MINUTES
UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
June 19, 2000
Members Present: Others Present:
Richard Crosby, Chairperson Joann Campbell
Tom Serwatka, Vice Chairperson Kathy Hughes
Debra Abbott Scott Runnion
Bob Allen (representing Donna Mohr) John Sharp
Andrew Farkas Lance Taylor
David Jaffee Tony Turrin
Bruce Kavan
Jeff Michelman
Judy Perkin
Chairperson Crosby convened the University Technology Committee (UTC) meeting at 10:35am in the COBA InTuition Conference Room.
1. Minutes – May 15, 2000 Meeting
The Minutes from the May 15, 2000 meeting were approved as submitted.
2.
Announcements
a. Chairperson Crosby stated that the following documents were attached to the email sent out last week for review by the committee: (1) minutes from the May 15th meeting; (2) summary of comments for users of Blackboard at other universities; (3) summary of responses asking for universities using WebCT, Blackboard or Lotus Learning Space; and (4) list of U.S. universities using WebCT, Blackboard or Lotus Learning Space (based on information in their web pages).
b. David Jaffee stated that 31 faculty had requested Blackboard accounts for Fall 2000 course offerings. Training sessions were held on June 12th and additional training is scheduled for July 7th and July 28th. More sessions may be added following a poll of the faculty. He has also set up a Blackboard users/discussion group.
c. Chairperson Crosby stated that the next UTC meeting is scheduled for July 3rd and because July 4th is a holiday, there may be a need to cancel this meeting (due to members taking a long holiday weekend). He will poll the members by email and send out a notice regarding the meeting’s cancellation as soon as possible.
As a preface to the next 3 agenda items, Chairperson Crosby stated that he had asked that each Action Team Chairperson present their final recommendations to the UTC at the July 17th meeting. At that time, each Action Team Chairperson should discuss how the Action Team should proceed next year (be disbanded, be reconstituted, etc.).
3.
Distance Learning Action Team
Tom Serwatka stated that he would make a report at the next UTC meeting.
4.
Internet2 Action Team
Lance Taylor stated that he would be meeting today with Jim Collom of Sponsored Research to discuss grant funding possibilities. He will report back at the next UTC meeting.
5.
Mac Action Team
Because Stuart Chalk was not in attendance, this agenda item will be postponed until the next UTC meeting.
6.
2000-2001 Budget
Chairperson Crosby stated that the 2000-2001 budget had been approved with the following allocations for technology:
a. $125,000 (recurring) for currency – in addition to the recurring $125,000 already in place;
b. $202,000 non-recurring for currency;
c. funding for PRI (phone line for distance learning) – previously funded by the College of Business Administration;
d. final portion to complete the Osprey Network in Osprey Village;
e. instructional designer position to transfer to Academic Affairs;
f. additional position for network (position with Unix background);
g. Academic Affairs received a COAS c-tech position which they will transfer to Administration & Finance
7.
CIRT Presentation
Debra Abbott handed out a mission statement and goals for the Center for Instruction & Research Technology (CIRT). She summarized what’s been done over the past two months (since her arrival). She also envisions developing a newsletter in addition to the information provided on their web page. Tom Serwatka suggested that she provide CIRT information through the Sponsored Research/Faculty Enhancement newsletter. A question was asked whether equipment could be checked out from CIRT. Debra Abbott responded that some equipment is available for check-out and that only training and demo disks will be available for check out (with exceptions made on an as-needed basis).
Chairperson Crosby will talk with the Director of Purchasing regarding the possibility of direct purchases (with the purchasing card) made on-line to speed up the process of receiving hardware/software.
Chairperson Crosby also raised the issue of the use of the 24/7 room. Debra Abbott stated that she had done a key audit and the room is used in “sporadic bursts.”
8.
Mac Classroom
Bob Allen stated that this classroom is on schedule for classes in the Fall.
9.
Voice Over ATM Test
Kathy Hughes reported that the latest software has been delayed and the test will proceed once this has been received. She will provide an update to the UTC once test has been done.
10.
Osprey Net
Kathy Hughes reported that there were issues with the Fire Marshal that have now been resolved. Osprey Village should be up by September.
11.
Security Audit
Lance Taylor reported that the contractor was on site last week and expects a staff report within 2-3 weeks. He stated that the penetration test had not yet occurred (the group will try to break into our system). This will probably happen next week and be scheduled so that it doesn’t impact the system. He also stated that he’s been in contact with Ann Duskin (new SGA President) to set up a forum for students regarding what they like, don’t like and want in the future.
12.
Network Traffic Shaping
Kathy Hughes reported that Media One has upgraded the router for traffic shaping.
13.
Cyber Café
Chairperson Crosby stated that students are interested in this concept. This would be a 24-hour establishment with coffee and internet connections. Ray Szaltis is working on this. Since the space that the Pizza Hut currently has in Building 14 is being vacated (they have cancelled their contract), this is one location under consideration.
14.
Charter
Chairperson Crosby stated that a first pass on updating the Charter has been done. If any UTC member would like something added/deleted, please email either Richard Crosby or Tom Serwatka with suggestions.
15.
Other Business
Chairperson Crosby stated that it might be time to go from two meetings a month to one meeting a month. This will be discussed at the next meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30am