Information Services

Earlier this year, you were asked to complete a survey evaluating the services and processes provided by the Information Services Department. This department is responsible for hardware, software, networks, programming, and related services. Your input has been very helpful in evaluating how we can improve on services and processes provided by this department. I wanted to share with you some of their recent activities, some of which are direct improvements based on the feedback you provided.

• 300 new computers installed around campus, mainly in faculty and staff offices. This is the single largest roll-out of new computers ever at York Tech. These systems will support newer Microsoft applications such as Office 2007.
• Internet connection capacity was recently increased from 10MB/sec to 20MB/sec; this has made Internet access much faster and will make Internet applications more efficient. This new connection to the Internet, supplied by Comporium Communications, is also less expensive than the circuit it replaced.
• A new high-speed (10MB/sec) circuit dedicated to interactive video classes was recently installed, which will further enhance the capabilities of the Distance Learning department.
• In cooperation with Comporium, we are completing the transition to a Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) telephone system. This system provides every telephone with voicemail, caller id, and a host of other new features and functions. Thus far, over 350 new phones have been installed.
• Training sessions held on how to use Campus Cruiser to register students during open registration periods. This new method for registration should alleviate the Datatel performance issues we have experienced in the past.
• The Administrative Systems Council will replace the Datatel Core Team, which was responsible for implementing the Datatel Software. The Administrative Systems Council will be responsible for oversight of the administrative data systems which includes how students and staff interact with the systems, how data are defined for use, and how administrative and academic components interact, and how data is collected and reported. Members include Dr. Mark Ulseth (chair), Jack Bagwell, Susan Brackett, Alan Broyles, Dennis Gribenas, Mary Beth Schwartz, and Jim Werner. This group differs from the Information Technology Council which is primarily responsible for the review and evaluation of hardware requests.

Your feedback has also helped with improvements in the Human Resources Department. I hope to share those activities with you next week. Food Services will be surveyed next and will be completed by faculty, staff, and students. An ongoing rotation of feedback will help us improve services that ultimately help support student success. Thanks to Information Services for making these improvements.