Information Technology Committee
Minutes
September 24, 1996
Present: Max Bassett (Chair), Arnold Bradford, Gene Brown for Daniel Himes, Tom
Butler, Gen Sen Chu for Laura McCullough, George Duffy, Fran Emory, Yitna
Firdyiwek, Paul McVeigh, Vince Pizzurro, Neil Reynolds, Steven Sachs, Lionel
Sylvas, Charlotte Wilhelmi.
Absent: Gail Kettlewell
1. Committees' Roles
The purpose statements for each of the major committees involved in NVCC Information
Technology governance were reviewed: Information Technology Committee, Operations
and Applications Committee, Campus Instructional Technology Groups. There was
discussion on the role of the existing Campus Teaching, Learning and Technology
Roundtables. Several of the campuses have combined the CITGs with the TLTRs. At
one campus, the groups are different, but the chairs of each are members of both groups.
2. Technology Funds
The technology funds available for implementing the College Information Technology Plan
will be spent in four areas: network infrastructure, hardware, training and personnel. The
sources of these funds are as follows:
Source Year 1 Year 2 (est.)
Equipment Trust Fund $ 1,487,115 $ 1,487,115
Technology Fee 636,030 636,030
General Funds 696,228 696,228
Professional Development 68,825 68,825
Capital Funds 665,952 --
Total $ 3,554,150 $ 2,888,198
George Duffy indicated that Equipment Trust Fund money can be used for technology
equipment that will be used in any instructional office, classroom or lab.
3. Network Infrastructure
The Computing and Information Systems staff expects to complete their detailed survey of
campus computing infrastructure within the next two weeks. They are mapping all
cabling, wall outlets and communication room equipment. The results of this survey will
allow the committee to determine how much infrastructure still needs to be completed. It
will also allow the Committee to make a final decision on whether it is less costly to
complete the infrastructure using Token Ring or to use Ethernet for new installations.
4. Information Technology Issues
The Committee discussed a number of topics to identify issues and decisions that have to
be made in the near future. The decision-making process should include a determination
of costs, benefits and implications. Among the issues discussed were:
a. Network Design - Decisions must be made on cabling priorities, Token Ring vs.
Ethernet, migration from LAN server and OS-2 to NT and Windows 95, location
of new servers, etc.
b. Software - There are currently three operating systems that are approved for use
on college computers (DOS/Windows 3.1, Windows 95, OS-2), and a number of
different word processing products (Word Perfect 5.x, Word Perfect 6.x, MS
Word 6.0). Decisions need to be make on selection of one or more standard
Office Suites, an e-mail product(s), standardization on an operating system(s) for
desktops and the network. On software issues, it remains to be determined
whether there will be a college-wide standard or just guidelines, and whether any
individual deviations will be allowed. These software issues were referred to the
Operations and Applications Committee.
c. Priorities for cabling and equipment - Even in advance of the complete CIS
study of the current infrastructure, campuses should begin to identify their
priorities for additional cabling and equipment consistent with the College-wide
plan.
d. Computer repair outsourcing - The plan calls for the current microcomputer
repair staff to become responsible for network operations. Equipment repair will
be handled through existing warranty/maintenance agreements, replacement of old
equipment or other outside repair. Procedures and policies need to be developed
on who will be the liaison with the repair facilities, how equipment will be shipped,
who will pay for repairs, how will repair costs be budgeted, etc. These issues will
be discussed at the next meeting of the Committee.
e. Computer/Software purchasing - Specific discussion was put on hold pending
completion of the infrastructure study so that the Committee would know how
much money will be available. It was noted that adequate security devises should
be included in the purchase of equipment.
f. Budget allocation - A specific strategy for allocating the available funds and new
equipment has not been developed. Figures will be analyzed on a campus-by-campus
basis to determine how much is needed to bring all campuses to the
established standard. There was interest in developing a process that avoids
penalizing those who have already invested in new technology. A subcommittee of
Steven Sachs, George Duffy, Lionel Sylvas, Paul McVeigh and Laura
McCullough was established to develop recommendations and options for
presentation at the next meeting of the Committee. Mr. Duffy will chair this
activity.
g. Training and staff development - Discussion on training and staff development
was deferred until other decisions on software, migration timing, and equipment
purchases have been made. A request was made to allow the campus TLTRs to
have some funds for organizing training on instructional uses of software and
hardware.
h. New positions - A subcommittee of Steven Sachs, Arnold Bradford and Tom
Butler was appointed to develop a generic component for the job descriptions for
the new technology positions. Dr. Sachs will chair this activity. Mr. Duffy will
work with Human Resources to obtain position numbers, job titles and grades for
these positions. Applicants will be allowed to apply for one or more of the
available positions covering their choice of work locations.
I.. Communications with the college community - There was agreement that it is
important to let the entire college community know what is happening with respect
to implementation of the plan. It was suggested that a monthly feature be added to
the Intercom ("Did You Know...") similar to that used during the past
reaffirmation of accreditation process. This feature could include a summary of
Committee meeting notes. It was also suggested that a symbol or logo be
developed to identify the project. In addition it was suggested that the following
be used to help regularly communicate with the entire college: e-mail, a web page,
CITGs, and a semesterly newsletter reporting on activities, decisions, etc. It was
also suggested that the campuses hold campus-wide meetings for all faculty and
staff to talk about the plan. A subcommittee of Fran Emory, Charlotte Wilhelmi
and Steven Sachs was appointed to work on communication issues. Dr. Emory
was asked to chair this activity.
5. External Consultation
There are no current plans to hire additional consultants to help with implementation of
the College-wide plan, unless additional expertise on a specific issue is needed in the
future. It was suggested that Mr. Larry Hengehold, VCCS Vice Chancellor of
Information Technology, be contacted if outside assistance is needed.
6. Student Information System
Discussion of a process and committee to begin planning for a new VCCS-wide SIS was
deferred until a future meeting.
7. ELI Representation
The Committee approved adding the chair of ELI's CITG to the official membership of
the Information Technology Committee. The current chair is John Senor.
8. Summary of Pending Items
a. Completion of existing infrastructure survey - CIS Staff
b. Selection of college-wide software - Operations and Applications Committee
c. Cable and equipment priorities - Campuses to begin identification process
d. Project budget allocation strategy - Mr. Duffy's subcommittee
e. New positions job descriptions - Dr. Sachs' subcommittee
f. Communication with the college strategies - Dr. Emory's subcommittee
g. Computer repair outsourcing - ITC
9. Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Instructional Technology Committee is scheduled for Friday,
October 18, 9:30 a.m., in the Board Room of the Brault Building.
Notes prepared by:
Steven G. Sachs
Associate Dean for Information Technology
Committee Chair:
Max L. Bassett
Dean of Academic and Student Services
cc: Members
Dr. Ernst
This page maintained by Steven G. Sachs, Associate Dean for Information Technology