Many administrators are signing contracts for software products that leave their institutions completely unprotected in the event of a default by the vendor. It is proper for a customer to include contractual provisions whereby they may gain legal access to the program source code. (MLW)

Indiana University has over 300 microcomputers connected to the administrative mainframe. The issue of micro/mainframe data transfer is discussed and guidelines for planning this capability are provided. Types of micro/mainframe data transfer products, product choice, and how the product works in the transfer environment are described. (Author/MLW)

Describes the Catalyst project, an effort at the University of Washington to provide faculty using technology with instruction at the point of need via a Web-based suite of services developed by the university's "Uwired" Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. Emphasis is on reaching pragmatists, who comprise the majority of…

Fundamental to how much should be budgeted for computing is having a sense of how important computing is to the mission of the institution. A number of related questions are asked including how big a commitment an institution should make to computing. (MLW)

The Computer Center at California State University, San Bernardino, provides centrally managed computing hardware and software to support both administrative users and academic programs. The center provides access to four computer systems which allow students a wide range of computing experiences. Instructional computing, administrative computing,…

Describes a support model for academic computing developed and implemented at Carleton College (Minnesota) over the past six years. In the discipline-focused model, technical support staff work to identify, facilitate, and tailor technical tools and methods to the pedagogical needs of faculty. Curricular use of computers and computer skill levels…

The concept of distributed computing is discussed and reasons for coordinating decentralized computing at an institutional level are presented. Ten coordinative actions that an institution might decide upon are offered. (MLW)

Progress toward the goal of improved service to students through administrative systems can be achieved in many ways. Some suggestions include review current projects and existing systems, make service to students a systems department priority, publicize good systems, obtain student input in project planning, and utilize new technology. (MLW)

Computer technology cannot be expected to make up for poor management; change the fundamental way business is done; define itself; or stop mistakes from being made. Computer technology can be expected to help make better decisions, help deal with change; automate mundane tasks, and offer an opportunity to look at things differently. (MLW)

How information technology planning fits into institutional strategic planning, the effective measurement of the results of computer use in the classroom or administrative offices, and how faculty can be encouraged to incorporate computing into their courses are discussed. (MLW)

In an age of chaos and uncertainty in computing services delivery, the best marketing strategy that can be adopted is concern for user constituencies and the long range solutions to their problems. (MLW)

Relates how the story of how San Francisco State University evaluated IBM PC look-alikes, considered some of the risks involved, and decided to purchase over 100 of them. Questions of compatibility, vendor longevity, support, and other risk management issues are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Oakton Community College and its computing environment are described. Indicators of the need for coordination, assumptions that were examined and steps taken in the process of coordination, problems solved and problems identified, and conclusions drawn from their experience are discussed. (Author/MLW)

The computing and information services (CIS) organization includes administrative computing, academic computing, and networking and has three divisions: computing services, development services, and information services. Other computing activities include Health Sciences, Humanities Computing Center, and Department of Computer Science and Systems.…

Faced with an increasing need for data by the West Liberty State College administration and the West Virginia Board of Regents, an in-house system was designed that provides online update/inquiry to an integrated, nonredundant collection of data files via user-friendly menus. (Author/MLW)