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FAQs

What is GHECC?

Yes. The Gateway Higher A nationally recognized organization whose members provide top-tier cybersecurity education,research and a superior workforce within the Greater St. Louis region. Education Cybersecurity Consortium is a 501c(3) registered entity of Missouri.

Who are the members of GHECC?

Current members are:

  • Fontbonne University
  • Maryville University
  • SIUE
  • Washington University-St. Louis
  • Webster University

How is the consortium managed?

GHECC is managed by a Board of Directors comprised by one dean from each university member. The board meets quarterly. Current board members are:

  • Adam Weyhaupt, Fontbonne University
  • Tammy Gocial, Maryville University
  • Timothy Schoenecker, SIUE
  • Aaron Bobick, Washington University-St. Louis
  • Simone Cummings, Webster University

Current Officers are:

  • President and Chair, Simone Cummings
  • Vice President and Vice Chair, Timonthy Schoenecker
  • Treasurer, Tammy Gocial

An executive committee that is comprised of at least one cybersecurity professor/instructor from each university member, which meets monthly. Day to day operations for the consortium are managed by part-time Executive Director, David Reddick

Who qualifies for membership?

By-laws for the consortium, which were approved in September of 2018 state that to be eligible for admission as a member, an organization must meet all of the following requirements:

  1. The organization is a degree-granting university (bachelor, masters and/or doctorate).
  2. The chief executive office of the organization is located within 175 miles of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
  3. The organization has received accreditation from the relevant higher education accreditation body and such accreditation has not been revoked, rescinded or suspended.
  4. The organization conducts one or more research and/or educational programs in cybersecurity.
  5. The organization is either (a) an organization qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) operated primarily for research and/or educational purposes, or (b) a federal, state or local government or agency thereof organized and operated primarily for research and/or educational purposes.

What steps are required to apply for membership?

Qualified colleges and universities wishing to join GHECC should contact the Executive Director to make formal application.

What are the benefits of membership?

University members of GHECC are eligible to appoint one dean-level administrator to serve on the Board of Directors and at least one professor/instructor to the organization’s executive committee. Membership also allows students from each university to participate in career fairs and other periodic events, such as hackathons, that are conducted by the consortium. Membership also facilitates inter-university cooperation on joint research partnerships and admissions outreach efforts.

Are community colleges eligible for membership?

Yes, community colleges that grant associate degrees qualify.

What is the cost of membership?
  • $3,000 membership fee for community colleges
  • $5,000 membership fee for universities with fewer than 5,000 students as reported to IPEDS in the most recently available data when GHECC invoices are processed
  • $10,000 membership fee for all other universities.

Additionally, the organization is reevaluating the annual cost with an expectation the levels will be decreased during 2022.