SHSU's response to Educause's questions

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

What percentage of campus courses use electronic information to enhance the course (for example, syllabi, reading lists, discussion groups, demonstrations)?

The majority do.  Many use reading lists and discussion groups.

Are technology resources available, used effectively to enhance the learning experience, and designed to prepare graduates in your major for successful technology use in their careers?

Yes.

What library resources are available online (catalog, databases, special collections)?

The catalog is online and there are several databases available for student access. Refer to the Newton Gresham Library web site.

What electronic reference materials are licensed and how accessible are they from outside the library (for example, in the residence halls or off-campus)?

Our residence halls provide direct access through our high-speed Ethernet connection. Many of the resources are available from off-campus via the Web with your University I.D. and Personal Identification Number. Others due to licensing requirements must be used on-campus.

How does the campus help students develop computer skills?

In addition to regular for-credit classes, the Computer Services Department offers free seminars for students.

Does the campus allow students to receive credit for courses taken electronically from other sources?

Transfer hours are accepted from accredited sources.

Does the campus have a specific computer/IT competency requirement for all undergraduates?

Yes. 3 hours of computer literacy from Computer Science 133 , 138, or 143, Management Information Systems 188, or Library Science 130.

Are course reserves and other materials available online/via the Web site?

Yes.

What percentage of faculty has a networked computer available to them?

All fulltime faculty.

What percentage of faculty use e-mail regularly?

This is the primary method of communication on-campus.

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE

What information about admission and financial aid is available online, and can necessary forms be submitted electronically?

The undergraduate application and the financial aid application can be made online.

Is the college catalogue, including important campus policies, available on the Web?

Yes.

Can a student access their personal student information or data online?

Yes, through SamWeb.

Can a student find out their grades online or by phone at the end of a semester?

Yes, through SamWeb.

Is registration, including dropping and adding courses, processed electronically?

Yes, through SamWeb.

Can students pay bills, receive loans, make campus bookstore purchases using online procedures?

Yes.

What campus and community services are covered by "smart cards" or "debit cards"?

Money may be deposited in an account and the student I.D. may be used for food service expenditures.

What student information does the campus provide routinely to parents?

Crime statistics.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCE

What percentage of students on this campus have full-time use of personal computers?

The labs are open 24 hours a day during the week, so 100% of our students could have round-the-clock access.

What is the ratio of public access computers to undergraduate enrollment?

Counting ONLY the labs managed by Computer Services, there is one computer for every 15 students.

What percentage of students use e-mail and other software applications on a regular basis?

Over 80%.

Does the campus allow personal student Web pages?

Yes. Classes are also offered to provide training in creating the Web pages.

Is contact information for students, faculty, and staff readily accessible electronically?

Yes.

Is there a campus code of behavior for use of computing and information resources?

Yes.

What social activities and services are available over the Web?

Games and chat rooms are available.

Are there Web sites for student organizations and clubs, and are these linked to the campus home page?

Yes.

REQUIREMENTS, SERVICES & COSTS

What, if any, technology fee is charged by the campus and what does it cover?

The fee for Fall 2007 is $15 per semester credit hour.  The fees are used to provide training, support, hardware, and software for the students' labs. Additionally, fees are used to build the infrastructure for the administrative and academic functions.

Are students required to purchase their own computers?

No.

How does the campus make computing and network access financially available to all students?

All services are included in the moderately based Computer Use Fee.

Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in the dorms or for off-campus access?

No.

If I bring my own computer equipment to school, what kind of support can I expect from the campus?

A list of local vendors that provide support is available.

What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?

A Windows-based PC (Pentium class processor or higher with at least 256 MB of RAM), a Macintosh (recommended minimum of 1 Ghz,  O.S. 10.4,  512MB Ram, 30 GB hard drive), or a PC running Linux can all be used to access the residence hall Ethernet system.

What kinds of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and during what hours of operation?

Labs are staffed by student Lab Assistants to assist students with using the computers, printers, scanners, CD-ROM writers, and zip drives. The Helpdesk is open 24 hours a day via phone during the week. We also have weekend hours.  Training seminars are available to students on classes such as Creating a Web Page.

Does the campus have a plan for keeping the hardware current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?

Yes. A replacement cycle of 4 years is in effect at this time.

How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for this?

Laser printers are provided in all the Computer Services labs. There is no additional charge for this.