Lab Management Quarterly Report

Lab Management's third quarter of operation showed continued high levels of utilization of its facilities. The quarter corresponds to the Winter 2001 academic quarter. Clients reported no major problems and computer rooms operated at optimum efficiency and provided appropriate customer service throughout the quarter. While maintaining its efficiency and effectiveness, Lab Management initiated and completed several initiatives during the quarter. Lab Management focused its efforts on planning activities while completing minor projects to improve services.

Five goals were identified of which three were completed during the quarter.

Third Quarter Goals

Status: Completed

Lab Management completed installing memory in 1101 and 1102 Hart. The memory installs are expected to improve performance to access digital class material in 1101 Hart and improve performance of G3 Mac computers used for multimedia design instruction. Both computers now have 160 Mb of memory since the installs were completed in February. Over 35000 logins were recorded during the quarter for both 1101 and 1102 Hart.

Status:Completed

A web accessible camera was installed at the MU Station open access computer room to study how traffic flows through the computer room. In addition, the camera was installed to determine its usability as an antitheft device. The Station was chosen as the ideal location for test since it is the most heavily utilized computer facility on campus. Both video and audio can be recorded digitally and the camera can be controlled remotely via the web. The camera will be evaluated for use in other facilities.

Status: Completed

To contain rising costs of supporting free printing in computer rooms, Lab Management submitted a proposal to charge for printing. The ability to charge users for printing was supported by the ASUCD and by the Academic Computing Coordinating Council. The proposal was approved by the campus Rate Committee. A five cent per page charge was approved. Lab Management intends to apply the charge beginning on July 1 for any pages printed above the first 200 pages each quarter. The Information and Educational Technology Policy Board must approve the proposal before print charging begins. More information can be obtained at http://lm.ucdavis.edu/rooms/printing/.

4. Assist in Classroom Support Unit reorganization activities

Status: In Progress

Lab Management provided logistics support in planning and scheduling room renovations for the Classroom Support Unit. As part of the Classroom Support Unit, Lab Management assisted in the creation of a central location for technical support staff. Electrical, carpentry, and networking work was required to establish a functional work area in the new location at 16 Art Annex. Assistance was provided in initial design as well as scheduling work with Facilities and Communication Resources. All work is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter.

Status: In Progress

During the Winter 2001 Quarter, Lab Management continued planning and scheduling activities for major and minor facilities renovations as well as equipment upgrades for Summer 2001. Nine computer rooms are planned to receive either facilities work or equipment upgrades or both before the start of the Fall 2001 academic quarter. Scheduling work has become increasingly difficult as Lab Management facilities continue to be highly utilized during the summer months. The large number of scheduled summer activities is also dependent on the availability of electricians, carpenters, and painters to complete renovations work. A project plan is expected to be finalized before June.

Lab Management completed three of five goals set for Winter 2001. Work continues to complete planning and scheduling of Summer 2001 activities. During Spring 2001, Lab Management expects to prepare for scheduled Summer 2001 renovations and upgrades.