Conclusion

SOBA-Net provides connectivity via the Internet, preserves the School of Business, Duquesne University, and meets President George W. Bush's initiative for technology integration and enhancement, and appeals to the students' desire for online resources. The data illustrates that many potential users are taking advantage of this communication medium from internal job postings to scholarships geared toward business students.

While it may be too early to determine its long-term potential of improving communication, reducing administrative cost, or allowing 24-hour access to information, SOBA-Net has encouraged students to become more self-sufficient and assume some responsibility and accountability for their educational outcomes. In addition, there has been a notable increase in faculty use of Blackboard® in their classes, and students are encouraging those who do not use it to adopt it. The School of Business's experience has had a positive effect not only school-wide, but also throughout campus and, as a result, several other programs are now developing similar sites for their faculty, staff, students, and administration.