Systems

In June, we had a 2 1/2 hour power outage in Huntsville. The new backup generator that was installed recently allowed the main computer systems to remain up. Although you couldn't work from your building without electricity, we were able to keep the main systems from crashing. This permitted off-campus users to still access our Web site during this time. Our thanks to the Physical Plant for helping us get the new generator in place.

Security

Have you ever written down your password on a yellow Post-it note, and stuck it on your monitor? Look around now and ensure you don't have any confidential information visible to the casual visitor.

Supervisors: are you reviewing your employees' use of programs? You may use MTRK09R, Menu Tracking by Username, to have a log of your staff's usage of Nell programs. This program tracks the beginning and ending times programs were accessed.

Technology Training

This month's training offers special sessions for a solid week for individuals wanting to create or enhance a web site. Bring your vita on disk, personal photos, syllabi, or other items you'd like to work on. We will also have the digital camera available if you'd like a business-style photo taken. This is open to faculty and staff. You can just drop in any day (July 8th through the 12th) from 2-4 in room 316.

July 15th through July 19th, we're offering sessions designed to assist faculty with getting Fall 2002 classes up and going on Blackboard. These are also drop-in times from 2-4 in room 316.

Blackboard

The contract to move SHSU to the Enterprise version of Blackboard has been signed and is in the mail. So we're close! Blackboard representatives will be coming to campus soon to help with our conversion.

Faculty: please change your passwords on Blackboard. This is another area where you need to be very conscious of the security of the system. Do not give anyone else your password to the Bb system. As an instructor, your password allows access to additional areas---and we want to ensure that only authorized individuals have those permissions.

Jacob Spradlin has created a new Resource Center to assist current and future Blackboard instructors. Encourage faculty in your department to check it out.

Institutional Research

Most of our students come from Harris, Walker, and Montgomery counties---which probably isn't surprising news. However, you might be interested in some of the other statistics available through the Institutional Research Factbook. This resource also provides 10-year trends.

Telephone Services

In a continuing effort to improve the University's standing as a service-oriented institution, please answer your telephone promptly. A caller forms a first impression of you and the University in about 30 seconds. Use these 30 seconds to create a positive image for the University. Prompt answering helps to build a reputation of efficiency for you and the University. Always state a greeting and your name when answering. Callers like to know they have reached the correct department and who they are talking to.

If you need to forward a call, first give the caller that telephone number for their future reference. Stay on the line until the other department answers. Don't just say "Transfer Call!" Instead, tell the receiving office who you are and the basic nature of the call. That way, the receiving office can be prepared for the call and the caller won't have to repeat everything.

Mail Services

As of June 30th, the postage rates increased. First class letters are now 37 cents, post cards are 23 cents, priority mail is $3.85 and Express mail is $13.65 for up to 1/2 lb. Money order charges have changed also. Up to $500, the charge is still 90 cents. From $500 to $1,000, the charge will be $1.25.

These higher costs make it even more imperative that any mail that can be sent bulk rate should be. If you'd like assistance in preparing a bulk mail-out, please visit with Carl Hicks at 43001. Save funds on mailings---so you can use that budget for other items!

The process has started with delivering mail to departments. We are still working out the timing and the best system to do so. We hope to have that formalized by the Fall semester. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.

Windows XP

If you're ready to switch to Windows XP, you may put your name on our waiting list. We will begin converting systems as soon as we have a Virus Scanner in place. Just e-mail the Helpdesk. Include your username, node number, and building/room #.