.   Please see the announcement below, circulated to faculty
within our university.  I've been told that there are potential concerns
not only when we teach international students, but also when we post to
listservs, or maintain a web page (thus I have specifically been asked to
attend the seminar).   I will find out more details next week, but I'm
sure many of my other US colleagues have heard similar things.  I've
changed the names below.






Faculty,
You may have received the message below from your department head
recently. I URGE YOU TO TAKE NOTICE OF THESE REGULATIONS SINCE THEY MAY
INDEED BE RELEVANT TO YOUR PROGRAM.
The definition of "Export" includes discussion of your research with a
foreign national. Since many of us have international students, we, by
definition, are "exporters". This in turn means that we may require a
license to "export" this material. The only question remains what material
needs to have a license. That is not easy to answer and is the purpose of
John's seminar.

I URGE YOU TO ATTEND IF YOUR SCHEDULE ALLOWS.

Bryan


*****


John  Doe (Office of University Research) will present an EAR (Export
Administration Regulations)/ITAR (International Traffic in Arms
Regulation) seminar for members of the Arts & Sciences faculty on
Wednesday 29, 2003 at 3pm in Case Study 1, Rm 408 Student Union.  Those
conducting research that may fall under these regulations, including but
not limited to Computer Science, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology,
 Mathematics and Zoology, those who will present research results at
international conferences or those who have international students in
their labs are urged to attend this seminar.