IRC News Minutes provided by Sue Ellen Richey, Recording Secretary

IRC Regular Voting Members: Ginny Anderson, Fiscal Affairs; Walter Bowen, Academic Administration; Bill Buntain, Communications Program Group; Carolyn Cunningham, Student Affairs; Paul Dworak, College of Music; Steve Grant, UNT Health Science Center; Don Grose, Libraries; Jenny Jopling, Instruction Program Group; Joneel Harris, Administrative Program Group; Mike Kozak, Faculty Senate; Allen Livingston, Student Association; Steve Miller, Human Resources; Dennis Mueller, Research Program Group; Ramu Muthiah, School of Community Services; Robert Nimocks, Director, Information Technology,UNTHSC; Patrick Pluscht, Distributed Learning Team; Jim Poirot, College of Education; Don Schol, School of Visual Arts; Kathleen Swigger, College of Arts and Sciences; Neal Tate, University Planning Council; Philip Turner, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Distance Education and Dean of the School of Library and Information Resources (Chair, IRC); Virginia Wheeless, Chancellor; John Windsor, College of Business. IRC Ex-officio Nonvoting Members: Jim Curry, Microcomputer Maintenance Shop; Richard Harris, Computing Center; Coy Hoggard, Computing Center; Maurice Leatherbury, Computing Center; Sue Ellen Richey, Computing Center (Recording Secretary); Rondel Stevens, Telecommunications.

March 10, 1998

Desktop Software Applications Guidelines

The Chair reported that he and Richard Harris met with the IR Steering committee where they reported the IRC approval of the "Desktop Software Applications Guidelines." There was some discussion about putting the guidelines in the Faculty Handbook. The committee also discussed the Faculty Senate Resolution and agreed to monitor the situation. It was also reported to the Steering committee that Paul Dworak, with the Standards & Cooperation Program Group, agreed to draft a response to the Faculty Senate resolution.

Paul Dworak distributed a draft of a response to the Faculty Senate Resolution. He invited comments from IRC members prior to the next IRC meeting so that a final document can be presented for approval at the April IRC meeting. Paul commented that communication seems to be a key concern of the Faculty Senate and he suggested that department and college computer user groups are one way to improve communication. Discussion followed.

Paul Dworak suggested that IRC members provide input to him; that the ideas be taken to the April meeting of the Faculty Senate meeting, and input from that meeting be considered in preparing a final statement for the IRC’s April meeting.

Administration Program Group

Coy Hoggard reported for the Administration Program Group that the committee has met and discussed expansion of the capacity and support for HOSTPRINT services, which allows printing of mainframe files on LAN-attached printers and which is being driven by an increased need for more host printers for the DARS project. He added that host printers can also be used to print NOBIS reports. The committee plans to try and determine the actual demand by meeting with the Distributed Computing Support Management Team as well as the Deans. Coy asked IRC members to provide input about this issue directly to their network managers. As an alternative, they could provide this information either to him or Joneel Harris.

Distributed Learning

The Chair introduced Patrick Pluscht, who is the IRC’s Distributed Learning Team representative, and asked him to make a report. Patrick distributed copies of a Journal article concerning Distributed Learning and pointed out that UNT is working toward being ready for distributed learning. Patrick announced that administrative approval has been given to establish a Center for Distributed Learning. In addition, four new full-time and seven new part-time positions have been approved, pending final budget approval by the Board of Regents. A space request has been submitted to provide a place for the Center. Dr. Turner added that the whole purpose of the Center is to bring together all the resources the University already has in place to provide faculty with a single point of contact for distributed learning. It was explained that funding for the center and the positions will most likely come from student fees. They hope to go public with the Center some time in the summer.

In response to a question from Carolyn Cunningham regarding someone who will be working out the administrative problems of tuition and fees for distributed learning courses, Dr. Turner replied that the position they had requested for that purpose was cut from the budget. He anticipates that the Administrative Assistant position will have to deal with those issues. Turner stated that he recognizes the importance of the administration of fees and fee structure for distributed learning courses.

Maurice Leatherbury commented that Academic Computing will be supporting the Center for Distributed Learning through its Web hosting services and will assign a liaison to work closely with the Center. The new Center will relieve his staff from doing some of the consulting they have been doing. He stated that his staff will not be moving into the new Center.

The Chair stressed the importance of all facets of distributed learning working together to make it work.

April 21, 1998

IR Steering Committee

The Chair reported having met with the IR Steering Committee at which time the IRC’s response to the Faculty Senate resolution on computing resources was discussed. The vice presidents asked that the IRC’s response, when finalized, be made directly to the IR Steering Committee.

DCSMT

Maurice Leatherbury reported that the DCSMT has been evaluating virus scanning protection software packages, since the one currently being used is not completely satisfactory. One they have looked at is the MacAfee product, another is from Symantec. They are consulting with Command Software, as well, who is the current provider of virus software.

In addition, Maurice reported that the DCSMT is also looking at Web course management systems in order to create a shell for Web course delivery and keep track of student progress through a Web course, testing, E-Mail, etc. They will be looking at two products; one called WebCT from University of British Columbia; and TopClass which is from a commercial company. Their hope is to have a product available before the end of summer, to provide one alternative for for developing Web courses. Maurice explained that these software products are totally server based and integrate well with FrontPage software.

Instruction Program Group

Don Schol reported for the Instruction Program Group and distributed a draft of a "General Classroom Technology Access Policy." He explained that the document is a starting point for assignment of responsibility and/or liability to individuals or groups of individuals who use designated classrooms equipped with various levels of instructional technology. He pointed out that the policy will be re-evaluated periodically and revised accordingly. There was some discussion during which several revisions were made to the document. During discussion, the point was made that network connection should be provided in all classrooms so that even if instructional technology equipment is not already in a classroom, portable units can be brought in and used. It was pointed out that the particular policy being presented speaks to the issue of access and responsibility for technological equipment in classrooms and is not a recommendation of how classrooms should be equipped. It was requested that the policy be more specific as to what type of classrooms are covered by this policy. Don asked that further suggestions be emailed to him; the Program Group will revise the document, post it to its Web site, and present it for a second reading at the May IRC meeting.

Administrative Program Group

Joneel Harris reported for the Administrative Program Group that at their last meeting IBM presented their latest opportunities for higher education expansion and development. The Program Group also discussed the SNA Gateway and HOSTPRINT and reported that gateway access is being expanded by adding a third gateway. It is hoped that HOSTPRINT will be used on a test basis at the next registration. Coy Hoggard reported that a mainframe operating system upgrade is planned for May 23-24, 1998, and should not affect the academic mainframe but will affect central printing services temporarily. Joneel said that another issue of importance to the Administrative Program Group is the Year 2000 problem. She said that some components in the Voice Response System are not Year 2000 compliant and the vendor may not be bringing them into compliance. She urged members to look at their own systems to make sure they are Year 2000 compliant.

Standards & Cooperation Program Group

Paul Dworak reported for the Standards & Cooperation Program Group and distributed a revised Statement of Principles On Computer Technical Support, which he presented to the IRC for approval as its response to the Faculty Senate Resolution. There being no further discussion, a vote was taken and the statement was approved.

Paul Dworak also distributed a recommendation from the S&C Program Group on the use of Everyone Mail, as a starting point for discussion on the subject. Paul explained that in the face of the increasing use of Everyone Mail the Program Group feels there need to be some limitations and controls put into effect. He asked that members call or email him with their comments.

Intellectual Property Rights

Patrick Pluscht asked Maurice Leatherbury to report on the issue of intellectual property rights, for example, the courseware developed on the Web. Maurice has asked Michelle Allen to review what Univ. Of Houston has done on this issue and draft an agreement form clarifying ownership of UNT Web-developed courseware. The Chair pointed out that there is a bill going through Congress now that, if passed, will take away a lot of teachers’ rights to intellectual property. Turner said he would provide the Bill number if anyone is interested in looking at this issue further.

Patrick also commented that the Center for Distributed Learning needs space to set up its staff together, and also needs furniture for the staff. He asked that if anyone has equipment or furniture to give away to let him know. n