Lab Management Quarterly Report

Fourth Quarter (3/29/2000 - 6/30/2000)
Lab Management successfully completed several goals and began one, which focused on increasing and improving services at campus computer rooms. Spring Quarter's highlights include efforts to obtain funding, to provide additional services, and to identify and resolve problems discovered during the Winter Quarter.

Fourth Quarter Goals

1. Renovate 307 Surge IV
Status: Completed

Lab Management successfully completed the renovation of the 307 Surge IV computer room. Previously operated as a mac computer classroom, the physical dimensions and the room's general environment was not considered suitable as a classroom by many of the faculty. With 1 Olson serving as a new mac computer classroom, 307 Surge IV was closed in Fall 1999 and Winter 1999. Seventeen computer stations and one high speed printer was made available to the campus community when the facility opened. Scheduling delays in Fall 99 and part of Winter 2000 have delayed the completion of the project which is now set for April 2000. The room will operate as an open access lab and will not be reserved for classes.

2. Create an audio room in 1154 Meyer
Status:In Progress

Due to delays in construction, the completion of a new digital audio editing room for faculty, students, and staff has been rescheduled. This room will provide the ability for audio digitizing, manipulation and editing for clients as well as music composition, editing and creation. Currently, there is no audio editing hardware and only basic software available to the general campus community. Lab Management hopes to resolve all issues pertaining to construction delays and have the room ready by the start of the Fall Quarter.

3. Upgrade Mac equipment in 1154 Meyer
Status: Completed

In an effort to maintain the quality of equipment and services in the New Media Lab, 14 PowerPC G4's were installed in 1154 Meyer. The upgrade is part of a 2-year cycle which ensures that media equipment keep pace with the campus' needs. The machines are used in conjunction with existing media peripherals including CD-ROM writers, 35mm film recorders, slide and flatbed scanners, and digital video editors. Upgrades occured primarily during, and the week following finals week.

4. Compile and publish a survey of student and faculty
Status: Completed

Lab Management periodically surveys both student and faculty clients. In Spring 2000, Lab Management completed a survey of a thousand randomly selected student clients who used Lab Managment facilities in Spring 2000. Over 260 responses were compiled. Unlike previous surveys, this survey (http://lm.ucdavis.edu/pubs/survey/student_s00.html) focused specifically on customer service provided to students. In addition, faculty members who have taught in Fall 1999 in one of the computer rooms were surveyed. Of the 46 surveys sent to faculty members, 20 responded. The results are tabulated at http://lm.ucdavis.edu/pubs/survey/faculty_s00.html. These surveys are intended to draw a picture on how to better meet client needs and improve services.

5. Plan for minor and major facilities renovations for Summer
Status: Completed

With several facilities scheduled for renovation in Summer 2000, planning was a major activitiy during Spring quarter. Lab Management worked with Facilities Services to schedule work orders and identify critical paths in the project plans. Lab Management consulted faculty to ensure that computer classroom improvements addressed needs and resolved past shortcomings. This involved consulting with instructors on the redesign of 301A SurgeIV. The Olson building renovation also required the coordination of closed times of facilities and special open times to meet the needs of clients while other facilities were closed for renovation. Renovations or upgrades was scheduled for 301A Surge IV, 163 Shields, 241 Olson, TB114 and the MU Station. Operating system upgrades for all Mac computers as well as upgrades to Office 2000 for PC computers were also scheduled.

6. Test duplex printing in 307 Surge IV

Status: Completed

Lab Management installed and tested a duplex printer in 307 Surge IV. The test was to determine if duplex printing would be beneficial for students. In the past, all computing facilities have only offered single sided printing with no duplex printing option. Output to the 307 Surge IV printer was automatically set to print on both sides of the page. A survey of students who printed in 307 SurgeIV will be conducted to determine the success of the program. Since no complaints were received, Lab Management has decided to maintain duplex printing in the facility.

Lab Management completed five of the six goals set for Spring 2000. During the Summer 2000 quarter, Lab Management intends to focus on major and minor projects scheduled. In addition, Lab Managment will review its yearly goals as well as set new goals for the 2000-2001 academic year.

Lab Management intends to complete all renovation work of the 301A Surge IV, TB114, and the MU Station facility by Fall 2000. In addition, Lab Management intends to complete hardware and software upgrades. This includes new equipment in 241 Olson, 301B SurgeIV and 163 Shields and upgrades of all Mac computers to OS 9.0.4 before the start of the academic year.


Supporting documentation Other Information on Lab Management


 
Comments: pgblando@ucdavis.edu
URL: http://lm.ucdavis.edu/pubs/labrep/spring2000/
Last updated: September 10, 2000