Office of Information Technology

Technology Advisory Board (TAB)
Minutes of Meeting of February 21, 2001

Location: 4th Floor Conference Room, Andy Holt Tower
Time: 3:30 - 4:30pm

Attendance:

Members: Eric Beaty, Brooks Brown, Allen Cain, Will Carver, Jim Gehlhar, Nathan Hammer, Susan Metros, Joshua Morrison, Faye Muly, David Ratledge (for Bill Britten), Matthew Thigpen, Fred Tompkins (for Jerry Stoneking).

Others: Chris Cimino, Julie Little, Robin McNeil, Linda Painter, Judy Travis.

Report from the Technical Advisory Board Budgetary Planning Subcommittee

A report listing the cost estimate recommendations for NEW projects for the 2001/02 school year was distributed. This is an estimate since the actual amount for new projects may increase or decrease depending on final equipment specifications and the exact implementation.

Technology Training Lab in Presidential Court Complex

Will Carver explained that this particular project is not figured into this budget since it will be delayed until next year. The problem is one of acquiring space.

Wireless Project

A question was raised about funding for the wireless project. It is planned that half the campus will be wireless by this Fall. The implementation of the wireless network is being funded by a separate one-time allocation. The Technology Fee will provide a subsidy for each student to acquire one network interface card, either wired or wireless. The exact card cost and subsidy has yet to be determined.

ITC Blackboard Project

In answer to a question for explanation of the allotment in the budget for the Blackboard Project, Susan Metros explained that this is for implementation of the student organization module. The amount allotted is a one-time cost for the portal, and essential investment in reducing future costs. If Blackboard is not chosen, this amount would not be enough to support that, since the infrastructure for Blackboard is already in place.

Departmental Awards Process

The procedures for these awards will be the same as in past years. The deadline for departmental proposal submission was February 16, and a spreadsheet is being prepared based on priorities as listed by each college. This spreadsheet will be presented at the March 14 TAB meeting.

Graduate Student PC Work Room

FY 02 funding has been allocated for a PC computer lab for graduate students in Hodges Library. Opening of this lab may be delayed as various options are being studied with regard to security.

Other

Susan Metros distributed the ITC Newsletter which is sent to all faculty. Julie Little brought the Spring 2001 Arts Calendar, which contains a nice article about Digital Media and how it is used to enhance education at The University of Tennessee.

Faye Muly added that the Digital Media Services Center, which will be in place this summer, originated in a pilot program funded by the Technology Fee.

Faye Muly indicated that since we have the new facilities fee, which provides for classroom upgrade funding, departmental requests for classroom technology will be referred to the classroom upgrade committee chaired by Faye Julian.

Will Carver pointed out the original TAB meeting date of March 21 falls in the middle of Spring Break. It was agreed to move the meeting date up a week to March 14 since the week after, March 28, falls during the student government campaign.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 14, 3:30PM - 4:30PM in the University Center, Room 237.

Minutes by: Judy Travis