Computing Services

Welcome Back!  The people in LITS have been busy over the summer updating printers,computers, and other technology; adding more presentation equipment in classrooms; and generally trying to create a better information and technology environment for learning, teaching, and the work of the College.

Please read on to find out what has been done and how these changes might affect you.

New Printer-Copiers We recently replaced all of the Toshiba multi-function devices (also known as printer-copiers) on campus, which we expect to improve your print experience. Please consult the web page Printing on Campus for more information.

More Classroom Updates Presentation equipment (projector, computer, etc.) has been added to nine more rooms on campus bringing the number of teaching spaces with installed presentation equipment to 84.

Wireless Network Upgrades Virtually all old wireless access points have been replaced with access points using the current standard (IEEE 802.11n), which means that the campus community should have fast reliable wireless access from almost anywhere on campus where students and employees study or work. Please use WebHelpDesk to let Computing know if there are locations where you need but are having trouble accessing the wireless network.

Automated System Updates A new system has been implemented that should keep browsers, plug-ins, and similar software up-to-date on College-owned computers. We expect this will improve everyone’s experience when browsing the web.

Web Site Support Most sites on the old web server (webpub) have now been moved or deleted by their owners, which means searches of Allegheny’s site will return many fewer old and outdated pages. As webpub fades away, community members who have need for a web presence that cannot be satisfied by the existing WordPress and Google tools are encouraged to contact the web team or one of the instructional technologists, Helen McCullough and Mike Hurley.

Electronic Transcript Delivery Computing Services and the Registrar’s office are collaborating on a project to allow students to request and send transcripts electronically. The project should launch in the next few weeks and will expedite the process for students seeking transcripts for graduate school and employment applications. Watch for an announcement with details.

Student Research Database  Computing Services has worked with a group of faculty and administrators to develop a database to track student research. A pilot database has been created that is being tested by several departments. We extend our sincere thanks to the faculty and staff who helped design the database and are now doing the testing.

Enhanced Network and System Reliability Allegheny’s technical computing staff have completed a number of projects to help ensure that the community has the robust, continuous access to the network and computing tools needed for study and work. Projects include adding a second connection to the Internet and moving the vast majority of campus servers to a virtual computing environment spread over two locations so that we are better positioned to provide uninterrupted service.

Time Sheets  Computing and the payroll office have collaborated on enhancing and updating the web-based Time Sheet system that uses WebAdvisor to manage bi-weekly employee time sheets. All known issues have been addressed, and the system is being used throughout campus. Questions or concerns should be addressed to Andy Cooley in Payroll.

Windows 7 We continued migrating users to the Windows 7 operating system. Over 75% of campus computers using Microsoft Windows now have Windows 7 installed. We will complete the migration from Windows XP to Windows 7 this academic year. Employees who would like to request that their computer be moved from XP to Windows 7 should contact Computing to update the current migration schedule.

Move to Carr Computing has assisted with moving the Environmental Science Department to its new home in Carr by hooking up the wired and wireless networks, networking faculty and staff computers, installing presentation equipment in several classrooms and working with Chris Shaffer to install a new, larger GIS lab.

Please direct any questions or comments to Rick Holmgren at richard.holmgren@allegheny.edu