In this issue.

The three articles in this second issue of vol. 34 explore a range of topics. In the first, a case study from Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne, Carl Drummond demonstrates the positive effects of developing and implementing a strategic plan for research administration and how such a specific, localized strategic plan relates to an overall strategic plan of the organization.

For the second article, we note that this autumn is a difficult time for international students and scholars. The new laws and procedures designed to combat terrorism have made it even harder for them to leave their home countries. Dan Riggle's paper considers balancing the needs of national security with the needs of the research and university communities for the flow of both ideas and people. It includes a discussion of several new anti-terrorist databases, including SEVIS. Difficulties with the processing of visa applications for the US are a widespread concern just now, but this article suggests a role for research administrators, monitoring the scholars' situation and ensuring timely communication to obtain optimal results.

Third, "The Belmont Ethos," an inspiring commentary by Edward Gabriele, director of the new Office of Professional Integrity and Ethics of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery at the Office of the Navy Surgeon General, revisits the three principles of the Belmont Report and asks the research community not merely to meet the principles of Belmont, but to uphold the spirit of these principles. IRB members are responsible for representing their community's standards, so that as the society matures and its standards change, members recognize and apply more broadly the ethics of their culture.

In this issue we also reintroduce the updated article "Information for Contributors," which describes how to submit an article for publication in the Journal. We encourage all who have an idea on a topic of potential interest to submit your manuscript for publication. This item should answer your questions and enable you to become a published author.

With appreciation, we say "Farewell!" to some of our reviewers. This journal is the product of a great deal of effort by volunteers whose work is not always visible in the publication. Several of those volunteers are ending their terms of service this October at the annual meeting. At this time, I want to express my appreciation to departing members of the editorial review board for their service to the journal, to SRA, and to the profession. The terms of two specialist representatives are ending early due to retirement. Richard Straight, director/acting ACOS of research and development for VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System retired this summer. Mary Ellen Colvin, grants management specialist with NICHD at NIH will retire early next year.

The terms of Kathleen Hogue Gonzalez, associate director of research administration for Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and representative for the western section of SRA, and Mary Watson, director of grants and contracts for Valdosta State University, representative for the southern section, are ending after two years on the Editorial Review Board. Without their dedication and hard work the journal would be a much poorer product, if it existed at all. SRA members owe them a debt of gratitude for their service.

Persons interested in representing a section for SRA on the editorial review board should contact the Communications Co-chairs, Marianne Ward and Jim Hanlon.

One final item for our readers is to announce that the executive board of SRA has decided that with this issue the journal will begin being published and distributed electronically. As we submit this issue for publication, the final details concerning further implementation of the conversion have not been determined. When they have been, SRA will inform its members and subscribers to the journal.