I.S. Director's Meeting
February 2, 1995

Present: PBrouwer, BBuchanan, MColeman, RJewett, GLinkins, CLucia 

Agenda:
Informational:
- Update on 95-96 budget
- ETI deadline - May 1
- Planning committee meeting - Feb. 13, 9 am, Union 203 - Apply CAUSE awards?
- Call for papers: Education & Technology conference Old:
- Redundant link (Bob)
- Comments on SUNY draft development/training plan - Promotions and pay increases within the IS area (Bob) - Consultant -- Hassler prospectus (Bob) New:
- Plan for possible lack of ETI funding (Cynthia) Around the table
Next meeting
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Pete B. discussed what is known at this time about the Governor's announced budget. It is much more serious for SUNY than it first appeared, because of the "Revenues" side that was not mentioned initially. The President has called an all-campus meeting this afternoon in Hosmer Hall to impress upon the campus the gravity of the Governor's budget, and to discuss what individuals can do at this point, and to provide more specific numbers and details. In brief, what was thought to be a 4.8% cut turns out to be a 31.5% cut to SUNY. It will be several more weeks before SUNY's response will be known. Among other things discussed: the hiring freeze continues; a "targeted" early retirement incentive may be offered. 

Pete B. received a positive letter from James Hall on our ETI proposal. There is a May 1 deadline for the next phase of the Educational Technology Initiative. Pete B. will seek input from the group. 

There is a Planning Committee meeting on Febuary 13 at 9 a.m. Bill Donohue has asked Pete B. to attend to discuss with that group the question "Is the College meeting its technology goals?" Anyone here interested is invited to go along with Pete B.

The CAUSE Award and its deadline date of March 31, was discussed. The consensus of the group is that we will not apply this year because (1) we have not had any significant changes since the last time we applied; and (2) we should wait until we wire the dorms, or come up with something innovative, in instruction, for example. 

Pete B. distributed a Hudson Valley Community College Call for Papers for a meeting in September ("Education & Technology: Sharing a Better Tomorrow"); and a seminar notice from DEC & Microsoft on Feb. 7 and 9 in Rochester and Albany, respectively (very short notice) on "Microsoft Windows NT Server". Bob Jewett reported that the Potsdam and Plattsburgh SUNY collaborative were putting on a seminar at the University of Vermont in May (details later). Pete B. also distributed a technology article from NEWSWEEK entitled "Wiring the Ivory Tower."

Redundant link discussion and update: NYSERNET and SUNYNet are negotiating costs, and it is recommended that we wait until after August 1, as costs are expected to drop considerably. For example, at present, a 56K line costs $7000 the first year and $5500 per year thereafter, with a three year obligation. A T1 line costs $24,000 the first year, then $20,000 per year thereafter. Bob has been discussing the situation with the campus groups that wish to be "hosts" on Gopher, and the need to limit use to members of the particular groups. Pete B. said that he favors a redundant link, for such reasons as the need for a back-up, more control over traffic, and such. The need to recover some of the costs was discussed. Pete B. suggests we wait until August, and the group agreed. 

There was a short discussion on how we will cover the costs ($35K) of the computers ordered for the "smart" classroom in anticipation of ETI funds ($56K), in the event the ETI funds are not forthcoming. 

Questions on the SUNY draft development/training plan were discussed. The Provost has asked Pete B. to draft a reply for Potsdam. In general, it was agreed that it is a strong report, well done, and comprehensive, and that it is all in the context of teaching students. This group is encouraged to email further comments to Pete B.

Tom Hassler as consultant: given the current uncertainties, Bob will not pursue the matter any further at this time. 

The subject of promotions and salaries, salary increases, is tabled until the next meeting, due to time constraints. 

Bruce reported that the last NameSearch letter project for Admissions went very well. Zip+4 worked nicely. 27,000 letters were printed in one day. Bruce said that College Relations is interested in a legislative mailing. He also noted some Banner 2.0 problems. It seems that lately the SICAS Center is concentrating its efforts on those users who are trying to catch up, rather than on solving problems with their latest releases. Obviously, both need to be addressed.

Geri reported some TeleNursing connection difficulties at the Library. There is a library Internet training session in Kellas 217 at 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10. Geri has been appointed to a SUNY Task Force on Staff Support and Development, which ties in well with the SUNY Strategic Planning Committee on Development and Training. Geri also reported on the ARIEL document delivery program in connection with North Country 3R's. 

Our next meeting is on Thursday, February 9. Please note this is in one week, not our usual two week interval, because of the College break.