MERC

Joining MERC

Eligibility Requirements

Any eligible non-proprietary public or private higher education institution can join MERC. The institution must meet the criteria listed below.

Membership shall be limited to public and private not-for-profit, two- and four-year institutions of higher (post-secondary) education.

In addition, prospective members must be:

• Approved to operate by the Missouri Department of Higher Education,
• Accredited by relevant accreditation bodies,
• Award Associate or higher degrees,
• Missouri-based; i.e., have their main campus or administrative headquarters in Missouri.

Policies and Procedures

In order to enable stable and reliable connections, MOREnet provides router management services for the gateway router that provides access from the MOREnet network to a site's network, as defined in the Router Management service description.

MOREnet offers Internet Connection Support with all memberships. Extended hours of support are available for members requiring support beyond normal business hours with completion of an Extended Support Hours Service Level Agreement.

All MERC member institutions must comply with the MOREnet Service Policies.

Application Process

Upon request, MOREnet provides prospective members with a packet of membership information, which contains a Membership Application and FY09 MOREnet Participation Agreement (PDF file; 27 KB). If the organization decides that MERC can meet its needs, it must complete a Connection Information Form, from which an order form is generated, and the MERC Membership Application.

If the organization decides to apply to MERC, it must return a signed copy of the order form and two signed copies of the MERC Membership Agreement.

Upon receipt of the signed order form and membership agreements, the applicant's request for membership is placed before the MERC Board of Directors for vote.

MOREnet services and connections are set up and ready to use approximately 12 weeks after the conclusion of the vote for membership by the MERC Board of Directors.

To request a membership information packet, send an e-mail message to info@more.net. Mail the completed membership form and membership agreements to MOREnet, 3212A LeMone Industrial Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201, attn: Higher Education Program Manager.

For more information, contact MOREnet at (573) 884-7200 or piringern@more.net.