Viewing File 1-10

1-10  11-20 

Tip: Use Excel's Autofill to Generate a Series of Dates


Example:
  • Enter the beginning date of 10/3/06 in cell A3.
  • Drag A3's Fill Handle to cell A10. You now have a series of dates from 10/3/06 to 10/10/06.


  • To generate a series of dates that include only weekdays, using the right mouse button drag A3's Fill Handle to cell A10.
  • Select from the menu 'Fill Weekdays'. You now have a range of dates that only include weekdays.



A Legacy of Progress: ITS Annual Reports

One way to tell where an organization is going is to look where it's been.  We've gathered all the annual reports since 1996-97 here so you can chronicle the amazing progress of ITS and Goshen College--moving from technological lightweight to one of the leaders in small college technology infrastructure. Read on!

Information Technology Services Annual Report 2007-08
Michael Sherer, Director ITS

Executive Summary
Every year has its defining events. For ITS in 07-08 those would be 1) a major network upgrade (10 Gb backbone, 1 Gb to the desktop), which gives us a solid foundation on which to build the next decade of network services, 2) Director Michael Sherer's sabbatical leave and Paul Ortman's capable interim leadership, 3) Jenzabar's sunsetting of CampusWeb and Oracle database support, which precipitated our purchase of the JICS portal and student, staff and faculty CRM's, 4) our decision to close the UN 001 Mac lab and convert UN 004 into a 24 seat Mac/PC dual-boot lab, 5) our conversion to HD video, the genesis of the video production unit, and the migration of ASL from analog to digital video workflows, 6) the retirement of provost John Yordy and the search for the Special Assistant to the President, 7) the addition of multi-lingual capabilities to Caravel and the resulting multi-lingual CITL wesbiste 8) the decision to migrate from Blackboard to Moodle, 9) the migration from PowerPC to Intel Mac hardware across campus and to OS X Leopard, and 10) the migration to Office 2007 and the decision to stay on Windows XP for 1-2 more years. We enter 2008-09 with our most cohesive, effective ITS team yet, but challenged by the daunting task of migrating off Oracle in the next two years, completing the Blackboard to Moodle transition while Floyd Saner is on sabbatical, and helping the institution meet its budget challenges without unduly compromising ITS's ability to serve the campus effectively.  We also look forward with genuine enthusiasm to working with the new Special Assistant to the President, Frank Johnson.

Introduction
If you can measure the character of an organization by how it functions without its leader, ITS aced the test this year.  ITS Director Michael Sherer took a six month sabbatical (January to June) and under the capable leadership of Paul Ortman and Paul Housholder, ITS continued moving the institution forward, completing  numerous major projects and starting several new ones.  This report highlights the most significant work of the year.

ITS Accomplishments for Academic Year 2007-08

Academics
o  Made the decision to migrate from Blackboard to Moodle for our Learning Management System (LMS).  Support staff have been trained to support Moodle.
o  Upgraded Wyse 318 with Plowshares funds. Raked the seating and upgraded the Polycom system to the latest codecs and current projection standards.
o  Ad 36, Ad 20 and Ad 28 are being brought up to 2008 M1 classroom standards during Summer 2008
o  Placing 15 new Panasonic 3500 lumen projectors during Summer 2008
o  Phased out 1800 lumen models. All classrooms are 3000 lumens.

Admission
o  Move to HD video facilitated the gathering of HD B-roll footage for 2007-08, which is important foundational work for future video marketing campaigns.
o  ITS Media put together a Admissions-focused iPod Touch stocked with video, audio and still images that was taken home by students over Christmas.
o  Exploring the idea of moving from GoldMine back to the Jenzabar EX Admission module with Lynn Jackson.

Labs
o  15 Core 2 Duo Mac Minis replaced G5 PowerMacs in UN 001
o  Bio lab, Comm Hub, VA 22 Mac labs upgraded.
o  Began planning for a dual-boot iMac upgrade in UN004 and closing UN 001 for Fall 2008.
o  Upgraded NC 12, UN 002 and the Connector and Ad 21 to dual core PC 2008 models.

Offices
o  Placed 30 Core 2 Duo Intel Mac Minis in offices to replace aging PowerMac G4's, G5 PowerMacs, and G4 Mac Mini's.
o  Phased out all PC 2001 and 2002's.  PC 2003's are reserve computers for non-staff/non-lab usage.  All employee and student-focused computers are Athlon 64 or higher.
o  Office 2007 upgrades will be completed during Summer 2008

Mobile Computing
o  Shut down dial-in service on May 1, 2008.  Negotiated a wireless broadband service deal with MapleNet for GC employees to ease the transition.
o  Began testing Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch models for suitability in an academic/enterprise environment.
o  Began exploring the use of Zimbra to improve support for mobile computing and collaboration.

Printing
o  Upgraded Schertz Lab to a Color LaserJet 4700DN
o  Cycled the older Schertz color laser to Development offices

ResNet
o   Implemented a new fiber backbone for campus cable TV infrastructure, and a new headend for Quality Cablevision content, with 2 tier content system.
o   Put dorms and apartments on new 10 Gb backbone.

Data Systems
o   Jenzabar announced that it is sunsetting support for CampusWeb, our registration and advising module.
o   Bought Jenzabar JICS and Staff, Student and Faculty CRM modules for Fall 2008 implementation.
o   Received word that Jenzabar is sunsetting support for Oracle EX customers in 2010.  Plans are underway to migrate from Oracle to Microsoft SQL Server.
o   Upgraded DB2 to a quad-core server with 4 GB of RAM, doubling performance.
o   Refocused the mission of Administrative Computing Committee with input from Deanna Risser and Bob Toews.

ITS Media
o  Assisted Learning Resource Center in moving foreign language placement tests to digital format.
o  CITL conference room upgraded for multimedia in Summer 2008
o  PR Conference room upgraded for multimedia in Summer 2008
o  Plasma TV upgrade for MAO lounge
o  Significant rework of College Church AV and lighting systems in Fall 2007
o  Upgraded the Softball field PA system.
o  Umble Center patchbay and audio rack upgrade.
o  Established the role of WGCS chief operator to bring WGCS into FCC compliance.
o  Troubleshooting and documentation of problems with the WGCS to Greencroft AV link.
o  Upgraded the central recording studios to current version of ProTools, new equipment.
o  Loaned a portable video conferencing unit to AMBS for a joint technology-based class with Goshen College.
o  Added hosting of SST database to Filemaker Server, integrated LDAP and assisted in a number of different ways to improve useability.
o  Wrote a module for ITSMedia/PVPM database to include OCE functions and improve their processes.
o  Implemented system to page security when classroom equipment removed

Network Services
o  Decided on HP ProCurve managed switches for our Network 2010 upgrade
o  Upgraded our network backbone to 10 Gb
o  Upgraded academic and administrative buildings to 1 Gb ethernet
o  Added the new senior apartments to the network.
o  Phased out Ad Astra.
o  Deployed a Zimbra test server
o  Shut down dial-up services May 1, 2008, saving the college approximately $14,000/year in circuit expenses (the savings were actually in Phys Plant's phone budget)

Web
o  Completed multi-lingual extensions to Caravel that were incorporated into the CITL website.
o  Added support for iCal and RSS subscriptions to the web event calenar.
o  Switched to Google Analytics for website traffic analysis.
o  Reformatted the Communicator and relaunched it as a daily email service.
o  Reworked GC Blogs to add photo captions and mass photo uploads, which created an explosion of SST photo submissions.
o  Exploring using IHETS Flash Video Server as a hosted service.
o  Signed on for an iTunes University site.
o  Added personalization to the electronic document tracking system to enable upperclassmen to use it.
o  Housing deposit form is now online
o  Mealplan selection is now online, which takes it out of the check-in process.
o  Completed project to database publish the Academic Catalog simultaneously to print and web, saving PR weeks of time and improving the accuracy and availability of information.
o  App for SST office to allow students to look up SST status.
o  Placement tests are now all online.
o  Account creation for new students is now handled by admission staff.

Video
o  Assisted Comm in switching to HD video workflows and getting the video production unit operational. Specced, purchaed and implemented over $170K of gear.
o  Provided technical infrastructure for the Emmy-nominated Festival of Carols HD video production
o  Assisting ASL in their conversion from analog to digital video workflows.
Security
o  Deployed drive encryption with new PC laptops.
o  Paul Ortman audited administrative departments following the May security incident to reduce our holdings of sensitive data and improve overall security procedures.
o  Updated our employee data security documentation.

Planning/Administration
o  Paul Ortman served as interim director of ITS from January to June 2008.
o  John Yordy retired from his role as provost of Goshen College
o  Paul Ortman served on the search committee that hired Frank Johnson as Special Assistant to the President.

Personnel
o  Dan Stutzman assumed responsibilities for Mac consulting in Summer 2007
o  Michael Sherer was on sabbatical during the first half of 2008.
o  Kim Snyder moved from 0.5 to 0.6 FTE to reflect the fact that Mac Support FTE was reduced from 0.5 to 0.4 FTE--an FTE neutral move.

Conferences and Training
o  EduCAUSE 2007, iPhone Developer Conference, Seattle, WA, attended by Michael Sherer
o  ICI Tech Summit, Richmond, IN, attended by Michael Sherer and Paul Housholder
o  Jam 2008, Nashville, TN, attended by Paul Ortman, Bob Toews, DeLane Graber, Deanna Risser, Bob Majdak, Shirley Shriner
o  Labman 2008, Cincinatti, OH, attended by Kevin Gross and Pam Osborne
o  NAB - Paul Housholder, Dan Stutzman
o  InfoComm - Paul Housholder, Mike McHugh
o  Digital Signage Expo - Paul Housholder

KPI Goals for 2008-09
ITS KPI Goals for 2008-09 are focused on expanding beyond quantitative data to qualitative data.  This will include service uptime and a simple customer satisfaction benchmark survey.

Review 2007-08 Goals and Strategies
We made significant progress on our goals for 2007-08
o  Complete an IT Infrastructure Plan that focuses the work of ITS Tech.  The work we did on this helped move the network upgrade forward and has helped bring the Tech group closer together on key goals.
o  Refocus the work of ITS Support around promoting strategic use of technology.  Moodle training for ITS Support staff would be an example of this philosophy in action.
o  Assist Communications and Public Relations in transitioning to HD video.  Completed.
o  Create a foundation for virtualized servers.  Delayed.
o  Complete CableTV consolidation project. Completed.
o  Complete our 21st Century Network upgrade.  We had insufficient funds to complete the project, but were able to complete everything but the ResNet portion of the project.
o  Transition from PowerPC to Intel hardware for Mac users.  Completed.
o  Continue working with Departments on their Technology Plans, as called for in the 2005-2010 Strategic Plan.
o  Launch the Academic Technology Committee.  ATC launched in April of 2008.
o  Continue to work at defining our preferred future desktop computing paradigms.  All major virtualization vendors launched VDI solutions in spring of 2008.  We have delayed our implementation of Windows Vista and will deploy our first dual-boot Mac Lab in Summer 2008.
o  Continue to advance the Classroom Masterplan agenda.  We are in the process of updating the Master Plan for 2008.
o  Continue to raise the profile of security and privacy issues both within ITS and in the user community.  Paul Ortman did some significant work in this area with departments and HR during 2007-08.

Challenges and Opportunities
As we look ahead to 2008-09 the challenges fall into 3 basic categories:
1)  Financial. Enrollment challenges will continue to make for a tight financial environment.
2)  Technological.  The IT industry is in transition.  Virtualization is changing the way we think about servers, storage and desktop clients.  Outsourcing Email and Calendaring is becoming viewed as a mainstream soltuion.  Microsoft's seemingly unstoppable grip on computing has been loosened by web technologies, Google, Apple, Linux, and a relatively tepid reception to Windows Vista.  There is talk of transitioning away from Windows in some quarters of academia, but at this point, no groundswell.  We can and will stay put for awhile, but will eventually need to make a decision here.  We have defined the future desktop computing model as a large LCD, keyboard and mouse attached to an indeterminate computing device.  Figuring out what that computing device or devices will be is one of the key challenges of the next 1-3 years.  These are questions without clear right or wrong answers.  Some directions could lead to lower cost computing models, others to greater flexibility and choice. 
3)  Human. Technology allows us each to raise our own game. Stepping up and doing it, and doing it as rapidly as our competitors is one of the key challenges going forward.  Embracing the best ideas and moving them forward rapidly and successfully is what we ALL need to be about. 
   
The opportunities are all about using technology to improve the way we teach, learn, administer and serve the campus.  Our efforts to strengthen the video infrastructure will have a dramatic impact on the Communications program, Public Relations and ASL, our investments in web services will continue to improve the way we provide services to our constituencies. 

2008-09 Goals and Strategies
We have identified the following goals for 2008-09
o  Complete the Network 2010 upgrade (dorms in Fall 2008, Bradford Campus Manager)
o  Get a green light for managed wireless in the dorms for next Summer
o  Get connected to iLight
o  Solidify our technology choices for Server Virtualization and Storage Virtualization
o  Successfully roll out Jenzabar JICS portal
o  Successfully transition faculty to Moodle LMS.
o  Complete a multi-tier emergency notification implementation
o  Solidify our strategy for messaging, collaboration and mobile support
o  Help Admission successfully transition to the Jenzabar EX module and JICS Candidate and Admission Officer
o  Help ASL successfully transition to digital workflows.
o  Achieve closer alignment between IT planning and Executive planning
o  Chart an achievable strategy for enterprise Business Intelligence infrastructure
o  Pursue ongoing funding of classroom master plan
o  Research and Develop comprehensive strategy for migrating Departmental and library assets from VHS and DVD content to online content
o  Develop Technology plans (AV and computing) for key customers
o  Develop proposal for centralized funding for AV systems

Five Years Out
The ITS Strategic Plan sets forth a vision of a new "Age of Empowerment" where the convergences of unlimited processing power, storage, network and Internet bandwidth, ubiquitous digital media and Internet, low-cost/no-cost professional tools, open standards and Internet services combine to create a fundamentally new reality.  We expect that the infrastructure that drives that new reality to be significantly in place within five years.  The network upgrade is nearly completed, the first phase of the storage infrastructure is in production, processing power is already ahead of user demand in most cases.  Our hope is that through alignment and dialog with departmental and executive leadership we can help the college move institutional business processes, curriculum and pedagogy forward in ways that leverage these new opportunities to advance GC's strategic objectives and keep the college competitive with or ahead of our peer institutions.  This will take a sustained commitment across the institution to good planning and management and the larger college goals over the coming years if we are to realize our full potential.

Conclusion
As we look to 2008-09, ITS and Goshen College have never been technologically stronger.  We have made important foundational investments that will provide a solid foundation for efficiency and growth, and we have a cohesive team that will see us through some difficult technological transitions in the next 1-3 years. Our technology infrastructure defines the possible.  It is a launch pad for new, creative, innovative ideas, programs and activities for everyone on campus.  With a renewed emphasis on planning and prioritization, together we can advance departmental and institutional strategic objectives, and have fun doing it. 

 
Welcome
Help Desk
Services
Facilities
Projects
Policies
Contact Us