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Computing and Information Technology Advisory Committee (CITAC)
Minutes of Meeting
April 10, 1998
The meeting was held at 3:00 in Room 207 of the K-State Student Union. Attending were: Ken Brooks, Mel Chastain, Fred Damkroger, Faye Kennedy, Douglas King, Cynthia McCahon, Diane McGrath, Judy Miller, Vincent Ortiz, Martin Ottenheimer, Bradley Shaw (chair), Gail Simmonds, John Streeter, Roger Terry, Harv Townsend. Non-members present were Ken Conrow and Helen Cooper.
Chairperson Shaw announced that a Task Force on Funding Information Technology had been appointed by the provost and that its first meeting was scheduled for April 22. The chairperson for that committee is Dean Michael Holen. He also mentioned that the Year 2000 Readiness Committee had met recently and that they were redoubling their efforts to educate academic and non-academic units about what they can do to minimize problems.
Shaw then asked the five CITAC committee chairpersons to make a brief progress report to the council:
Ken Brooks, Instructional Servers: Progress to date has been limited to the discussion of issues and problems associated with instructional services for academic departments. What is apparent from an initial consideration of this issue is the existence of a variety of servers on campus. In addition to those supported by Computing and Network Services, there is a fast-growing number of "independent" servers or network systems that are housed in departments or other academic or service units. There is general recognition that training is needed at all levels, from LAN administrator to departmental resource persons. Competition for highly skilled administrators is intense, because our financial resources, compared to the demand for services, are strained, to say the least. Chairperson Kenneth Brooks indicates that the CITAC committee on instructional servers will focus on the effectiveness of instructional servers to anticipate and meet the needs of faculty.
John Streeter, Campus Network: John emphasized the need for a formally documented Campus Network Plan. The plan should include reference to funded and yet unfunded projects. The committee has noted that one-time funding opportunities make planning difficult and that this "model" has become an accepted mode of operations on campus. However, we are aware of efforts made by the University to enter into a contractual agreement with a major consulting firm to develop a comprehensive plan for the University. The committee concludes, according the chairperson Streeter, "that there may be considerable tangible and intangible benefits to engaging a qualified consulting firm capable of providing an appropriate quantity and quality of technical professionals to develop and document the plan, without endorsing the engagement of any particular consulting firm." Among other observations, the committee believes that a well articulated Plan would "greatly improve prospects for obtaining Campus, State, and Federal funds for Campus Network improvements."
Helen Cooper observed that the Campus Development Committee is of course interested in these issues and that communication with that committee will help in the overall planning process on campus. Shaw stressed the value of a well articulated plan in future fund-raising strategies for the University.
Diane McGrath, TAC Development and Services: Because the TAC (Technical Assistance Center) is just now (Spring 1998) opening its facilities in Hale Library, it is too early for the TAC Development and Services Committee to be engaged in an evaluative role. Instead the committee has begun a dialog with both Jeanette Harold and Ann Haycock in an effort to provide assistance, and to encourage the efficient use of resources among units who share objectives and functions. The idea of a "Multimedia Project Council" has been discussed as a way to cooperate among the various units who have are producing multimedia but whose functions are somewhat different. Such as group could help sort out tasks so that we do not either leave gaps or duplicate work. Later in 1998 and 1999 we anticipate the development of a working relationship between TAC and CITAC and ultimately, the elaboration of appropriate means by which CITAC may offer suggestions for further development.
Representatives of CNS, ECC, and TAC commented on the high level of cooperation among these units. Mel Chastain commented favorably on the possible benefits of a Multimedia Project Council.
Faye Kennedy, CITAC Lecture Series: Although there have been lectures, presentations, and campus visits sponsored by CITAC, we have not had systematic plans to carry on an on-going dialogue at KSU on issues of instructional technology that affect us all. For this reason a special committee has been formed to plan regularly scheduled activities throughout the academic year. Chairperson Faye Kennedy reports that the plan is to feature at least two speakers each semester, and to sponsor presentations and other activities as opportunities arise. The committee includes a representative of the Salina campus. Efforts will be made to include K-State Salina in the benefits of scheduled campus lectures and presentations. In some cases we will plan to have lecturers visit both the Manhattan and Salina campuses. Other efforts to connect Salina to the Manhattan-based activities may involve video conferencing or satellite transmission from one campus to the other.
Members are urged to contact Faye with recommendations regarding speakers and topics.
Martin Ottenheimer, Vision 2020 / Strategic Planning: Although there have been lectures, presentations, and campus visits sponsored by CITAC, we have not had systematic plans to carry on an on-going dialogue at KSU on issues of instructional technology that affect us all. For this reason a special committee has been formed to plan regularly scheduled activities throughout the academic year. Chairperson Faye Kennedy reports that the plan is to feature at least two speakers each semester, and to sponsor presentations and other activities as opportunities arise. The committee includes a representative of the Salina campus. Efforts will be made to include K-State Salina in the benefits of scheduled campus lectures and presentations. In some cases we will plan to have lecturers visit both the Manhattan and Salina campuses. Other efforts to connect Salina to the Manhattan-based activities may involve video conferencing or satellite transmission from one campus to the other.
Harvard Townsend reported that the Calendar/Scheduler committee is moving ahead with its evaluation of current software and it plans to make a recommendation for purchase in June, so that purchase may be made after July 1 (using FY 99 funds).
Shaw mentioned the formation of a new CITAC committee on student computer systems, the purpose of which is to recommend each year the appropriate computer system requirements for students in the various colleges. The committee includes representatives from each college, plus a CITAC representative and two students. Shaw indicated that the committee would meet soon. (Chairperson: Tweed Ross).
With no further old or new business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
For CITAC,
Bradley Shaw
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