Software for Fall Semester

Requests for software installation were needed by June 1. If you are planning on using a specific software application in your classes, please fill out the necessary request form at this time. This information is requested so that we ensure the application can run from the network. The deadline for the Spring 2003 semester is November 1. If you already know what you'll be using, please give the network programmers a head-start on installing your applications. Allow time in the schedule for you to test it.

Security

Lots of moves will be taking place the next few weeks with the LSC renovation nearing completion and the Fall semester beginning. Please ask for Computer Services technical assistance if you choose to move equipment. (If offices are assigned to students or student organizations, please ensure they receive this information.) The address assigned to each machine matches the exact location, and it's critical that the machine be updated to reflect its new location. You may call 41950 for a work order. This week, a department machine was disconnected and plugged in incorrectly----and inaccurate I.P. addresses were generated. So your cooperation is critical to ensure a secure, efficient network.

Technology Training

We are offering a number of training sessions designed for new employees. Please encourage the new faculty and staff to sign up for one of these sessions. If you have any other training needs, please contact Jacob Spradlin at 43929.

Blackboard

We will be running a test server for Blackboard 5.6 Enterprise in the Fall and are looking for some volunteer professors to host at least one course on the new server. This will allow us to work out the kinks of plugging SHSU’s systems into Blackboard. Professors will be able to play with/test any new plug-ins we write for Blackboard. This should enhance the teaching and course content creation experience. The caveat to this is we can’t migrate the student information to the production server. The actual coursework part can be copied. Check with Jacob Spradlin for the details.

Institutional Research

Graduate Rates Reflect National Trend : According to a recent CNN article, applications to graduate schools across the nation are significantly higher. The first indication of how this trend might play out in actual enrollment are the summer enrollment figures. SHSU's overall enrollment is up 4.12% for Summer I and 7.61% for Summer II, when compared to 2001 figures. The main driver in the overall enrollment is graduate enrollment, which is up 14.47% for Summer I and 30% for Summer II, when compared to 2001 figures. CNN notes the economy and a dot com backlash as the primary reasons for the increased applications.
Note: Figures are based on 12th day frozen class files. Graduate students are defined as students with an academic classification of graduate or doctoral.

Telephone Services

Staff members: Remember that although you're experienced and familiar with proper phone etiquette, your student workers may not be. Please review with them the following tips:

• Not only what you say, but also how you say it, affects the way callers perceive you.
• Even if you have heard the same question over and over, do not act as if you are bored. No one wants to feel that they are imposing on you.
• Try to avoid slang or technical terms. Callers are not as knowledgeable about your department as you are.
  

Mail Services

Sam Houston Press & Copy Center, in conjunction with the Post Office, is now offering bulk mail preparation services for pieces of 5000 and under for all departments and also labeling for on-campus mail. For larger quantities, contact us for scheduling times.

It will be the responsibility of the departments to provide labels in zip code order and postage slips for bulk mailing and labels for on-campus mailing.

For pricing and information please call Sam Houston Press & Copy Center at 294-1856/1857.

Outlook Tip

Would you like to have someone else answer particular types of e-mail for you? This option is available for those users on the exchange server. If you wish to be added to the exchange server, please send e-mail to the helpdesk. You can then name someone as your Delegate. In Outlook, choose Tools | Options and click the Delegates tab. Click Add and select an account from the list, click Add, and then click OK. In the Delegate Permissions dialog box, specify the permissions the delegate has to each of your primary Outlook folders.

By default, a delegate can read, create, and modify in the Calendar and Tasks folders but has no access into other folders. If needed, you can grant varying permissions in the other folders.

Also by default, the delegate receives copies of meeting requests sent to you so he or she can respond to them for you. If you would like for these requests and responses to go only to your delegate, you can specify this preference on the Delegates tab.

Dell Purchases

SHSU has joined with the Dell Computer Corporation as a premier access client. The University's membership in this program will allow the University to leverage its overall volume purchasing to pass along cost savings on products offered by Dell to individual departmental purchases. The SHSU Purchasing Department and the Department of Computer Services strongly recommends that you send your computer-related supply requests directly to Computer Services. We will then provide you SHSU/Dell pricing and ordering instructions. Upon your approval and designation of an account number for billing purposes, Computer Services will forward the order to Purchasing/Dell and will deliver your new equipment.

How to Order:

If you would like a SHSU standard configuration:

1. Print the Workstation Request Form.
2. Fax the request form with completed billing information to Computer Services. Fax: X41231
3. Computer Services will order the equipment and schedule a time for installation.

If you know the specifics of what you want:

1. Access the Dell Higher Education store and select your desired products.
2. Add your products to your shopping cart.
3. Save and print your shopping cart information.
4. Email or fax your shopping cart information to Computer Services. Email: ComputerRequest@shsu.edu Fax: X41231
5. Computer Services will email a quote, product description and billing form to you for purchasing approval.
6. Complete the billing form and fax along with the product description to Computer Services. Fax X41231
7. Computer Services will order the equipment and schedule a time for installation.

If you have a general idea of what you want:

1. Email or fax a brief description of your needs to Computer Services. Email: ComputerRequest@shsu.edu Fax: X41231
2. Computer Services will email a quote, product description and billing form to you for purchasing approval.
3. Complete the billing form and fax along with the product description to Computer Services. Fax X41231
4. Computer Services will order the equipment and schedule a time for installation.

If you have any further questions you may contact Mark Adams at X41158.