Introduction To Information and Instructional Technologies for Faculty and Staff

Welcome to Information and Instructional Technologies (IIT) at St. Olaf College. St. Olaf offers a campus-wide network of computing facilities that includes Macintoshes, PC-compatibles, and UNIX/Linux-based systems. IIT employs 23 full-time professionals specializing in consulting, electronics, networking, and programming.

1.0 General Policies

1.1 Academic Computing Policies

Policy, priorities, and long-range plans for academic and general computing are set by the Academic Computing Policy Board (ACPB), which consists of the Director of Information and Instructional Technologies (IIT) and three faculty members from different Facilities appointed by the Dean of the College. The Board works with the Director to develop goals for academic computing and to plan budgets and policies that support these goals. A list of current policies can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/policies/.

Policies and procedures related to the college business systems and data are handled by the Director of IIT and other appropriate senior members of the college administration.

1.2 Privacy

Employees of IIT (including certain student workers; for example, those having responsibilities associated with the servers maintained by IIT) have access to all information stored on St. Olaf servers. Such access is necessary in order for IIT employees to perform their duties, and is normally exercised only if the account owner specifically requests that the employee access the account or if such access is required to maintain system performance or security, or upon presentation of warrants, subpoenas, or court orders, or upon the request of the appropriate senior college administrators. Such a request shall be made only upon presentation of convincing evidence of probable cause related to a flagrant violation of federal or state regulations or college policies.

1.3 Service Priorities

IIT provides most computing services to the St. Olaf community without direct charges to the user, department, or office. Departments and offices are charged for A/V services & equipment requested for non-classroom events.

2.0 Department and Office Computing Resources

2.1 Office Computers

IIT maintains a centralized budget for all technology hardware and software. While the budget is centralized, departments and offices select the type of computing platform for their organization, as well as the order in which members will receive new or upgraded equipment. IIT strives to replace approximately one-fifth of the computers each year. Presently, IIT supports the Apple Macintosh and the HP PC. Each department or office is equipped with at least one central networked laser printer.

2.2 Office Software

Every office computer comes equipped with system software, Microsoft Office, a web browser (Safari or Firefox on OS X Macs, and Firefox or Internet Explorer on the PCs) which also acts as the e-mail client, Symantec Anti-Virus protection software, and a suite of software utilities.

2.3 Requesting Hardware and Software

IIT accepts requests for office and lab hardware twice a year: October 31 and April 1. Individuals wishing to receive a computer or upgrade their existing system should contact their department chair, department computing liaison, or supervisor for information on how to get a request on the department/office proposal.

IIT also maintains a central budget for small, single-item software purchases requested by departments and offices. Most departments or offices use their department software budgets to purchase individual office software, software for shared use accessible from their department computer(s), and some lab software. Unlike the hardware budget, software requests may be submitted at any time from June 1 through March 31. IIT will research, price-check, recommend, order, and even install the software for you. All requests must be approved by the department chair or supervisor before being submitted.

2.4 Moving Your Equipment

IIT requests that no computing equipment be moved to a new location without first contacting your IIT staff representative or Computer Repair Services (e-mail crs@stolaf.edu).

2.5 Equipment and Software Inventory

IIT maintains the equipment inventory for the campus. On an as-needed basis, IIT staff or student employees will make arrangements with you to enter your office and lab to inventory the equipment.

3.0 Campus Network, Computers and the Internet

Centralized computing services (including the World Wide Web, electronic mail, and network printing) are managed by several UNIX, Linux, and Windows systems. All are connected to the campus-wide, fiber-optic network. From your computer or from a lab machine, you will have access to e-mail, the Web, free software installs (such as web browsers, network utilities, and program updates), shared applications, personal network storage space and shared folders for class use.

Users should be aware that data files and e-mail may be backed up to tape and could be subpoenaed in a court case.

3.1 E-Mail

You can access your St. Olaf e-mail from any place in the world with web access at http://gmail.stolaf.edu This connects you to the St. Olaf version of Gmail. (St. Olaf makes use of Google Apps for Education which includes Gmail.) Your St. Olaf e-mail address is the only one used for official college announcements, business, etc. so be sure to check it often. You will need to stop by the Helpdesk (Rolvaag 251) to pick up your username and password if you do not already have it.

E-mail addresses are listed in the St. Olaf Campus Directory. An electronic version of the campus directory is available via the World Wide Web; launch a browser and open the URL http://www.stolaf.edu/personal/ or click on the "People" links at the top of most pages.

3.2 Network Storage Space

IIT offers personal network storage on stofiles.stolaf.edu (a central file server). This personal folder allows you to save up to 50 MB of data (word-processing files, spreadsheets, images, etc.) on the network server. The files are backed-up nightly and this service gives you access to your personal files from all computers connected to the St. Olaf network. More information about this service can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/documentation/netfolders/.

3.3 Moodle

Moodle is St. Olaf's course management system. An overview of Moodle can be found at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/documentation/insttech/#moodle or you can login to Moodle at http://moodle.stolaf.edu.

3.4 Shared Class Folder

Some professors are using the central servers to distribute class materials, facilitate collaborative projects, and collect electronic assignments. Each term, a class directory is automatically created for each class section. Students are automatically granted access to those classes for which they are registered.

3.5 Printers

Each department or office is responsible for setting printing policies for their own office or lab printers. Departments and offices are responsible for supplying the paper, ribbons, and toner for their own office or lab printers. IIT does not track use of the department lab printers. Faculty and staff home department or office budgets will be charged for pages printed in public labs.

Faculty must be aware that students are limited to 550 pages of free output on the public lab printers—Students will pay a small fee for use beyond the initial 550 pages. IIT asks all faculty to:

  • Inform the students in your class that they should not print electronic documents (web files, e-mail, documents) unless it is really necessary.
  • Inform the students in your class that they should use the copy machines for multiple copies.
  • Inform the students in your class that you require back-to-back (duplex) papers and that papers printed single-sided are wasteful.
  • Remind your students to use spell-check and print preview before printing to paper.

3.6 Wireless Access

Wireless network access is available in all academic buildings. Connect to the STOWLAN network/SSID for access.

4.0 Educational Services

4.1 Workshops and Seminars

IIT provides numerous free workshops and seminars for the entire St. Olaf community throughout the year on topics including spreadsheets, web page development, Photoshop, databases, etc. The workshop and seminar schedule is sent out via e-mail or you can view the schedule and sign-up online at http://www.stolaf.edu/apps/learn/

IIT will also present special workshops and sessions for classes. Workshops can be held during class periods or scheduled after hours. Topics can be on general applications or may be tailored to meet the specific needs of your classes. Contact your IIT department representative for additional information.

4.2 Classroom Technology

Nearly all of St. Olaf classrooms are set up with some kind of permanent classroom technologies which may include computers, projectors, document cameras, VCRs, etc. In addition, a number of departments have cart-based systems that can be easily wheeled into a classroom or lab. IIT has a portable projection system and other A/V gear that can be used free of charge for single-time classroom use. IIT staff also provide training sessions at the beginning of each semester for faculty assigned to technology-rich classrooms.

4.3 Documentation

IIT writes computing documents that simplify the manufacturer's documents and provide faculty, staff, and students with the specifics of computing at St. Olaf. Documents are available on the web at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/documentation/. IIT staff will also review or assist in the development of class materials pertaining to computing applications. Contact your IIT staff representative for more information.

4.4 The St. Olaf Web Site

St. Olaf College has an extensive World Wide Web site. Firefox is the recommended browser; Safari and Internet Explorer are also used for specific computers or applications. The St. Olaf web site provides information about St. Olaf while using the Internet to access similar information services at educational institutions and other organizations around the world. Academic departments and offices are encouraged to use the web to make their information available to the community. Documentation on creating web pages is available at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/documentation/webpage/.

5.0 When You Need Help

5.1 Helpdesk

The Helpdesk functions as a central help facility for students, faculty, and staff. The Helpdesk handles account requests (e-mail addresses), password changes, file conversions, network connections, and provides general assistance with computing problems and issues.

The IIT Helpdesk does not provide troubleshooting or repair services for personally owned hardware or software.

During the academic year, the Helpdesk, located in Rolvaag Library 251, is open:

Day Hours
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday - Thursday 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

You can also call the Helpdesk at x3830. When assistants are not on duty, your call will be routed to voice mail. Please leave a detailed message. You may also send e-mail to helpdesk@stolaf.edu if your question or problem is not urgent

Computer equipment and supplies are available for purchase through the St. Olaf Bookstore in the Buntrock Commons. Although IIT does not handle personal computer sales, St. Olaf has arranged for student discounts on Apple Macintosh & HP PCs. Details can be found at: http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/helpdesk/recommendations.html#recommends.

5.2 Computing Support

Each academic department and admin office has been assigned an IIT staff member to assist the department with their computing needs. This IIT staff representative will be the primary contact with IIT for department faculty and staff, but other IIT staff members and student staff can and will work with departments as necessary. A list of IIT department representatives for each department/office is available on the web at http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/staff_reps.html.

5.3 Hardware Problems

IIT is responsible for maintaining the campus computer network, computing equipment, and the campus A/V gear. The single exception is the sound system and Viking Theater in Buntrock Commons which is maintained by Telecommunications. Priority goes first to emergency repairs, second to network support, and third to support of equipment in offices and labs.

5.4 IIT Staff and Computing Center Hours

IIT has an experienced staff to assist the community and to keep our operations running smoothly. During the academic year, Information and Instructional Technologies staff are available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

6.0 General Services

6.1 Mulitimedia Development Center

IIT has a high-end MultiMedia Development Center that specializes in helping faculty, students, and staff in using high-end graphics packages, web page development, digital music creation, electronic presentations, color printing, etc. Priority is given to academic projects. The facility is equipped with high-end computers, color printers, scanners, video editing equipment, etc. For details on the services and availability please contact Janet Collrin at x3613 or at collrin@stolaf.edu.

6.2 A/V Gear

IIT maintains a pool of A/V gear for use by the community. With the exception of use directly in the classroom, users are charged a fee based on equipment type and length of use. For a listing of the available gear and pricing go to http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/about/media-charges.html.

To reserve equipment, you can go directly to http://www.stolaf.edu/services/iit/forms/media_request.cfm. IIT recommends that you make your reservation as far in advance as possible because of the high demand for the equipment.

Faculty who are presenting at professional meetings and are receiving funding from the Dean’s Office may be exempt from fees. In order to qualify for the exemption, faculty need to include their A/V needs on their travel request form submitted to the Dean’s Office.

6.3 Grant Proposals

IIT staff will assist faculty who are planning to write grant proposals involving information technology and will provide technical support service to install and maintain grant-funded hardware and software that are on IIT’s list of supported systems.

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