Monday

10/13/03

12:00

Present:Dave Cress, Angie Burdiss, Joe Sullivan, Dave Mader, Laura Little, Debbie Stodberg, Jim Fry, John Davis (invited guest: Gary Craig)

Old Business:

Laptops for students: Discussion followed regarding this led by Gary Craig – other schools not requiring students to have them – only about 5% of the schools are requiring this.Decision was made to strongly encourage students to bring laptop but would not be mandatory – recommended laptops with wireless connection.

Updated spec sheet with computer preference will be compiled by the IT Dept (reviewed by Laura Little expressing the benefits of bringing a laptop to campus) and given to admissions/recruitment for next years incoming students – of the faculty computers that were purchased this past summer only 2 of the 28 computers ordered for professors were laptops.Gradual transition to laptops may follow as students bring computers to campus.

Discussed conducting survey to see how many students brought computers to campus and how many of those were laptops.

Discussed open office vs Microsoft office suite – suggesting to students to use open office – problem with this is that IT does not have the manpower to change over 800 computers – was suggested that students be made aware of open office as a free shareware program.

John Davis made motion to do specs for computers and Jim Fry seconded motion and all accepted.

Title III Policies and procedures manual updated and presented – copy will be Library and Debbie Stodberg’s office

TIG information is listed online http://www.marietta.edu/~tag/IT/tigs.htm

We are working with a central login, one password portal solution. This will integrate all online capabilities. In order to do with with WebCT, we may need to upgrade WebCT– John Davis and Laura Little will discuss this further.

New Business

Strategic Plan – no feedback from TAG members – have shown to cabinet and planning committee.Will present Strategic Plan to Board of Trustees – Future of technology and what happens after Title III ends – who provides funds for upgrades and other T1 lines – serious concern about $300 thousand a year to maintain what has already been built and where these funds will come from.

FDDI ring – will save $50,000/year if we own instead of renting from SBC

Suggestion to Board of Trustees/Administration that a Technical budget line be put in the budget to replace equipment

Discussed Lease/Purchase for support of labs $150,000/yr – PC’s

Next meeting 10-20-03, location TBA.