Minutes of the Technology Council
Monday, March 27, 2006

Members Present: Sharon Dimmer, Steve Dutch, Scott Hildebrand, Fergus Hughes, Sue Keihn, David Kieper, Dan McIver, E. Nicole Meyer, Erik Mims, Kathy Pletcher, Dean Rodeheaver, Meir Russ, Tim Sewall, Jan Thornton. Members not present: Fritz Erickson,

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 am.

Minutes of the March 6 meeting were approved by consensus.

Review of Telecommunications Policy document. Sue Keihn indicated that the policy had come from several sources including campus climate group and others dealing with women’s issues. The purpose of the policy is to create a standard for telecommuting that could be applied consistently across campus. The policy is not intended to cover temporary situations such as telecommuting due to a medical condition. There were mixed reactions to the policy. Several people thought it would be difficult to commute from off campus because of the need to be at a service desk. Others felt it could easily be done if the person had the right technology tools and support. It was agreed that the employee’s department would be responsible for covering expenses associated with off campus technical support, including equipment and staff time. Kathy will send a few revisions for the section on “Equipment and Information Security.” Others were encouraged to send any additional comments to Sue if they so desire. Since the Telecommuting Policy is not a technology policy the Council did not take specific action on it other than to provide input.

The Operating Plan for Photography Instruction was approved. The annual fiscal impact for this action is $250.

Guidelines for Computer Lab Accessibility was approved. The guidelines identify the extent of student access to general access labs, teaching labs and specialized resource/function labs. The guidelines establish a “50% rule of thumb” for scheduling classes in teaching labs, and also establishes open access hours for the following teaching labs when not being used for instruction: MAC 120, MAC 229, WH321/327, and LS 102. (see attached)

The Lab Usage Data was reviewed. It was noted that numerous labs have relatively low utilization. A question was raised regarding a minimum standard for utilization. In its discussions last year the Council agreed that labs which have utilization of less than 10% over several semesters should be reviewed for consolidation or elimination. The data show four labs in LS that have had less than 10% utilization for the past three semesters. The NAS faculty have been asked to review the instructional use of these labs and consider how to consolidate them.

First Review of Guidelines for Web Surveys. Paula Ganyard presented a multi-page handout describing the survey tool features and limitations, and a proposed “Terms of Use” document. The concept is similar to an acceptable use policy, where the user agrees to abide by certain rules when using the web survey tool. The Council agreed with the concepts presented. There were two immediate suggestions: add “online survey” to item 8 so that it is clear which service is being described; encourage users to export their data to an excel or CSV file and be responsible for maintaining their data. Kathy will share the document with Melissa Jackson for additional input. Council members should send additional suggestions to Paula and be prepared to approve a guideline document at the May 1 meeting.

Annual Technology Forum. The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 in the 1965 room. There are two sessions: 8:15-9:15 and 9:30-10:30 to accommodate faculty teaching schedules. The Council was encouraged to attend at least one of the sessions. Publicity will be handled through the LOG.

The next meeting will be May 1. The meeting adjourned at 11:00.

Respectfully Submitted,

Kathy Pletcher, Chair

Minutes of the Technology Council Monday, March 27, 2006

Minutes of the Technology Council
Monday, March 27, 2006