Students Work with UCit
to Achieve Significant Technology Gains
by Paul Czarnecki
A partnership between UC's Student Government and UCit has yielded several significant achievements in student technology, with more on the way.
In October 2004, Student Government and UCit formed a ten member committee comprised of five students, four UCit staff members, and a representative from Student Activities. The committee, chaired by Vice President and CIO, Fred Siff, identified several action items, including the following:
- activating wireless network access in the Steger Student Life building,
- reestablishing high-speed home Internet discounts for UC students with Time Warner's Road Runner,
- realizing a true student portal,
- providing UC email services for life,
- obtaining discounted student deals on cellular phones, and
- publishing class syllabi on UC's Learning Opportunities web site.
The committee brought about the activation of the wireless installations already present in the Steger Student Life Building. UC's Student Affairs Office identified a funding source to activate the wireless installations, so UC students can now access the UC network wirelessly throughout the Steger Building.
For some time, discounts for home high-speed Internet access have been available with Cincinnati Bell's ZoomTown for UC students, faculty, and staff. Student government and UCit renewed discussions with Time Warner's Road Runner to secure discounts for the UC community as well. For more details on both discount plans, please see Getting Online and High Speed Home Internet Access Discount Program for UC.
Members of the student IT committee collaborated on the design of the new student portal for Blackboard. Beginning Winter Quarter, students signing onto Blackboard will find a new home page with links to UC headlines, The News Record, the University Calendar, and Bearcat Online. Students can personalize their home pages with links to popular Internet sites.
In another committee initiative, the College of Business will participate in a pilot program where faculty, working within Blackboard, can link syllabi to UC's Learning Opportunities web site. Students will be able to view sample class syllabi to assist them in selecting courses.
Two other initiatives are in the works. The first would give each UC graduate a UC email address for life, allowing graduates to stay in touch with their classmates and the University to stay in touch with its graduates. The committee is also working with several cellular phone vendors on tailoring a discounted cellular phone plan for UC students.
The student IT committeeis a practical example of placing students at the center, one of UC|21's goals. Its success is a fine example of what can happen when students partner with University organizations to establish programs that benefit UC students.
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