Eastern Oregon University

Tech-Fee Committee Minutes

May 11 , 2006

Members Present:  Bob Larison, Bryan Pearson, Steffany Long, Frederick Pratter, Linda Fratzke

Resource Members Present:  Shirley Roberts, Mike Sirrine, Paul Rowan, Anna Maria Dill

Guest:  Provost Miller

Tech Fee Committee met on this date at 7:00 am in Pierce Library.

The minutes from April 27, 2006 were approved as amended.

Paul Rowan asked if anyone knew of a use for some old Sun Systems that were originally purchased by Tech Fee and are now obsolete.   Frederick suggested that the Computer Science Department take them because they would allow hands on experience for students learning how to work on computers.

The discussion regarding maintenance and labor paid for by Tech Fee continued.  Three options for the labor issue were discussed:

• Continue with Tech Fee paying 100% of the labor already approved by proposals.
• Have departments cover a percentage future labor costs (including costs of prior year’s proposals)
• Have Departments pay for all labor in future. 

There was a brief discussion of the classified position in the library that is paid for by Tech Fee.  Some concern was expressed, but it was agreed that it was a necessary position and funding would not be withdrawn.

John Miller asked the committee to consider whether or not the labs could be organized in a better fashion?  He suggested that we use this as an opportunity to change “how we do business”.

Pratter argued that Tech Fee has always been reactive rather than proactive and Dr. Miller agreed.  Dr. Miller suggested that committee facilitate a series of focus groups to come up with suggestions regarding what kind of proposals could be given priority.  He also suggested that the Tech Fee Committee become involved with the 3-year strategic plan presented to the State Board.

Anna Maria expressed concern that planning is often stifled by fact that the Tech Fee money does not carry over from one year to the next.  Dr. Miller indicated that there might be ways to work around this issue. 

Bob discussed the retreats that were held in the first year of the committee.   During the retreats the committee came up with an operational plan and was charged with developing a vision for where campus was going technologically.  Bob suggested that it would be good to re-evaluate that vision. 

Dr. Miller agreed that the departments should be contributing to the maintenance budget.

Paul suggested that we need to look at the whole picture including purchase, maintenance, training, replacement.  Bob indicated that most students on campus do need help with basic computer skills which partially explains the high use of campus general purpose labs where lab aides are available to answer questions.

Next year the committee will look at a timeline for changing the policies of Tech Fee labor and equipment maintenance.

Dr. Pratter and Stephen, with review from the Provost, will put together the presentation for the Assembly, emphasizing the timeline and new procedures for submitting Tech Fee Proposals. 

Minutes submitted by Helen Moore.