Denying visas to scholars who want to visit the United States, especially when the denial is political rather than security-related, was a top concern at a meeting of 20 university presidents and chancellors, including Cornell President David Skorton, at FBI Headquarters, Washington, D.C., Feb. 5.

All are members of the FBI's National Security Higher Education Advisory Board.

The board meets regularly to discuss national security matters that intersect with higher education. Chaired by Graham Spanier, president of Pennsylvania State University, the meetings provide a forum for dialogue between the FBI, other government agencies and higher education.

Said Skorton: "I am grateful to the leadership of the FBI and other agencies for their willingness to engage in a meaningful and candid way with research university leaders. Concerted dialogue about issues that affect the higher education community is essential to achieving a balance in areas of critical national concern."

To address the visa concerns, representatives from the U.S. Department of State briefed the board on the visa-issuance process. Representatives from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also provided an update on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and anticipated expansion of government services to universities and international students.

Members of the FBI's Cyber Division briefed the board on cyber-intrusion trends, and the agency expressed the need for universities to participate in discussing risk management and the fundamental issues of privacy. Members also discussed relationships between the United States and other nations, focusing on those with growing relevance to U.S. higher education.

The board is scheduled to meet again in June 2008.