Macalester College
Computing and Information Technology Department
Project Status Report
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Goals and Projects
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I. Ensure the provision of readily available, reliable and effective information resources in support of the educational mission of the college by
a. providing sufficient computers, software, library collections in all appropriate formats and multimedia facilities,
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Central Systems |
Combine Admin and Academic file/print servers into single multi-unit cluster for reliability. July 23 |
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Moved back to January 2005 due to staff availability. |
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Specify, install and implement new campus equipment database. July 16. Integrate with tracking process. August 6 |
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Now testing converting data to the new database. Goal to go live by mid-November |
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Desktop Services |
Purchase, receive, prepare and deliver computer equipment for new tenure-track faculty with startup funds. Ongoing. David, Marty, Jacob and AIAs. |
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All purchasing and deliveries complete. |
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Purchase or recycle, prepare, deliver computer equipment for new-non-tenure-track faculty and new staff, with whatever funds (or equipment from recyclable stock) are available. Ongoing. David, Marty, Jacob and AIAs |
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Ongoing. Need to improve inter-departmental communication re: searches for new staff and faculty. All known needs have been met. |
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Imaging server configuration and testing. Macintosh: Adam and Jacob; PC: Adam. ASAP. |
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Completed. |
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Shared list of all applications for images. All desktop staff. Ongoing (continuously updated). |
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Ongoing and under constant refinement. Need to improve internal procedures for building PC images. |
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Update CITÕs ÔsoftwareÕ Web page. Determine responsibilities for routine updates. David, Geri and other CIT staff as appropriate. Ongoing. |
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Updating underway. Need to assign ongoing update responsibilities. |
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b. ensuring adequate reliability, staff support and accessibility for all of these:
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Central Systems |
Implement scanning of residence hall computers for worms, viruses and needed patches. July 30 |
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Registration of residence hall computers is implemented. Registration of wireless network devices is being worked on currently. Scanning by January 1. |
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New software (NetStorage) for accessing personal files over Web. July 30. |
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Postponed until January 2005 (part of server consolidation). |
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Add authentication process to e-mail gateway so as to limit spam. July 23 |
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Postponed until after network scanning is working. |
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Specify, install and implement server monitor software accessible to users. June 30. Create network status Web page. August 13. |
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Monitoring software installed; user interface currently being constructed. |
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Desktop Services |
Update Web pages for new faculty members (/cit/basics/newfaculty.html) and new staff members (/cit/basics/newstaff.html). Verify all information and make corrections and additions as necessary. David, by July 9. |
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Done except for course folder description, being updated. |
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Security: Adam locks for Geology iMacs. ASAP. Security system for Math/CS: Tie in with Terry Gorman project. ASAP. |
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Geology: done. Math/CS & Gorman security system: erroneously included in our project list; this is solely Terry GormanÕs project. |
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c. providing sufficient network and facility capacity to deliver information services.
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Central Systems |
Specify, order and install new file storage capacity and back up in the storage area network. June 30 |
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Done. |
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Upgrade or install new servers and/or operating systems for mail gateway, financial aid, Web, others. July 23 |
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Underway. |
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Complete total wireless network coverage. August 13 |
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Residence halls completed; academic buildings underway. Some areas may not be complete until mid-semester. |
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Install new network switches in 14 buildings or clusters. June 16 |
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Done. |
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Desktop Services |
Linux/Unix labs. By mid-August, leaving testing time before classes begin. *Linux lab rebuild: Barron. *Kuwata cluster/workstations rebuild: Barron. *Venn network rebuild: Barron. *Shoop lab: Mac BLAST server: Barron and Adam. |
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Linux lab rebuild: done. Kuwata rebuild: done. Venn network rebuild: done. Shoop lab/Mac BLAST server: done. |
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Image labs. By mid-August, leaving testing time before classes begin. Adam *Geology *Math/CS *Physics: 2 labs *Biology *Psychology *Chemistry |
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All are done. |
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Sysprep: Ability to create hardware agnostic images. Adam. |
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Currently a collaboration between Adam and Marty; now testing Universal Imaging Utility, which promises to make this possibility work. |
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Reimage labs: 302, 304, 314 Humanities, Dupre Labs, Kirk Lab and Kagin Lab (imaging means placing standard software configurations on all the computers). |
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Done. |
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II. Ensure that major technology choices are based on carefully weighed alternatives and are consistent with MacalesterÕs information technology mission by
a. adopting services based on sanctioned standards and appropriate common practices within our community.
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Central Systems |
Restructure network to support reorganized printing. Begin count of print jobs in computer labs. July 30 |
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Lab printing is being counted. Working on making balances viewable by students. |
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Install new firewall. August 8 |
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Underway. |
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Update network documentation. |
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Ongoing. |
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Desktop Services |
Devise and publish supported/unsupported software/hardware chart/list. Previous chart exists and could be updated: http://www.macalester.edu/~koralesky/support/. Barron, David and other CIT staff. By July 30. |
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Underway. |
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Printer name structure change. Network staff have set the timeline, but docs must be completed first. Prepare docs for the change. Prepare Web page with old name, new name, model number/type. Label printers during physical inventory. Bonnie, Marty, Franc. By the end of August Printer conversion site (i.e. MATHLJ-1-->Olin Rice_256É) Name change how-to Web page Label printers |
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Underway. Some aspects of this conversion will continue into the Fall semester. |
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OS X 10.x licensing. Investigate options for licensing most recent version of OS X for all Macintoshes in selected campus labs, permitting us to build one image per lab. David, Adam and Jacob, ASAP. |
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Done. |
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b. matching information service choices to the greatest needs of the Macalester community
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Central Systems |
Plan community input and understanding of firewall policies. Fall. |
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Ongoing. |
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Create network protection policies to implement in the firewall in consultation with students, faculty and staff. Fall. |
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Underway, with third drafts circulating. |
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Begin identification of viable e-mail alternatives and community preferences. Fall. |
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Underway. |
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Desktop Services |
Plan and prepare for Fall ResNet sweeps of residence halls. Preparations include scheduling, production of door hangers, and widespread coordination/communication with Hall Directors, parents, incoming students. Kakki Rawson and Jesse Harman, other CIT staff as needed. By-mid-August. |
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Done. |
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User Education Committee. Finish up survey report by mid summer and continue work on the User Education Web page (ongoing). Committee members: Beth Hillemann, Ron Joslin, Jean Beccone, Patti Koehler, Pete Rogan, Jesse Harman |
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Desktop Services participation complete. |
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Continue to gather community feedback toward evaluating our current messaging/calendaring and course management software tool deployments. AIAs, Joel and other CIT staff. |
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Underway, including limited testing of one open-source CMS product (Moodle). |
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Purchase a license for Apple Remote Desktop 2, for use in Macintosh lab management. David, ASAP. |
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Done, as of June 30. |
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Plan campus-wide discussions of course support software with Center for Scholarship and Teaching. August 30 |
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Done. |
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c. supporting positive engagement with external constituencies.
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Central Systems |
Plan meetings of the Information services Advisory Board on September 18 and Trustee Technology Committee on October 1. |
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Done. |
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Consult with Admissions and Advancement departments on priorities for Web programmer. By August 30. |
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Done. |
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III. Promote the use of technology to increase the efficiency and quality of the collegeÕs business, curricular and research activities by:
a. fostering use and understanding of appropriate information technology through training and consultative opportunities for all community members
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Central Systems |
Provide information for documentation of new file storage structure. July 30 |
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Postponed until January 2005 (part of server consolidation). |
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Provide information for documentation of new file access by Web. July 30 |
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Postponed until January 2005 (part of server consolidation). |
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Desktop Services |
Conduct search for temporary AIA-Humanities, currently open. We hope to make the hire by early August so that the temp can have some time to work alongside Michael and learn the ropes. David, Pete, Michael and faculty, by August 15. |
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Done. Michael Rose Lewis was hired August 11, began work August 16. |
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Collaborate on writing and revising outreach letters to students, parents, and faculty, as well as other explanatory communications and documentation (such as formal CIT Ôdocs,Õ Bulletin posting, Web pages, etc.). What will people see? How will they be affected? Ongoing, by the end of August. David, Joel, Bonnie and other staff as needed. Topics include: Network registration Server consolidation and structure Wireless Course Folders Other visible, system-wide changes or additions |
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Substantially done, awaiting content from Network staff. |
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Finish construction on Telecommunications Web page and prepare it for unveiling in new semester. Kelly, by mid-August. |
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Done. |
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Produce and edit all material for 2004 ÔGet ConnectedÕ CD; secure permissions, send completed project to commercial firm for burning. Jacob and Bonnie, by July 16. |
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Done. Finished CDs were delivered to campus August 10. Distribution is complete. |
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Prepare for New Student Orientation. Bonnie and Beth Hillemann, by September 6. |
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Done. |
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Update existing documentation/classes with specific emphasis on changing all references to the new server configuration. Bonnie and Jesse Mortenson, by August 30. |
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On hold pending server consolidation (postponed until January 2005). |
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Complete class materials for Microsoft Office 2004 (Macintosh) and begin writing documentation. Bonnie and Jesse Mortenson; classes by July 15. Docs will continue into fall. |
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Substantially done. |
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For CIT/Library classes. Put together one-hour sessions on using our network (PC and MAC). Bonnie, by August 30 |
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Done. |
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b. continually assessing and improving administrative systems
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Central Systems |
Support user departments in evaluation of potential 3rd party software for budgeting, student employment. August 30. |
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Underway; demo under construction. |
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Upload Admissions Common App application data to CX. |
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Underway. Reevaluation underway as to whether this actually would save time in Admissions. Most of the students are already in the system. |
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Rollout Impromptu Web Reports to Admissions officers. |
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Postponed due to problems with Informix database;.on hold pending Informix resolutions. |
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Other Admissions: correct AXT/SAT format, 4 new fields and reworked data entry, Òincomplete denyÓ status, rework scripts assigning Adm counselor to applicant. |
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Underway. |
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Update the faculty contract reports per ProvostÕs request. |
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Done. |
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Create e-mail option for direct deposits (vs. printing & mailing). |
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Underway. |
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Script and upload students and faculty to CBORD and security systems. |
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Done. |
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Evaluate Jenzabar portal and Employee data module (Staff CRM). |
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Postponed due to problems with Informix database; on hold pending Informix resolution. |
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Install 13 backlogged system modifications. |
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Done. |
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Integrate Wells Fargo credit card process to CX (formerly CARS). |
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Underway. |
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Improve student application integration with Admissions module. |
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In progress. |
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Install Jenzabar GUI interface (Jenzamate) after reliability testing. |
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Currently being tested. |
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Correct problems with system modifications for Web access, in cooperation with Registrar. |
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Postponed, pending Registrar approval. |
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Create student & faculty info system Web accounts for new students & new faculty. |
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Done. |
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Negotiate for new ERP server; schedule installation and data migration. |
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Under ongoing discussion. |
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Desktop Services |
Perform physical inventory check of all College-owned computers on campus. Verify ID numbers and locations against current inventory database. Marty, by July 30 |
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Physical inventory complete July 15. Verification against current inventory database underway. |
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c. partnering with faculty in support of the educational program and research.
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Desktop Services |
Prepare for New Faculty Orientation. David and AIAs in collaboration with Library staff, by September 2. |
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Done. |
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Instructional Technology Web site. Prepare/post/revise content as necessary (see http://www.macalester.edu/cit/instructionaltech/). David, Pete, Barron, Adam, Michael, Tom. Include info on projectors and poster printer. ASAP |
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Done. |
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Post Ôprojector basicsÕ page for smart classrooms. Adam, by mid-August. |
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Done. |
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Olin-Rice Departmental laptop update/cleanup. Adam, by September 1 |
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Done. |
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Network R update (specialized statistics software): Adam, Ted. By September 1 |
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Done. |
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Mathematica password/version update. ASAP. Update network version: Ted, Adam. Bulletin entry (SPSS too): Ted, Adam |
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Both done. |
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Restart CST Ð AIA partnerships. Tom, Pete, Barron, Michael. ASAP |
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Done. |
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IV. Create and maintain a governance process consistent with the oversight responsibilities of the Board and college administration by
a. developing policy and practices that most effectively support the collegeÕs strategic directions.
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Central Systems |
Create policies and practices to respond to music and software copyright violations in consultation with Dean of Students staff. August 27 |
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Done. |
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Promulgate data privacy policies previously reviewed. August 27 |
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Done. |
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b. ensuring the most effective match between MacalesterÕs information service goals and the resources available to accomplish them
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Central Systems |
Report on options for administrative system development, with costs. September 10 |
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In progress. |
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Move test inventory data to Insite and determine if it will work for our new equipment inventory. Test pre-populating fields, flexibility, reporting capabilities. Geri, Marty, Ram—n, David, Barb; ongoing. |
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Underway, with Joan Cleereman working on prototype. |
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Explore the option of outsourcing support for studentsÕ personally-owned computers to a local vendor, with an eye toward relieving a major stress point on the Help Desk. Extensive discussions, community involvement and RFPs may be needed. Jesse, Joel, David and other Desktop Services staff as needed. |
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Initial reviews of vendor data complete. |
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Desktop Services |
Devise and implement criteria for computers to be replaced by the Micro Fund. Joel, David and Barron, ongoing. |
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In progress. |
Originally published July 6, 2004
Updated August 18, 2004
Final update published September 30, 2004