October 10, 2000

To; Members of the faculty

Long Island University

From: Marc Eichen

University CIO

Re: Computer support strategy

As the year begins, I wanted to let you know how we are changing the way in which we provide computer support across all campuses. During the past year we have focused on purchasing Dell computers and now have a license which covers the Microsoft operating systems and the Microsoft Professional Office Suite on this PC and Macintosh platforms. Our Microsoft license covers not only all our systems on campus, but allows us to distribute this free of charge to individually owned faculty and staff systems off campus as well.

During the past year we have begun to change the way we support these desktop products. We are offering fewer training sessions and less individual tutoring and assistance. It is our intention to discontinue this type of support. By the end of the Fall semester, I anticipate virtually all this type of support for desktop software will be gone. Instead we are providing support in two different ways:

· The outstanding tutorial product from InfoSource which covers each Microsoft desktop product. This is available on our Web site and on CD-ROM for take out from the reserve desks at the campus libraries.

· Copies of Microsoft Press documentation on these products including a pocket guide and reference series. These will also be located on reserve in the libraries.

Instead of the desktop we are focusing our support on those faculty using WebCT to prepare course material on the Web.

· University-wide, Dr. Susan Greenstein and the Campus Instructional Technology Roundtables provide workshops on technology resources for teaching and on the pedagogical issues and options.

· On the Brooklyn campus support for WebCT will be located in the Faculty Resource Center. Faculty liaisons under the direction of Dev Mondal will help faculty design and develop course material. On the C. W. Post campus, we are hiring a Web designer within IT to help faculty with training, design assistance and maintenance of the WebCT server used by all campuses. At Post Student Technology Assistants trained by IT will be available to support faculty with WebCT. At Southampton, IT will help faculty put up course material.

· In addition, we are planning to purchase telephone support directly from WebCT for all faculty who are actively running Web-based courses. This will allow faculty to call WebCT for assistance.

Two final notes; during the summer we have moved to the latest release of WebCT. This provides a number of technical upgrades and an easier to use interface for both students and faculty. As our major course platform we will continue to upgrade in step with WebCTs own upgrade efforts. Those interested in reviewing plans for this upgrade path should read http://help.webct.com/files/whitepaper_1.htm.

Our support efforts to individual faculty and students is consistent with the University effort to support on-line education which complements our campus offerings as outlined by Vice President Arons. This memo is also available on the IT website.

We look forward to working with you.

C: Campus Provosts

Vice President Arons