The Student Technology Initiative

History

Purpose:  To “dramatically improve” technology facilities and services for students on our campus

Intent: To build an infrastructure to offer the students the highest quality learning environment

Funding:  Part of this initiative was funded with a technology fee—other funding sources included SCAP (statewide Student Computing Access Program), residence hall room rate, telecomm, and regular state budget funds.

From the Original proposal for the Student Technology Initiative

"A technology fee will greatly increase the computing and information technology available to students, enhance student services, and add to the services already available at the Milne Library. The expenditures will be made in concert with a comprehensive plan to address a set of needs not adequately provided for by existing resources. Students will have direct oversight in the distribution of the funds. All expenditures will be made toward improving the student learning environment and other experiences with the College. "

A couple of years into the STI, the initiative merged with the UnCAS plan—Universal Access for Students, based on the belief that computers were as essential to college life as text books—beginning in the fall of 1999 the college committed to the assumption that all students would have access to a computer, and that faculty could make assignments and conduct their classes based on that assumption.

A transformational moment in our history

Along with the changes already started with the STI, the college also made a significant commitment to faculty training and facilities upgrades.

STI was a seed that helped the rest of the technology plan on campus to develop together these two programs have really made a huge difference in the way we think about and use technology.

What has the Student Technology Initiative provided for you compared with 1996

Compare where we were in 1996 to now

Rough allocation of the budget

Student Technology Advisory Committee

A broad-based group that represents the various constituencies involved in the academic use of technology on our campus administration, faculty students and the technology units on campus.

Charge

The Student Technology Advisory Committee charge is to review and recommend to the College President on an annual basis a plan for the expenditure of funds generated from the mandatory Student Technology Fee.


 

Who’s on it

• Chaired by the Vice president for student development
• Vice president for Finance and Administration
• Director of Telecomm and Computer Services
• Associate Provost for Library and Information Services
• 3 faculty members and
• 4 students: 2 appointed by the president of the Student Association and 2 appointed by the RSO

How are we doing?

Survey every year to gauge student needs and satisfaction.  If you have any questions please contact Steve Perry.