This summer brought several changes to Oxford, and some of the less visible ones may simplify the lives of Miami University students.
Miami's IT Services made updates throughout the past months, according to Alan Ferrenberg, chief information officer for IT services.
"A lot of the stuff we're doing is behind the scenes. If everything goes right, you won't even notice," Ferrenberg said.
Changes across campus and in Miami's networks should cut costs and provide easier access to technology for students, according to Ferrenberg.
The Learning Technology Center, a collection of public-use computers previously located in Gaskill Hall has been moved to the first floor of King Library. More computers will be available to all students at the library as Gaskill's computer lab is transferred there, and technology such as document sharing and projection capabilities from Gaskill's collaboration area will be moved into King's study rooms.
Digital cameras, video equipment, portable projectors, easels and screens formerly provided by Classroom Technology Services in 130 Gaskill will also be moved to King, and will be available for checkout at the front desk.
Cathy McVey, director of communications and strategic planning for IT services, said the major reason for this change is Gaskill's upcoming demolition. The building sits on the site of the planned Bicentennial Student Center.
"We're supposed to be out of Gaskill by December (2010)," McVey said. "The library approached us with the idea that they had the space available, so we decided to transfer the Learning Tech center while we had time."
Another service in Gaskill, the technology training room, closed July 1. McVey said training for faculty, staff and students is available from the highly-rated online training provider Lynda.com, in addition to courses provided by SkillPort.
When you're done working in King's newly expanded computer lab and print off that final copy, you may not notice some of the less visible ways that Miami is saving money.
IT Services' BigPrint initiative, a program of changes in printing operations, will cut costs and power used across campus, as printing service providers have been consolidated and the current paperprint system will be replaced.
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Networking changes are also aimed at making student life easier. New wireless equipment has been installed in some buildings on campus, and Ferrenberg said an ongoing effort to combine Miami's multiple wireless networks into one is going well. Building updates will continue throughout the upcoming year.
"We're trying to get everyone to use the MU Wireless network," Ferrenberg said. "Integration of multiple networks will make for a more secure, better experience."
Ferrenberg says upcoming changes to e-mail and calendar infrastructures will improve student communications. A portal giving student organizations access to a number of online tools will be added in the upcoming months. In addition, changes in Miami's e-mail make student e-mail accessible for alums, possibly via an outside service such as Google or Microsoft.
"We're going to be making some changes to student e-mail," Ferrenberg said. "We're moving to the idea of a lifetime e-mail address. Right now, a year after you graduate, your Miami e-mail address goes away. With these changes, you'll be able to keep your Miami address for as long as you want."
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