IS.Communication December 2005

A message from the Vice President

The Challenge of Improving Service in Real Time

I would like to call to your attention to the impending installation of our new telephone system. This effort represents the largest telecommunications upgrade in over 12 years and symbolizes the promise and challenge of many new technologies.

On one hand, telephone service is essential and ubiquitous and this new system, the SBC/Nortel Switch, will establish a new foundation from which Fairfield will someday realize a host of new service features such as "voice over internet protocol" or VoIP. This means that telephone messages will be sent over the Internet rather than on the existing voice network. Among other features, the new digital network will also have the potential for desktop video conferencing at some point in the future. On the other hand, we have all become so dependent on these new technologies that basic maintenance and diagnostic testing are difficult to schedule since the workday of our community now extends to 24 hours. As a result there is hardly any timeframe that is convenient for disconnecting the network or our various computer services in order to conduct necessary maintenance. According to one of our anonymous colleagues, it is sort of like trying to change a tire on an automobile while the car is still moving.

So, I must begin this newsletter with an apology that there are likely to be temporary service interruptions in telephone service between January 6 to 16 in order to install the new telephone system. Please note that there won't be any loss of voice mail messages as we strive to keep the interruptions to a minimum. As always, we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Like many of the previous editions of the IS.Com newsletter, this issue is filled with announcements of new services and product upgrades that are designed to support and enhance the educational environment at Fairfield University. Each of the four departments in the I S Division has much to be proud of I encourage you to review all of their respective news items,

Administrative Computing

Banner 7 Project
Administrative Computing is in the initial testing phase of the upgrade to Banner 7.x. Details

Banner Training Overview
Twenty-three University faculty, staff, and administrators recently attended Banner training on General Navigation, Job Submission, and Population Selection. Details

Classroom Scheduling & Events Management Implementation
Administrative Computing is charged with planning and implementing the installation of the R25 events scheduling product. Details

TouchNet/eCommerce
A test environment is being created so that testing can begin with TouchNet online payments and course registration via StagWeb and Banner Self Service. Details

Study Abroad
In conjunction with the Registrar's Office, Administrative Computing is working with SAI (Study Abroad Italy) to obtain their data files of Fairfield students. Details

Banner Interface with Ticketing System
Administrative Computing worked with the Public Safety Office to create an interface between Banner and the Mobile Electronic Ticketing System (METS) hand-held ticketing system. Details

Degree Evaluation
The degree evaluation system has been redesigned so that students and advisors can run a detailed report. Details

Imaging System (SCT Xtender)
Administrative Computing is assisting the Advancement division in their efforts to scan existing documents into the imaging system. This new software offers many exciting features. Details

Computing & Network Services

New PBX Telephone System
Fairfield University has recently purchased a state-of-the-art PBX telephone system that is scheduled to be operational beginning on January 6th, 2006. Details

Storage Area Network
Computer hardware equipment and software has recently been ordered to create a storage area network (SAN) within the Dolan computer room. Details

Network Bandwidth Expansion
Arrangements were finalized during the fall semester to expand the amount of data bandwidth available for use by Fairfield students. Details

Online Maintenance Request Application Now Online
For the general campus user, a simple web-based Maintenance and Construction Request form is now available at http://www.fairfield.edu/workorder). Details

Media Center

Web & Design Work at Full Throttle
A "first" for the University and for the Media Center is a flash animated email that was designed by the Media Center and sent to 11,000 alumni in mid-December. Details

Video Work for Athletics, Students and the Public
Brian McAllister, a senior New Media film major, has been selected to receive our first Pitch and Produce directing fellowship. Details

Media Center Facilities & Software Continue to Expand
Representatives of Ross switchers gave our staff a demo recently of a new production switcher for the soon-to-be delivered full satellite uplink and HD television production truck. Details

Nyselius-DiMenna Library

On Our Way to 1 Million Visitors!
Join the countdown as we approach 1 million library visitors. Details

Marketing Project Partnership
Library staff partner with OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) to develop a marketing project to increase the use of selected electronic resources. Details

LibQUAL+ Survey Available in Spring
LibQUAL+ is a survey developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries that helps libraries assess and improve library services, change organizational culture, and market the library. Details

New Computers Available
The Information Commons has 36 new computers plus 5 laptops now circulate for in-house use.

Web Migration for Library Site
The library web site migrated to the University's web site on Nov. 21 with minimal disruption. Details

Exhibits
The School of Nursing, the Study Abroad Program and the Open Visions Forum are highlighted. Details