Final Report, Technology Utilization Committee, 2007-2008
April 16, 2008

Committee Members:

Paige Baggett (EDUC)
Elliot Carter (MED)
Kevin Green (MED)
Elliot Lauderdale (CESP)
Jie Li (LIB, Chair)
Tom Meyer (NURS)
Vasiliy Prokhorov (A&S)
Cheryl Robinson (NURS)

The Technology Utilization Committee has worked with the University Academic Computing Committee and Academic Computing on the following computer and technology related issues and activities.

USA Web Accessibility with ADA Compliance

USA Web Services has been making steady progress toward converting sites maintained by our group. As of July 11, 2007, the Web Services have completed a total of 100 websites and USA top level pages. In addition, every new website that is developed includes the text only link.

Centralization of technology-related faculty development opportunities

The Senate webpage was suggested as a possible source of the page.  Andy Lightbourne of Academic Computing would take responsibility for coordinating the webpage with faculty development links contingent on filling a position in computer education. 

Technology Fair

On October 26, 2007, a technology fair was held at the University of South Alabama Student Center. The Faculty Senate Technology Utilization Committee was a co-sponsor of technology, along with the Biomedical Library, USA Online Learning Lab, and University Academic Computing Committee with the technical support of the Computer Center. Eleven vendors from different areas, such as distance education, communication, computers, health technology and health information, participated the Technology Fair. Twenty USA groups, including the Colleges of Business, Education, Medicine, Nursing, Online Learning Lab, Children’s and Women’s Hospital, PETAL, Biomedical and University Libraries participated the showcase. The Technology Fair was a great success. Vanguard’s report about the USA Technology Fair may be found at
http://media.www.usavanguard.com/media/storage/paper973/news/2007/10/29/News/Technology.Fair.Helps.Usa.Teachers-3063186.shtml. There are also some feedbacks from vendors and visitors of the Fair (enclosed below in this message). The Technology Utilization Committee members enthusiastically participated and promoted the Technology Fair. Favorable comments were received from faculty, staff and vendors. The University Academic Computing Committee expressed interest to have an annual technology fair. Technology Utilization Committee may work with University Academic Computing Committee for future technology fairs.

University email for retired faculty

Andy Lightbourne reported at the University Academic Computing Committee on October 31, 2007 that when faculty members retire, they have the option to continue their university email accounts. They would automatically receive a message linking to a webpage that allows them to make their own choice whether to continue their university email accounts. (This is to address the concern raised at the faculty senate meeting about retired faculty not be able to continue using university email accounts).

Email Alias

University is planning to have the alias email as username@southalabama.edu

iTune U

Mitchell College of Business signed contract with Apple for iTune U. Academic Computing will see how it works. Then it may expand to the whole university.

Campus Wide Microsoft License

Computer Center has signed a campus wide license with Microsoft. Colleges may want to check with Andy Lightbourne before they purchase software for the whole college to see whether it saves money by using the license.

USA Wireless Network Status

Andy Lightbourne distributed a map showing the current wireless coverage at USA (see map) as of April 11, 2008.

Locations with complete coverage:

Baugh Biomedical Library
Campus Residence Halls (excluding Greek Housing)
Chemistry
Computer & Information Sciences (CSCB, FCE, FCW)
Humanities
ILB
Library
Medical Science Building

Delta Commons
Beta/Gamma Commons

Field-house areas: Stanky Field, cocker, Women’s Softball

USACW (all compus and outlying buildings)
USAMC (including Mastin Building)

Scheduled installations:

Education (UCOM)
Engineering (EE, EGCB, EGLB)
LMB

In review for future installations:

CSAB
HPE (College of Education areas)

Future Construction for which wireless is planned:

Allied Health/Nursing (student learning areas)
Mitchell Cancer Institute (complete coverage)

Respectfully Submitted,
Jie Li, Chair
Technology Utilization Committee
University of South Alabama Faculty Senate