Eastern Oregon University

Tech-Fee Committee Meeting

January 17, 2008

Members Present:  Tom Herrmann, Callie Nelson, Humberto Almeida, Brian Sather, Charles Martin, Frederick Pratter

Resource Members Present:   Paul Rowan, Karen Clay, Anna Maria Dill, Helen Moore

Helen discussed reduced budget dollars so far this year.  This year, we have collected about $49,000 less than during the same time period last year.  With enrollment staying about the same as last year, we had expected our budget to also be about the same as last year.  Summer session tech fees of about $32,000 have not been moved into the account (they are usually moved over in October), but that still leaves the account with $17,000 less available than last year.  Helen sent an email to Lee Lindsey asking why the budget is down so much.  Until there is more information from Lee, the committee will assume the new balance available for proposals is approximately $146,225.00. 

Discussion began for proposals – no decisions so far. 

• Digital Signage (Nick Romriell) -- idea has been around for a long time.  Other campuses have three or four marquees.  Signs would be located around campus for campus community and at campus entrances for visitors.  Concern is that this is not an instructional project.
• Technology for MTE Students (Beth Upshaw) -- Do we have any extra Smart Classroom carts? -- Can we do this less expensively?  Ask Jon Norris and Gibb Pollard (Video Services) to try to come up with a less expensive option – we will invite Beth Upshaw to our next meeting to discuss options. 
• Computer Based Teaching Facility (Jon Norris) - Why can't we use the old ZH room? Consensus was that ZH 204 would not be available.  Is Wi-Fi?  The computers will be Wi-Fi compatible, but the plan is to wire the facility for direct connection.  The proposal calls for Video Services to pay for wiring the facility as matching funds.   Do we have Michael Jaeger’s agreement on the location?   Should we examine the ISB as a location?   Paul will talk with Michael Jaeger and Jon Norris regarding the location.  Should we use desktops instead of laptops?  We will bring Jon in to discuss the proposal further. 
• Expanded Bandwidth for Instruction (David Komito) – will double the bandwidth – Committee in agreement that this is an appropriate use of Tech Fee funds.
• ACK 210 Sound System (Jeff Johnson) – Committee agreed that there are other ways to address the problem.  Jon Norris suggested using a $500 Synthesizer to provide the needed audio volume and clarity.  There are also other rooms on campus that already have sound systems in place that could be used instead of ACK 210
• Projector, DVD Player & Sound System for Art/Media Arts (Kerry Loewen) – Main concern was issue of sound bleeding over to other classroom, but committee agreed that in this case sound proofing isn't an issue (there are no nearby classrooms).
• ESRI ArcGIS Site License (Jay VanTassell) -- is there enough demand?  Ag program requires its use.

Discussion will continue at our next meeting.  Beth Upshaw and Jon Norris will be invited to the meeting to discuss their proposals.

Next meeting scheduled for January 31st, 7:00am, PL 114.

Minutes submitted by Helen Moore.