Source: Lynn Carlin, 785-532-6520, lcarlin@k-state.edu
Note to editors: Zach McMahon is a graduate of Salina South High School.
News release prepared by: Andy Badeker, 785-532-6415, abadeker@k-state.edu
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
FORUMS OFFER K-STATERS A CHANCE TO COMMENT ON CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY
MANHATTAN -- Faculty, staff and students at Kansas State University will have a chance to contribute their thoughts on campuswide technology needs April 8-10 at a series of brainstorming forums organized by the Information Technology Needs Assessment Working Group.
"'Upgrade K-State: Tell Us What You Need' is designed to solicit thoughts about where we are today in providing technology services, and where we need to be going," said Lynn Carlin, interim vice provost for information technology services.
"Each person will have the opportunity to express ideas, suggestions or recommendations, even if that idea contradicts an idea posed by someone else in the room," Carlin said. "The point of these meetings is to hear and record all ideas, not to build consensus or evaluate one opinion against another."
The forums complement the targeted focus groups and other open meetings that are taking place this spring to gather suggestions from a broad range of K-Staters.
People also can submit comments at a special Web site, http://upgrade.k-state.edu
An "Information Technology Needs Assessment Report" should be available at the end of April at the same Web site. Suggestions and ideas included in the final report will be anonymous.
"Ultimately, the working group will use the meeting notes to form our recommendations to the provost and to the computing executive committee about possible steps to better align central technology services with campus needs," Carlin said. "Hearing directly from K-Staters is so important as we plan the next generation of information technology services."
The forums, all in Hale Library's Hemisphere Room, will be:
* Faculty and staff: 3-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, and 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, April 9.
* Students: 9:30-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, and 3-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.
* Campus information technology staff: 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, April 10.
* Central information technology staff: 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday, April 10.
In addition to Carlin, members of the working group include student representative Zach McMahon, a junior in management information systems, Manhattan; Fred Fairchild, professor of grain science and industry; Michael North, computer information specialist with Hale Library's digital initiatives; Charlie Thomas, assistant athletics director; James Lyall, associate vice provost for information technology services; and Ralph Richardson, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.