Our Fall 2001 event was a success! The topic was The Future of Cell Phones in a Changing Society.

On Wednesday, November 14th, students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to hear various perspectives on cell phone usage in the United States.

Session I's topic was Cell Phone Use in Public Spaces. It was an interactive session featuring leading authorities and researchers of cell phone etiquette in public spaces. Some issues that were explored included: Is it okay to have a cell phone conversatin in a restaurant or answering a cell phone during meetings? Dr. Mark Aakhus of Rutgers University and Dr. T. Andrew Finn of George Mason University explored this topic.

The topic for Session II was Cell Phone Use While Driving. This session explored questions including: Should cell phone use while driving be banned? What does the current data say about risks? What are the current and impending state laws, and how are they likely to be enforced?

Session II also examined other forms of distractions while driving including changing CDs and reading the paper behind the wheel. Presenters in Session II included Dee Yankoskie, representative of the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Ian Rodway of Fairfax County.

Several organizations contributed materials for exhibits for the Event. These exhibits included cellular phone safety, hands-free cellular phone technology and hardware, and legal information on cellular phone use while driving.