IT Projects

6/4/2008: Here is a summary of some of the projects we're working on over the summer. You will find more news and information about information technology services and project planning on the IT @ IWU blog.

Project Updates for Summer 2008

1. Network hardware refresh / campus wireless project - phase 1
The first phase of our four year plan to update all the campus network electronics, and extend the wireless network to all campus buildings begins this summer. Current plans are to add the new Welcome Center to the campus network and to provide wireless networking in the new East Street apartments, Harriet House, and Adams Hall.

2. My.IWU upgrade
We're planning a major upgrade to the my.iwu campus portal this summer. This upgrade will provide a number of enhancements, including a channel that summarizes changes in your classes or groups.

3. New proxy server for access to library resources
We're working with the Ames Library staff to provide a new, easier-to-use proxy server. This new proxy server will require no browser configuration. It will provide direct access to licensed library resources from on campus, and will ask for NetID and password for people trying to access those resource from off-campus.

4. Moodle course tools
We're testing Moodle course tools as an alternative to the course tools already available in My.IWU. Four faculty have agreed to test Moodle in their classes for the Fall 2008 semester.

5. Web content management system upgrade
We'll be upgrading the servers used to maintain the University's web site. This upgrade will provide additional features and improved performance for people who maintain the university's web pages.

6. Campus card system upgrade
We'll be completing a major upgrade of the campus card system. This upgrade began over Spring break. We will be replacing all the registers used for food services in June.

7. New security camera system
Working with campus security, we'll begin installing a new security camera system. This system will watch entrances to buildings and parking lots. It will also tie into our card access system. The first phase of the system will have camera recording entrances to the Memorial Center, four residence halls, and two parking lots.

Other Projects in the works

8. Network Security: We are investigating network access control solutions to better protect the campus network. Such a solution will require a log-on for any access to the campus network, allow us to better control guest access, and provide a way to ensure that infected computers do not harm other computers on the campus network. Our University attorney recommends that we install such a system to better comply with recent changes to federal communication security legislation.

9. Video Conferencing: We're working with the School of Nursing to bring on-line video conferencing to campus. The School of Nursing interested in using this technology for students in their Barcelona program.

10. Print tracking: The University is considering a system to help better control printing on campus. The initial roll-out would track student printing to help determine a reasonable limit for the number of free pages to print for academic course work. In the future we expect to see policies where each student would receive a credit for a number of free pages each semester and be charged for printing additional pages. The Ames Library has also begun working with faculty to clarify what is appropriate for electronic reserves versus printed "course packs" of required articles.