EduCause Student= Guide for Evaluating IT on Camp= us Gannon University Responses – September, 2006

Academic Experience

Coursework-in and out of class

= 1.1 How does the Campus use technology to enhance teaching and learning, and access= to information in your areas of interest? Examples include online syllabi, web-based discussion groups and project teams, and electronic portfolios? <= /span>

Faculty members use a web-based course management software (CMS) to post their syllabus, course documents, multimedia course content, and electronic reserves. With the CMS, faculty members are able to engage the students in online discussion, which allows them to exchange ideas and information with each other and the facul= ty. To further support the learning environment, faculty members post aud= io and video presentations in the CMS, which allows students to view materials= at their convenience. Faculty members communicate with students through email and instant messenger.

With wireless zones throughout campus, students can be connected and access CMS materials at any time.

To encourage excellen= ce and continuous improvement in teaching and learning, Gannon has a Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) devoted to faculty development.<= o:p>

= 1.2 Are classrooms equipped with technology for instructors and/or stude= nts? What technology-rich lab facilities are available to students for course-specific assignments?

Gannon University faculty members use a variety of instructional tools. About 50 of our classrooms are equipped with digital podiums, which consist of a computer, VCR/DVD, ceiling mounted projectors, and 16 of the classrooms also include a sympodium (interactive pen display). The sympodium allows the faculty to wr= ite over slides, save notes, and display projects onto a large screen. Document cameras may be requested by the faculty member to use in their classroom as= well. In addition, faculty members have access to a variety of tools for their classroom, such as Personal Response Systems (similar to “Ask the Audience” on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”), Smartboar= ds, Tablet PCs, and computer labs.

All academic classroo= ms have internet access and wireless access for laptops.

Students have access = to departmental labs with specialized software for their course of study.

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= 1.3 In both introductory and specialized courses, what opportunities are there for you to collaborate with other students using technology?

Faculty members use the collaborative tools wit= hin the CMS including e-mail, discussion boards, and chats. In the classroom, faculty members provide group projects and collaboration on projects with t= he use of Smart boards and symposia. Our library provides an environment for collaborative work with wireless network access, comfortable seating, and laptops that can be borrowed. An example of a major collaborative learning effort would be in the use of Lego Mindstorms Robo-labs for our introductory computing course.

= 1.4 Does the school give credit for courses taken electronically (online= /at a distance) from other institutions and sources of instruction?<= /span>

We accept credits for courses tak= en electronically from any Regionally Accredited institution.

Support Services

= 1.5 What facilities and help services are available to students working = on multimedia (audio and video) projects?

All students have acc= ess to the open labs, which contain a desktop publishing station giving students access to scanners and imaging software. The library facilities include a multimedia lab for students. In = the Computer and Information Science Department lab, students have access to specialized multimedia software and server space for the larger multimedia documents. Faculty and staff are available to assist the student’s wi= th their project work.

= 1.6 Are library collections and resources-such as catalogs, research databases, special collections, course reserves, full–text electronic journals, books, and streaming media-available online and accessible off–campus?

The catalog, databases, electronic reserves, journals, and other collections or resources are available off-campus with little difficulty. Also, thro= ugh use of the campus courseware, streaming media opportunities are available w= hen and if they are needed.

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= 1.7 Can the library deliver documents to you electronically, either via e–mail or through Web posting? Does the library charge a fee when information resources that you need are not available in its collections?

There is no fee for anything delivered electronically. The library is part of a consortium which permits students = to request books for other academic libraries in Pennsylvania without cost. Additionally, several electronic d= atabases and reference resources are available to Gannon students off-campus in one = of two ways---password or proxy access.

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= 1.8 Does the library provide research assistance in a variety of ways, s= uch as in person, by phone, by e–mail, and through Web services? When are these forms of assistance available?

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Rese= arch assistance is available from American Library Association certified librari= ans 86 hours per week during regular academic semesters via phone, email, synchronous chat, the Reference Desk, and the Library Instruction Lab. Additionally, Gannon librarians as= sist students during unscheduled hours through collaboration with their professo= rs.

Looking toward graduation and a career

= 1.9 Does the campus offer general or profession-specific training programs that will ensure you are fluent in current information technologies when you graduate= ?

Ga= nnon University off= ers many ways for students to develop their skills in computer use. A one-credit cou= rse on information literacy is offered to all students. During Freshman Preview= GU, students are introduced to Gannon University resource= s, such as email, network storage availability, Blackboard, and the MyGannon W= eb Portal. Also, student outcomes in many programs include expectations pertai= ning to technical proficiency and many majors include training in profession-specific technologies as an integral part of the curriculum.

Administrative Experience

Managing your personal information<= /h1>
2.1 What personal information can you view online- your contact information, grades, degree progress, financial status or other information?<= o:p>

Gannon University provides GUXpress, a web-based system that allows students to view their academic information online. Stud= ents can search and register for classes, access their class schedule, tuition b= ill, mid-term and final grades, transcript and manage their academic progress. In addition, students can grant th= eir parent or guardian access to much of their on-line information.<= /span>

= 2.2 Can you update any of this information online yourself?

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At this time, students can mail, email, fax or = drop off changes to the Registrars’ Office. This is to ensure that all informa= tion entered into the university database adhere to Post-Office standards allowi= ng the university to reduce mailing costs.

Conducting business

= 2.3 Which of the following can you do online?

Check admission status

Pay bills

Apply for and view financial aide rewards

Register for, add, and drop courses

Learn course grades (online or by phone)

View and print unofficial transcripts

Check progress toward completion of degree requirements

Make campus bookstore purchases

·  &n= bsp;      Other

While prospective students can apply for admiss= ion, they cannot yet apply for financial aide. All other transactions can be conducted online and students can also manage their debit card account (che= ck available balance, see recent transactions and deposit funds to their accou= nt).

= 2.4 What campus and community services are covered by debit-card, smart card, or one-card systems?

Ga= nnon University has= a GU Gold card to maintain debit funds. The GU Gold card is recognized by campus dining services, bookstore, vending and copiers. The GU Gold card is also recognized at 35 off-campus restaurants and merchants. The card is used to = gain access to freshman residence halls, academic buildings, specialized labs, t= he recreation center, and sporting events.

= 2.5 Are the school catalog-including course descriptions, degree requirements, and academic policies-and the semester/term schedule of class= es available on the Web?

Both the undergraduate and graduate catalogs are available on-line. The degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies are in the catalog. The semester schedule of classes is available through GUXpress and reflects changes immediately.

Privacy, security, and usage rules<= /h1>
= 2.6 What security and privacy policies are in place to protect student information?

Ga= nnon University tak= es a variety of measures to ensure student information is secure and remains private. All users are provid= ed a NetworkID and Password. The Password must adhere to guidelines for the type and number of characters th= at can be used, all users must change their password twice each semester and repeated, unsuccessful login attempts will disable the NetworkID. The NetworkID and Password provide authentication into most campus systems, while a few require an even greater level of security.

Students are authorized to access only their own personal academic information or course information for only those courses = they are enrolled in.

The privacy of personal information is taken ve= ry seriously at Gannon University. Our students are reminded annually= of their FERPA rights and our Student Information System ensures only a few authorized individuals can access private student records.

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= 2.7 How do information technology services protect students from identity theft?

The Information Technology Services department partners with Campus Police and Safety to implement an education strategy consisting of developing and distributing a brochure, conducting seminars a= nd placing articles in the student newspaper.= Campus Police actively investigates all complaints of ID Theft and associated fraud in cooperation with the local police, assist faculty, staf= f, and students in filing the appropriate paperwork with the three credit reporting agencies and Federal Agencies.&n= bsp; We have worked with key users of the Student Information System to s= crub Social Security Number from every screen and report it is not needed and do= not use it as an ID number.

We protect our network with redundant firewalls= , a university-wide managed anti-virus solution, and a sophisticated SPAM filter. Also, we provide reso= urces and guidance to help students prevent and remove ad-ware and spy-ware. <= /b>

= 2.8 How does the campus notify students of their rights under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?

A letter is sent to all students annually, just before school starts in August, notifying them of their FERPA rights.<= /o:p>

= 2.9 Are there restrictions governing the use of the campus network—= ;in residence halls, computing labs, elsewhere on campus? Are there limitations= on specific activities such as software/music sharing, gaming, or Web cams?

Ga= nnon University use= s an inline network device to control and monitor the network applications allow= ed over the internet. This includes peer-to-peer programs, games, streaming me= dia, and other high-bandwidth/non-academic activities, which are generally limit= ed to evening and weekend use. We do not filter or block access to web based content.

= 2.10 Is there a campus code of behavior about using computer resources? =

&nb= sp;

Ga= nnon University has= an Information Technology Code of Conduct which outlines the acceptable use of computing resources. Key aspects of the policy are explained during preview= GU and students must agree to comply with the Code of Conduct to retain access= to technology resources.

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= 2.11 Does the campus have policies addressing peer-to-peer file sharing, virus software and copyright?

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Gannon University doe= s not allow peer-to-peer programs during normal academic hours. With the use of t= he inline network device, Gannon can restrict the bandwidth during specific ho= urs of the day.

Gannon University pro= vides all resident students with anti-virus software. This software uses a managed client to automatically provide updates to students’ computers.<= /o:p>

Gannon University pro= vides each student with the Code of Academic Integrity during Freshman Orientatio= n or entrance into the University. This Code of Academic Integrity contains information pertaining to plagiarism, fabrication, cheating, and academic misconduct. The IT Code of Co= nduct also prohibits piracy and violating copyright and intellectual property laws.”<= o:p>

= 2.12 How does the campus manage e-mail spam?

Gannon University has recently implemented a sophisticated spam filter for students, faculty and staff resulting in over= 95% of SPAM never reaching a user’s inbox and valid emails very rarely be= ing confused for SPAM.

Student Life Experience

Accessing computer services

= 3.1 What public access for computing is available to students? Examples include computing labs, cyber cafes, residence hall computers, and wireless access.=

Gannon University has computer labs available i= n all of its academic buildings and the Waldron Campus Center, and a Cyber Café in the Nash Library. Laptops are available for use in the Libra= ry and Campus Center. There is a high speed internet connection for each resident student and wireless access throughout every building on campus, including residence halls.

= 3.2 Does the campus provide institutional e-mail accounts for all students and use e-mail as an official medium of communication?

All registered students are provided email acco= unts and may use them beyond graduation. Faculty and administrators use email and announcements on the MyGannon Portal as official means of communicating with students.

= 3.3 Does the campus provide and support electronic space for personal student web pa= ges?

Students are provided 150MB of network storage = space for academic purposes, such as reports, course documents, and reference materials. We just began offering students additional space to publish e-portfolios or web pages and have received a grant to assist in the implementation of e-portfolios.

Connecting with others

= 3.4 Is contact information for students, faculty, and staff readily accessible electronically?

Ga= nnon University pro= vides information about the faculty and staff on their website for students to fi= nd members of the campus community easily. The electronic directory contains information, such as name, position, office location, phone number, mailbox number, and email address. Only student email addresses are posted on our website and only for those students that have not requested an even greater= degree of privacy.

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= 3.5 What social activities and services are available online?=

Our campus portal provides information in a var= iety of areas:

o      = Impo= rtant campus announcements are posted

o      = Info= rmation of interest, which is used extensively by student organizations to promote upcoming activities and events

o      = Stud= ents choose which types of information they wish to receive

o      = An o= fficial calendar of events describing all campus activities

= 3.6 Are there Web sites for student organizations and clubs?

The SGA and APB have very effective websites to= keep students involved in their operation. For example, students can view representative and officer bios, participate in elections and take student interest polls using the SGA webs= ite. Many other clubs and organizations= are developing websites as we recently implemented a system for student organizations to easily create and maintain a web site, simply by answering= a few questions.

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= 3.7 Does the institution make available online discussion forums or bull= etin boards for un–moderated use?

SGA and several other student organizations have discussion forums that allow members to freely exchange ideas.

= 3.8 What technology–supported career–planning services are available to students?

The Career Development and Employment Services = (CDES) department uses software (interest inventories) to assess career and college major interests. In addition, CDES offers a website which allows access to = job listings, on-line registration for job search service, career resources, job search guides (resume writing, interviewing, and job search techniques), and resources pertaining to professional and graduate school information. CDES provides on-line job search consultation via resume review, interview preparation, and job search plann= ing.

Services and Fees

Fees and expenses

4.1 What, if any, technology fee is charge by = the campus? What does it cover?

There is no technology fee charge to all studen= ts, however, there are course-specific fees related to computer courses: <= /o:p>

Computer Lab Fee - $185/Cour= se – this fee is charged for any computer course (e.g., programming, digital design) a student takes.

Computer Usage Fee - $20-$100/Course – this fee is charged for any non-computer course that requires the student to use a computer during class time.<= /i>

4.2 Will you be required to purchase your own computer?

Gannon University does not require, but does recommend, the purchase of a computer. Nearly all resident students have th= eir own desktop or laptop computer.

= 4.3 Does the campus make computing and network access financially accessible? Is spe= cial student pricing offered for computers and peripheral equipment? =

Ga= nnon University pro= vides computing and network access through open computing labs. Gannon University purchases Dell Computer systems and has negotiated special pricing for Gannon’s students. Similar discounts have been arranged for various software titles, long distance calling cards and cellular phone service.

= 4.4 Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in residence hall room= s or for off-campus access?

Ga= nnon University cha= rges a GU Connect Fee of $110-$150 per student per semester residing in the reside= nce hall. The charge covers cable TV, local telephone service, and a high-speed, wired network connection and full wireless coverage in the residence halls. There is no charge for off-campus students to access the Internet through t= he dial-up connections and a secure, Virtual Private Network capability is available.

Technical support

= 4.5 What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?

Ga= nnon University rec= ommends PC computers run with Windows XP Operating Systems; a suggested configurati= on is located on our website at: www.gannon.edu/dell= . PCs must have the Ethernet card installed and configured for TCP/IP. Other software such as MS Office are highly recommended. Anti-virus software is provided by the university.

= 4.6 What kinds of services (help desk, training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and when are they available?

Gannon University provides help desk services w= hich are available online, by telephone, or via walk-in. The ITS Helpdesk is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 11:00 pm during the academic year. Gannon University offers a one-credit information literacy course and the ITS homepage is a useful resource for students.

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= 4.7 Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?

Ga= nnon University off= ers state-of-the-art hardware and software to its students. Our current replace= ment cycle for public computing labs is three to four years. <= /i>

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= 4.8 If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can y= ou expect from the campus?

Gannon’s Information Technology Services = will provide and troubleshoot the network connection to the resident halls. The = ITS Helpdesk provides assistance to students on the use of Gannon systems. Gannon University partners with local vendors to provide support for hardware and software on personal PCs at reasonable rates to students.

Other services

= 4.9 How does the campus support printing for students, and is there a charge for th= is service?

Ga= nnon University has= many network printers distributed in the public computing labs and in the librar= y. Students are allocated 400 pages per semester for public computing labs. If= a student goes beyond the 400 page limit, which is very rare, a charge of .05= per page is incurred.

= 4.10 Does the campus provide wireless network coverage? If so, how much of the campus has wireless connectivity?

Gannon University provides wireless network cov= erage in 100% of all campus buildings, including all academic buildings, the Nash Library, Waldron Campus Center and all residence halls.