Issues in determining how to develop a data communications system at colleges and universities are discussed including; technical requirements; cost; implications for coordination and (de)centralization of hardware/software; deciding when to create a data network; data security, information integrity, and organizational development. (Author/MLW)

The rapid proliferation of personal computers on many campuses has raised a number of questions as to how best to support them. An approach based upon network service machines is discussed. These services include mail, printing, plotting, batch execution, file storage, etc. (Author/MLW)

Academic support systems are characterized as those activities that center around a dean's office--office automation/information systems, institutional research and electronic communication. The basic and design and implementation issues that are encountered in providing these support systems are examined. (Author/MLW)

The University System of Georgia Computer Network serves 33 colleges and universities throughout the state. It provides low cost computing services to meet research, education and instructional needs of students, faculty and administrators. Computers used and the general administrative structure are noted. (SF)

The computing at Brown University was formalized in 1960. Computing history, current university computing, and a description of the Institute for Research in Information and Scholarship are discussed. The installation of a broadband communications network (BRUNET) was recently completed. (MLW)

Local area networks for intracampus facilities and national inter-campus networks are discussed. Descriptions of some of these networks (ARPAnet, BITNET, CSNET, EDUNET, MAILNET, RLIN, AND USENET) are provided that illustrate the wide range of academic applications currently available. (Author/MLW)

A good security system enables access and protects information from damage or tampering, but the most important aspects of a security system aren't technical. A security procedures manual addresses the human element of computer security. (MLW)

This article describes the development at Case Western Reserve University of an all-fiber optic communications network linking 7,300 outlets (faculty offices, student residences, classrooms, libraries, and laboratories) with computer data, television, audio, facsimile, and image information services. (Author/DB)

The activities of Project TRANSACTION, a 10-year research and development project of the College Scholarship Service division of the College Board, are described. The project is intended to unify the student financial aid delivery system through application of electronic information technologies. (Author/MLW)

In the 1960s and early 1970s, statewide planning efforts usually resulted in plans for centralized hardware networks. The focus of statewide planning has shifted to the issue of improved computer financing, information sharing, and enhanced utilization in instruction, administration. A "facilitating network" concept and Missouri efforts…

Collaboration between professions or disciplines or across distances is discussed. A definition of collaboration is offered, processes and factors making collaboration difficult are identified, and two features of networked communication (access equalization and social equalization) that are important to collaboration are examined. (Author/MSE)

Hofstra University (New York) contracted with a vendor to provide a student information kiosk system on a campus computer network that would improve and enhance delivery of student services. Installed in under two months, the system has quickly addressed some persistent challenges, including easy access to information and security. (MSE)

Discusses the merger of FARNET (Federation of American Research Networks), a clearinghouse for tracking the development state-by-state of an information infrastructure, and NTTF (Networking and Telecommunications Task Force), which helped colleges and universities identify strategic networking and telecommunications policy issues, into a new…

The evolution of value-added network services (VAN), current technology, and some of the major VAN vendors and types of services for universities are described. A network glossary is included. (MLW)

A major conversion of existing systems has significantly improved the administrative computing capabilities of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. The training function has been emphasized as a vital element for an interactive computing environment. (MLW)