Attendance:
Ms. Joyce Barnes, Leesville SGA; Dr. Alvin Brossette, Continuing Education; Ms. Cate Cebrowski, Watson Library; Dr. Betsy Cochran, Scholar’s College; Mr. Phillip Gillis, Academic Computing; Dr. Thomas Hanson, Graduate School*; Mr. Thomas Hall, Science & Technology; Dr. Sally Hunt, Education; Mr. Creighton Owen, Leesville Campus; Ms. Susan Pierce, Nursing*; Mr Craig Poleman, CenLA Campus; Mr. Steve Reid, Computer Center; Dr. Garry Ross, Liberal Arts; Dr. Anthony Scheffler, Chair, Academic Computing; Mr. Luke Shaw, NSU SGA; Ms. Alicia Thomas, NSU SGA; Dr. Terry Bechtel, Business*; Ms. Carol Humphries*, Sheveport SGA. *Absent
Guest(s): Mr. Roy Davis, Academic Computing
The Information Technology Advisory Council met for the first time on Wednesday, September 10, 1997, at 9:00 a.m. in Room 149 Kyser Hall.
The council’s purpose, as described by Dr. Scheffler, is to act as an advisory group, appointed by Dr. Burns, which focuses on effective uses of technology to advance the University’s mission, particularly with respect to the teaching/learning process. In this capacity the Council will make recommendations as to the use and allocation of related resources, including the student technology fees. It was noted that the Council’s name may change in response to the state’s anticipated request for each university to create a Teaching/Learning/Technology Round Table.
Ms. Alicia Thomas, the Natchitoches campus SGA President, presented an overview of the history and current status of the student technology fee statewide and at NSU. As Ms. Thomas explained, Dr. Webb and his staff presented a plan to the SGAs in Natchitoches and Shreveport during the summer. Based on this presentation both SGAs agreed to allow the students to be assessed $5.00/credit hour with a cap of $100 per semester. This is the highest approved cap in the state at this time. Most of the other institutions have assessed the fee with caps that range from $40 to $75. So far this semester the fee has raised an estimated $575,000. The exact amount will be calculated after the 14 day count.
In order to ensure a future resource, Dr. Scheffler suggested that each semester a percentage of the student technology fee be placed into an interest bearing reserve. Dr. Ross made a motion that a reserve fund be established and that a percentage of the student fees be invested into the fund each semester until a principle of two million dollars is in place. Dr. Hunt seconded the motion which was then passed by the Council. Dr. Cochran later moved to amend Dr. Ross’s motion to specify that 20% of the fees collected each semester be invested in the reserve fund. Mr. Thomas Hall seconded Dr. Cochran’s motion and the amendment passed unanimously. Dr. Scheffler agreed to discuss the reserve account with Carl Jones and report back to the Advisory Council.
As was proposed to the students by Dr. Webb during his presentation to the SGAs this past summer, a new computer lab will be constructed on each of the NSU campuses. One of these labs will be located in the Natchitoches campus Student Union. Estimated cost per lab is approximately $70,000. Dr. Betsy Cochran suggested that surplus furniture be used in these and future labs whenever possible as a means by which to minimize cost. Dr. Cochran indicated that the Scholar’s College currently has several tables and chairs that might be used in the new labs. Dr. Scheffler agreed to assign one of the students who is working on the construction of labs to begin locating surplus furniture for lab use. There was a brief discussion on the type of software that will be used in the labs and the administration of the open lab in the Student Union. Ultimately, both the administration and software types will be determined based on student needs. It was suggested that before the lab is opened that those units on campus that currently have student labs be asked for input on the management of the new student lab.
Dr. Scheffler explained that the University is creating an Office of Academic Computing and Distance Education which will be responsible for the administration and facilitation of academic technology-related initiatives. Dr. Scheffler requested that $10,000 from the technology fees be allocated annually for operational support of this office. These funds will be used for operational costs including training and travel. Dr. Ross’s motion that $10,000 be allocated to the Office of Academic Computing and Distance Education was seconded by Mr. Poleman and passed unanimously.
Dr. Scheffler notified the group that official permission has not been granted to use the technology fees to hire salaried personnel. Mr. Reid indicated a need for 1 or 2 high-end support specialists. Mr. Creighton Owen made a motion to support in principle the allocation of monies to hire support staff if the State will allow the money to be used for such. Mr. Hall seconded the motion which was then passed by the Council. Ms. Alicia Thomas agreed to check with other state universities to see if funds are being allocated for salaries. Dr. Scheffler will explore the possibility with the State Student Technology Fee Committee.
The hiring of student workers as support specialists was discussed. Dr. Scheffler explained that the University may hire students with specialized skills on an hourly wage. These students would be paid a wage that reflects their level of expertise. Dr. Ross motioned that funds be allocated to hire technical support student workers. Ms. Alicia Thomas seconded the motion which was then approved by the council. Dr. Scheffler will provide the committee with details as to the number of students to be hired, the hiring procedures, and the associated funding.
On a motion by Dr. Scheffler, seconded by Mr. Owen and approved by the committee, a subcommittee will be established and chaired by Mr. Hall to explore the feasibility of providing funding from the technology fees for faculty Innovation Grants. It was suggested that these grants could be awarded to faculty for the exploration of innovative uses of technology in the teaching/learning process.
The mechanism by which funds from the Student Technology Fees Account may be requested by units within the University was discussed. A draft of the Student Technology Fee Allocation Request Form was distributed. Mr. Hall motioned to accept the form on a trial basis for the 1998 Spring Semester. The motion was seconded by Dr. Ross and was passed by the council. Dr. Ross agreed to convene an ad hoc committee to develop an objective standard by which to assess allocation requests made to the Council.
Cate Cebrowski was nominated and appointed by acclamation to the position of Secretary/Webmaster for the Council. Ms. Cebrowski will see to the development of a council web page. The page will provide information on the council’s activities including all initiatives funded through the Council.
It was agreed that the next meeting of the Council will be Monday, September 22, 1997, at 10:00 am. The representatives from the satellite campuses suggested that the meeting be held over the compressed video system whenever possible in order to limit travel expense.
A draft copy of the University technology plan was distributed to the members for future discussion.
With no other business the council was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfuly submitted,
Anthony Scheffler, Chair
Information Technology Advisory Council
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