Office of Information Technology

Technology Advisory Board (TAB)
Minutes of Meeting of March 24, 1999

Location: University Center, Room 203
Time: 2:00 PM – 2:40 PM

In Attendance

Bill Britten, Matt Disney, Frances Fogerson, Jim Gehlhar, Joe Gipson, Nancy Gnilka, Ray Hamilton, Chris Hood, Marcia Katz, Jeff Maples, Robin McNeil, Susan Metros, Faye Muly, Rob Power, Boyd Richards, Surya Singh, Ken Walker.

Discussion 1: Recommendation for Residence Hall Computing Labs

Richards presented a recommendation from the Student Government Association, which has the support of the Residence Halls and Student Affairs offices. Previously, Tim Johnson had proposed the remodeling and reassigning of rooms in several residence halls to accommodate new or expanded computer labs for students. The current recommendation, however, calls for one large lab to be constructed on the ground floor of Presidential Court.

Richards explained that this space had adequate square footage and a central location to support the computing needs of students in all residence halls on the western side of campus. Several advantages were noted: residence hall labs would not have to be remodeled, one lab would be easier to manage than multiple locations, over half of resident students live in this area, it is at ground level (for possible ADA considerations), it would show well on campus tours, and it has the support of key offices that represent both students and administration.

Questions about the plan centered on whether this lab would be staffed and the source of funding beyond the Tech Fee appropriations. Most agreed that a large lab should be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. McNeil noted that some staff could be transferred, assuming closure of some smaller Residence Hall labs, but that additional staffing would be needed. Maples commented that additional funds would definitely be required for renovation, and that such a lab could not be ready by fall 1999.

This recommendation will be submitted as a regular Technology Fee proposal to be submitted in April, with a short extension because of the recent changes in the plan.

Discussion 2: Other Business and Comments

Gipson announced that the DS-3 is up and running, beginning during Spring Break. He noted that it still required some adjustment, but appeared to be functioning well.

Most Tech Fee proposals for this year are being submitted electronically, but there are a small number that are not. Some discussion centered on making electronic submission a requirement, but this is not possible for this year.

The next meeting will be on April 21, 1999 in the 4th floor conference room of Andy Holt Tower. Tech Fee proposals will be reviewed.

Minutes prepared by: Frances Fogerson

Minutes posted by: Janet Miles