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Information Technology Update: Summer 2008

Computer Rollout Update

Information Technology is gearing up for the Computer Rollout 2008. We have selected Dell as our primary provider and are beginning to receive new computers. A tentative schedule, project status, and additional information are available on the Rollout website.

The final scheduling of each new computer installation will be coordinated with the client at least one week prior to the install date. Individual timing preferences will be honored to the best of our ability, but concrete scheduling cannot be produced before the process is under way.

Within the next few weeks, you can expect several instructive and informational emails pertaining to the details and arrival time of your new computer(s), and also information about password submittal, training options, and deployment procedures.

New Voicemail System

Information Technology is pleased to announce that we will implement a new voicemail system on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. This system offers improved reliability along with the ability to administer your mailbox by phone or from a web page. You will receive an instructive email and link to setup instructions and documentation. Please be prepared to spend approximately 15 minutes to set up your new mailbox and voicemail greeting on May 13.

Internet Bandwidth Upgrade

Internet bandwidth to the St. Lawrence campus will be upgraded this summer. Negotiations with our current service provider, Time Warner, are under way and we are hoping to nearly double our current capacity (45Mbps).

Wireless Networking, Phase II

Implementation of the second of a three phase deployment plan to make all buildings on campus wireless by the end of 2009 is under way. Phase I was completed last year and included all first year residence halls. This summer, wireless networking will be installed in all remaining residence halls, including theme cottages. For more details on the wireless deployment plan, please visit http://infotech.stlawu.edu and click on the link for wireless under the resources section.

Use of Strong Passwords

Information Technology has worked with ITC and Senior Staff to develop new strong password guidelines for all users on campus. The new guidelines require a minimum password length of 8 characters and a mix of character types (e.g. numbers or symbols). All users will be required to meet these new guidelines that next time they change their password. An example of a strong password is 'Waterfall8'. To help with this transition and to help you create a strong password, we have deployed a self service password website. This site also allows you to reset your password in the event that you have forgotten your password. Please visit http://infotech.stlawu.edu/ and click the Reset Password link under the Resources section.

eClassroom Upgrades

Several teaching and learning spaces will receive Classroom Stewards capital improvements, including varying degrees of new technology implementations: Noble Center 001, Piskor 214, Launders/Madill 212, Richardson 304, Carnegie 112, Atwood 3, and Augsbury 51.

During the computer rollout this summer, all document cameras currently installed will be removed; many are old and no longer functioning properly and/or will not interface with our new computers. However, some new AVerVision CP300 document cameras have been purchased with capital funds. Beginning this August, faculty and staff may request a document camera be installed in any teaching and learning space on a semester-by-semester basis.

This summer we will also install external multistandard/multiregional DVD players in many spaces, and we are actively exploring solutions for non-Region 1/non-Region Free multimedia. In any event, we will no longer be able to utilize Region Killer software to play non Region 1/non-Region Free DVD media through the computer's DVD drive. If you use DVD media from outside of Region 1 in your courses, please be sure to submit the survey to help us assess teaching and learning needs with DVD media across campus.

More information about both of the above processes will be forthcoming before semester start up.

Online Training Availability

In an effort to improve supplemental training opportunities, alternatives to ElementK online training have been evaluated and TotalTraining was recently purchased. As a result, ElementK will be phased out this summer. Those who are away from campus and unable to attend local training should carefully consider how TotalTraining resources may help to meet your needs. Please contact IT to request a TotalTraining account.

Winston Room Upgrade

The Winston Room in the Student Center will receive a major infusion of technology, including a Crestron touch screen control system and other programming and equipment, to facilitate ease of use and expand functionality of the sound system.
 
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