CREN's strategic mission is to support low-cost access to worldwide electronic networking and its use for the benefit of education and research communities. Specific responsibilities of the organization include:

1. Developing seminars, workshops, and educational and training materials that train faculty, students, and staff in strategic technology areas using distance education modules.

2. Creating software tools that enable information technology professionals to understand and exploit advances in technology.

CREN members can access the CREN Bylaws.