Enhancing the Student Technology Experience

Planned and Implemented Google Apps for Education
After significant consultation with, and unanimous approval of, students, faculty and academic leadership, all student e-mail accounts will be migrated to Google Apps for Education.  In moving to this solution, all students will have access to a more robust suite of web-based applications including a significantly larger e-mail storage quota.  By late-August, over 2500 students had already moved to this platform and the remainder of the students will be moved by late September.

Began Formally offering Apple Macintosh and iPhone Support
Based on statistics showing approximately 35% of residential students brought Apple equipment to campus, we have increased our support for the Apple platform.  We now have an Apple certified technician on each campus and continue to increase the number of Mac computers and software packages available in the Computer Resource Centers.  A Mac User Community and listserv have been created which encourages the open exchange of information. Our students, faculty, and staff can purchase Apple hardware online with a special discount though Pace’s customized Apple store.  In collaboration with the Film Studies Department, we have installed FinalCut Pro on a number of Apple Mac computers around the University.

Implemented a major Wireless Network Expansion
During spring and summer, over 250 wireless access points were installed throughout all of Pace’s residence halls.   The project was a collaborative effort between ITS and Pace’s Buildings and Grounds Department.  Pace now offers close to 100% wireless coverage in classrooms, dormitories, and public function spaces.

Implemented Software Systems

• Course Schedule Explorer – A web-based system was implemented that allows students to select and review class information, and to store the classes that they are interested in “My Courses”.  “My Courses” can then be shared with others, such as advisors or fellow students. This replaces the Banner-delivered version of the course finder. This innovative use of Banner data and presentation that is very user friendly has been praised even by SunGard (company that maintains and supports Banner) technical staff.
• Italian Placement Exam – An online remote placement Exam for Italian was implemented for Dyson. The system allows the students to opt in and take the exam remotely.
• Orientation Management System – This is a comprehensive system that allows students to register for Orientation, verify their current information in Banner, and collect information for the students not present in Banner.  It will handle both the winter and summer orientation periods and replaces an off-campus hosted solution previously used, thereby providing added functionality as well as cost savings.

Began offering Microsoft Student Licensing
Through Pace’s Microsoft Campus Agreement, students can now download Microsoft Office (both Windows and Mac versions) and Forefront antivirus software from the ADAM website.  Upgrades for Windows operating systems (i.e.; from Windows XP to Windows 7) are also available for students, but require a DVD which is available for pickup at the Computer Resource Centers.

Implemented Major Equipment Upgrades in the Computer Resource Centers
Over 200 new computers, including 12 Apple Macs, were replaced in the Computer Resource Centers (CRCs) on the Pleasantville, New York, and White Plains campuses.  Additionally, a pilot program was launched whereby 25 thin client computers were installed in CRCs for student use.  Thin client (from Wikipedia) – “A thin client (sometimes also called a lean or slim client) is a computer or a computer program which depends heavily on some other computer (its server) to fulfill its traditional computational roles.”  Thin clients provide a greener and more reliable environment for the users while helping the ITS staff manage them far more efficiently and easily than individual computers.