Office of Information Technology

Technology Advisory Board (TAB)
Minutes of Meeting of June 16, 1999

Location: Andy Holt Tower, 4th floor conference room
Time: 2:00pm - 2:35pm

In Attendance

Jean Derco, Matt Disney, Frances Fogerson, Jim Gehlhar, Nancy Gnilka, Ray Hamilton, Dewitt Latimer, Jeff Maples, Robin McNeil, Faye Muly, Surya Singh, Kenneth Walker, Clifton Woods.

Discussion 1: Status of FY00 Departmental Lab Awards

Gnilka reported that decision letters have been mailed to all departments that applied for awards.

Concerning the proposed lab at Presidential Court, Maples will forward a copy of the Physical Plant's plans to McNeil for her review. Maples stated that the estimate for renovation of space only (not networking) is $175,000 - $200,000. McNeil added that the original figure for installing fiber to the building is higher than predicted, causing networking costs to be adjusted upwards.

Discussion 2: Contract for Microsoft Products

Latimer reported the two-year contract with Microsoft had been terminated at their request. UTK had been one of 16 schools enrolled in a special program and all are being discontinued. Microsoft is now proposing to charge a $15 annual licensing fee for every student for an approximate cost of $375,000. The major impact is on students' personal purchases of software and has no connection to institutional purchases made with state funds (i.e., campus computer laboratories). He also announced Microsoft is supplying free software upgrades to individuals who made purchases between January 1 and May 31. The deadline for receiving the upgrade is August 15.

Discussion 3: Formation of Subcommittees

Muly and Disney stated that because a one-hour meeting once a month is not always sufficient, they were recommending the formation of three subcommittees. The function of these will be:

1. Development of policy guidelines regarding Technology Fee funding that provides collateral benefits to faculty and staff. This was recommended in the recent audit report.
2. Development of guidelines for inventory policies regarding components, software, and machines after warranty expiration.
3. Development of a three-year plan.

Disney suggested the membership of these three subcommittees be composed of a chair, two students, and two faculty/staff. For the first subcommittee, an additional member from the audit department may also be asked to serve in an advisory capacity.

Discussion 4: Other

Walker asked if a special rate was available for ISDN connections with McNeil responding there is a subsidized rate for students.

Muly reviewed an earlier decision that Technology Fee waivers for students doing off-campus internships will expire after the Summer sessions. Beginning with the Fall semester, no waivers will be granted except in very unusual individual situations.

The next meeting will be July 21, 1999 in the 4th floor conference room of Andy Holt Tower.

Minutes prepared by: Frances Fogerson