Georgia State University Making the Student Technology Fee Work for Students Carolyn Gard, Director University Educational Technology Services and Shehab Hashim Graduate Student Georgia State University SE Regional Educause, June 20, 2003

Georgia State University Overview Background Administrator’s Perspective Student’s Perspective Accomplishments

Georgia State University Classic Problems Unable to get student lab computers on a regular replacement cycle Had common software in the labs and classrooms but no software management No way to upgrade/replace student systems –Antiquated and Web system –Print reclamation system failing –Etc.

Georgia State University Student Tech Fee to the Rescue BOR implemented in 2001 for USG schools –Research Universities $75 Fall, $75 Spring and $50 Summer Semester –Regents Guidelines outlining what to spend it on –Committee allocating the money must be at least 50% students Fiscal Year Amount Requested Awarded Amount Number Proposals FY01$8,820,680$2,048,42375 FY02$5,410,767$3,580,62962 FY03$8,160,991$4,177,02095 FY04$7,695,706$4,536,33793

Georgia State University Award Process IS&T supports and manages award process and subsequent distribution of funds – huge job Process is very similar obtaining grant funding Funds awarded based on proposals Two major components –Proposal submission and evaluation process –Evaluation committee defined according to Regents Guidelines

Georgia State University Proposal Process Pre-proposal review by Facilities and IS&T Proposals must –Describe project and include a budget –Address the impact on students –Show how it relates to strategic plans Dean/VPs submit proposals with priority assigned Evaluation is a two step process –Vote on each proposal giving it a 1-highest funding priority, 2-award if funding available or 3-reject –Award funding to the 1s and then the 2s if funds are left

Georgia State University Evaluation Committee Faculty are from the ISAT (Advisory Committee to IS&T) –Committee chaired by Chair of IAST Students nominated by Deans or SGA Committee membership consists of 13 faculty and 13 students Committee’s final report –Table of awards –Guidelines for awarding money collected beyond that estimated – Issues for future committees to resolve before starting next FY

Georgia State University ISSUES Committee does not want to fund staff –Exceptions made for large projects –Expectation is to move staff to normal budget after a couple of years –13% of FY2004 budget goes to staff and student salaries Remodeling/renovation –Necessary to start many projects as a one time cost –Don’t want to use funds this way Security Budget for surveillance equipment, etc. Funding online journals, subscriptions could move regular budget to student technology fee Prioritizing innovation vs. ongoing infrastructure

Georgia State University Accomplishments Extremely collegial process Faculty –Work as senate members for the greater good of the University –Represent college to a lesser degree Students –Work for entire student body –Understand benefit of technology in the classrooms Support staff work with the committee –College staff sometimes attend to speak for their proposals

Georgia State University LESSONS LEARNED Student input on committee is critical to ensure fee used for added value to student education Medium-sized committee works to build consensus Pre-proposal step is indispensable to efficient review process Need more collaboration within and between colleges/schools on technology proposals

Georgia State University New and web system Web-based 10MB space and 10MB personal file space (web pages) elocker: file space on the Net with web access

Georgia State University Web-based Training Selected Element K Site license for all 30,000 faculty, staff and students 450 courses 6,500 current users Production October 2001 Most Popular Service

Georgia State University Student Computer Labs Tech Fee monies have upgraded the Student computer labs & made more “seats” available for busy students Top: Aderhold lobby and lab Above: Aderhold lab [closeup] Left: Main Open Computer Lab With Space-Saving Flat Screens

Georgia State University Wireless Network Students Enjoy Wireless Access Around Campus The campus wireless network is being installed in areas where students congregate even outside the buildings. Right: A GSU student checks on his PocketPC.

Georgia State University Digital Aquarium Advanced Multimedia Lab & Studio Funded entirely by students via Tech Fee Digital Video 3D Graphics & Animation Illustration Music Recording & Editing

Georgia State University Questions/Comments Welcome now or later. Shehab Hashim Carolyn Gard