Charges to the Academic Computing and Telecommunications Committee for FY06

Approved by SenEx: 6/17/05

Standing Charges

1. Gather information about current developments, needs and concerns in computing and telecommunications through a collaborative effort among faculty, student and staff members. Recommend changes to Senex and provide feedback to appropriate groups in areas such as:

a. Connectivity, such as wireless networking and the use of online and storage systems.

b. Security, such as password protection and thefts of identity and intellectual property.

2. Provide advice and direction to units providing resources on how advancements in computing and telecommunication can improve learning at KU, including:

a. Center for Teaching Excellence on the uses of technology in teaching, including methods for improving instruction in classrooms and online.

b. Instructional Development and Support (IDS) on courseware (Blackboard), mediated classrooms, and faculty training needs.

c. KU Libraries on learning environment, such as the development of collaborative learning space in which students, faculty and staff members can work in teams.

d. Academic Computing Services (ACS) on training needs of students, faculty and staff.

e. Continuing Education on distance learning programs.

3. Interact with other governance committees as needed, including

a. Library Committee on advancements in information technology, and

b. Research Committee on the needs of faculty/staff members conducting research

4. Submit to SenEx:

a. Approved minutes of each meeting.

b. Recommendations for action as they are approved by the committee.

c. A final report by April 1, 2006. For each of the above charges, the report should describe the committee’s findings and recommendations, including suggestions for the following year’s charges.

Additional Charge

5. Discuss with the Academic Achievement and Access Center ways in which technology improvements can assist students with disabilities. This may include creating the position of Assistive Technology Coordinator to ensure that future web/computer based technologies are fully accessible.

6. Brief the Faculty Council at its 11/10/05 meeting on the university-wide plan for a research computing infrastructure and how best to develop sustainable policies and procedures to support campus needs. Make policy recommendations related to the development of an institutional research computing infrastructure.