GC Technology
by Advocate Staff
Windows live email update
Following last month’s announcement that the Graduate Center’s conversion to Windows Live for student email was deferred, Assistant Vice President of Information Technology Robert Campbell said that the IT department is continuing to discuss alternate solutions with students. “We met with the DSC and put together a working group of students,” Campbell said, “and crafted some scenarios that are promising.” As the GC Advocate goes to press this month, this conversation is ongoing.
Help desk
As of March 3, the Help Desk will be in its new location at the foot of the stairs in the C-level of the library. Students can chat online with a Help Desk technician via Windows Live chat account at gchelpdesk@hotmail.com.
Pilot flat screen television program
The IT department is beginning a pilot program to incorporate flat screen televisions into high-usage thesis rooms within various PhD department suites. Campbell said that the first pilot flat screen TV was set up in the Linguistics thesis room on the seventh floor (room 7400.04) and that all EOs and APOs were asked to take a look. If the setup is acceptable then the IT department will purchase eight more 46” Sony flat screen televisions and stands for deployment in the eight thesis rooms with the highest demands for audio/visual equipment: Education Psychology, Environmental Psychology, Social Personality Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Math, French, and Sociology. The television stands would serve to provide space for additional AV equipment and a computer, including a cordless keyboard and mouse.
Internet printing
There has been no further progress in implementing the GC’s planned internet printing and print management software. Campbell stated that the software “hasn’t been used in a clustered environment.” IT is working to get the software configured properly.
Tech fee committee
The Student Technology Fee committee met this past month and passed a motion that indicated where funding for next year’s budget will go.
Although nothing is set in stone until the committee votes on the budget for 2008-09 later this spring, Campbell noted that presently the committee favors funding for the proposed Mac lab and significant proposed advancements and Citrix upgrades.
A/V for student use
At press time, Campbell noted that A/V resources are being installed in two student-use activity rooms on the fifth floor of the GC that include projectors, speakers, screens, and computers. One room is already outfitted and the second should be completed this spring.
Linux pilot program
IT has installed two Linux PCs in the Mathematics department for use by students as a pilot test program.
IT hires
The IT department recently hired four new full-time personnel: two web programmers, one systems administrator, and one employee for User Services. Additionally, the Help Desk support staff recently added new staff members (one full-time and one part-time) to help address the GC community’s technology needs.
In memoriam
The IT department wishes to express its sadness at the loss of former colleague Jack Tralongo, who over the years made many significant contributions to the department.
