Departmental Computing Support Advisory Group
Meeting Summary
May 13, 1999
12:30 - 2:00
ITC Forestry Conference Room
1. Approval of revised mission statement.
The group adopted the revised mission statement. The revision
includes specific references to the University Committee on Information
Technology (UCIT) and the Local Support Partner (LSP) Steering
Committee. The purpose of having the mission statement is to insure
that the group stays on task and to inform the University
community and prospective group members of the group's purpose. The
mission statement will be posted on the Advisory Group web page.
The mission statement of the Departmental Computing Support Advisory Group:
The Departmental Computing Support Advisory Group counsels Departmental Computing Support (DCS) management on the effective operation of DCS projects, including the Local Support Partner (LSP) program, Computing Survival Skills, and departmental outreach programs, such as technology assessments and evaluations, and proposes appropriate directional changes as needed. The group also promotes DCS programs throughout the University, and group members participate on the University Committee on Information Technology (UCIT) and the LSP Steering Committee.
2. ITC Update
Terry talked about the list of approved ITC projects for 1999-2000.
There were no big surprises or big disappointments. The Computing
Support Services (CSS) division, of which DCS is a part, did very well.
The list of approved projects will be sent to the advisory group.
Nancy gave an update on recent assessments and evaluations. Recently completed were evaluations of International Studies, Division of Personality Studies, HSC Development Office. We did an assessment for OCPP in the spring of 1998. Upon our recommendation, they recently hired a grade 12 Programmer/Analyst and designated that person as their LSP. The Division of Personality Studies, located on Wertland St. and without a connection to the UVa network, recently became a testing ground for ITC for the use of ADSL networking technology. Future pending assessments include Drama. The timing of this assessment is good because Drama is slated for a classroom improvement project in the summer of 2000.
Sue Ellen reported that the LSP conference in June was a big success. About 70 people attended. Tom Gausvik was part of a panel discussion at the conference on HR-related issues. This led to a recent meeting among some LSPs, Sue Ellen Breeden and Tom Gausvik. This meeting was the first of several.
Terry reported that Virginia Evans (Bergland) is leaving ITC to become the Technical Lead for the ISP. Her departure date is set for June 1. Her position will not be filled during the Interim CIO's tenure. The new permanent CIO/VP will determine if the position should be filled. A search committee to hire the new CIO/VP has not been announced yet.
Staff from GWU are coming in June to learn more about the LSP program.
Sue Ellen mentioned that there are still quite a few departments without LSPs. The new DCI Coordinator position in DCS will be touching base with these departments. Kathy suggested that as we identify these areas it would be beneficial to contact the area's respective VP or next level down to make them aware of the program and the benefits of having an LSP. This is also an important step in the assessment process as well. There was discussion about the benefits of recruiting recent graduates and PVCC students for LSP positions.
Dave Drucker suggested that we summarizes ITC projects on the DCS Advisory Group web pages. Topic could include: assessments, evaluations, the LSP program, Computing Survival Skills, progress with HR, the DCI peripherals study group. Nancy will begin work on this.
3. DCI Update
Kathy reported on DCI progress in her area. They are making headway in
the areas of rules of participation, funding issues, underwriting by
VPs and ETF issues. She envisions a lease-type arrangement for
departments. UVa. may finance the machines. There will likely be
rolling participation in the program. The draft rules of participation
have not been officially released to the VPs. The timeline is to have
a signed contract in June. Labs and public terminals will be replaced
first. By the end of June, discussions should be underway with
departments about the underwriting amounts.
George reported that vendor negotiations have begun with 3 vendors and that there are clear differentiations. Testing of the equipment is complete and the indicators are consistent. He is planning for a Fall implementation of DCI in departments. Aron asked if departments will be able to carry money over to next year for the purchase of DCI machines. Many departments have already begun to set aside money for DCI. Although the state has to approve carry-forward dollars, it should not be a problem since they are aware of the DCI program.
Departments need to consider whether they want to buy now or wait for DCI. They can use year end funds to purchase peripherals.
Kathy will ask Melody Bianchetto, the director of the budget, to let departments know about carry forward money. George will ask Lynn Davis, the chair of the peripherals study group, to move forward with the list of peripherals.
The services part of DCI is a concern. Not much has been mentioned about it. Services have been discussed in detail in the vendor negotiations. They have discussed training issues (formal and informal), data transfer, and installation support.
Bill asked how software licenses will be handled. George said he is looking at piggy-backing on the HSC MS Office license. The DCI machines will be shipped with the UVa image. The Dr. Solomon contract is under review. Office 2000 will be shipped on the machines.
Dave suggested that George pull together a team of those interested and not interested in participating in DCI to hear their questions and concerns. The result will be a list of right and wrong assumptions, concerns and fears.
Aron asked when the DCI services would be implemented. Because it's part of the contract, they will be implemented immediately.
Kathy remarked that she is impressed with the teams that have been brought together on this project. She finds that everyone has the same goal in mind and that is unusual for this type of project.
4. Other
There were no other topics for discussion.
5. Future Meetings
Wednesday, June 16
12:00 - 1:30
ITC Forestry Conference Room
In attendance: Terry Lockard, LaVahn Hoh, Kathy Reed, Sue Ellen Breeden, Dave Drucker, David Phillips, George Williams, Bill Woolfolk, Aron Teel, Nancy Hopkins