Spring 1997 Technology Fee Awards

Press here to view Fall 1996 Technology Fee Awards
Press here to view Fall 1997 Technology Fe e Awards

Submitted byProject Amt RequestedAmt awarded
Davis/EBEB Computer Lab Additions & Upgrades 33,04016,730
Sacks/LAISWriting Center Computerization 40,87632,376
Dunn/LIBImproved Info Access from Library 21,50021,500
Storch/SSGServer/PC for GP Undergrad Workroom 7,0007,000
Wood/PHPH Computer Lab Migration Options 11,70411,704
Eustes,Fleckenstein/PEPE Lab Additions & Upgrades 35,95020,330
MN, EG, MT, CH4 Proposals / Various Projects 131,746Not Funded
Totals.... 281,816109,640


Summary


 A technology fee was instituted in the Fall of 1996 as a way to partially fund improved instructional technology resources for students. The revenue generated by the fee (appx. $225,000 for FY96/97) is matched annually by the institution, providing a total of appx. $450,000 available for allocation.

A Technology Fee Committee, consisting of five students, five faculty, and a faculty chairperson that votes only in the event of a tie, solicits, reviews and selects proposals to fund. Proposals are submitted each semester by academic departments/programs and recognized student organizations on campus. Documents relating to technology fee guidelines and proposals are available through the technology fee web page (CSM Home Page->Academic Affairs->Technology Fee Committee) or from the Computing Center.

Ten proposals were submitted requesting a total of $281,816 for Spring semester, 1997. Six were approved for full or partial funding totaling $110,000. Any student or faculty member wishing to read the proposals submitted through the current semester may do so weekdays between 8am and 5pm at the Computing Center by making arrangements with Marge Arnold (x3433; marnold@mines.edu).

The Division of Economics and Business requested $33,040 to add 16 computer systems to their student computer laboratory. This would increase student access seats from 6 to 22. $16,730 was awarded to purchase up to 9 new systems as specified in the proposal.

LAIS requested $40,876 to acquire 12 computer systems, a computer projection system, and software to help computerize the Writing Center. The committee allocated $32,736 after reducing the configuration of the computers and the cost of the projection system. Additional funds from other sources will be added to those provided from the Technology Fee to purchase additional computers and staff the Center. A search for a full-time writing program administrator is underway. Use of a computerized writing center laboratory is expected to be an integral part of the new curriculum.

Th Library requested, and was awarded, $21,500 to upgrade and improve access to CARL for patrons of the Library. Four PCs will begin to replace the 14 dedicated, but dumb, terminals that are currently used for CARL access in the Library. Some of the funds will be used to upgrade electronics at the CARL end of CSM's connection since primary access to CARL will begin to migrate to the Internet. (A more advanced interface to CARL will be available via the PCs and Web access will be available.)

The Student Society of Geophysicists (SSG) requested $7,000 to purchase a server and partially fund one desktop computer for the undergraduate workroom provided for their use by the department. The Geophysics Department provided substantial matching funds to purchase additional computer systems, printer, and software. This proposal was fully funded.

The Physics Department requested $11,704 to provide a server and 3 computer systems for its computer laboratory. Physics has used NeXT computers heavily in the past and needs dual-boot environments to be able to take advantage of software applications already available and access existing information. They will also use these systems to determine the best migration strategy for future student computing needs. This proposal was fully funded.

The Petroleum Engineering Department requested $35,950 to upgrade existing computer systems in their student computer laboratory and to add 6 new computers to the lab. The committee made some suggestions about configurations and reduced the anticipated cost on a few items. $20,330 in funding was awarded to purchase 2 new systems and provide most of the upgrades as outlined in the proposal.