Lab Management Quarterly Report

Third Quarter (1/3/99 - 4/2/99)

Lab Management successfully completed several goals and began one which focused on increasing student access to computers and improving services at campus computer rooms. Winter Quarter was highlighted by efforts to add new computer rooms, an activity normally done during the summer months.

Third Quarter Goals

1. Open 301B Surge IV as an open access facility

Status: Completed

The new open access facility in 301B Surge IV opened its doors to the campus in early March. The facility holds a mixture of Mac and PC computers to serve users of both platforms. Construction delays did push back the opening date but the facility was open in time for the last week of the quarter and for finals week. The facility was part of an arrangement between Campus Planning and Budget, IT Advanced Networked and Scientific Applications group (ANSA), and IT Lab Management. Previously called the Visualization Lab and operated by the ANSA group, the room was located next to two existing Lab Management computer classrooms: 301A SurgeIV and 307 SurgeIV. This proximity will provide economies of scale and a place for students to do general academic work after their classes are completed in the two adjoining facilities.

2. Open 1 Olson as a Mac computer classroom

Status:In Progress

As part of an ongoing effort to meet the demand for computer classrooms, Lab Management completed initial designs and plans to renovate the 1 and 5 Olson rooms into one computer classroom facility. Construction that would combine the two small rooms into one room is similar to the work done to convert smaller rooms into the 21 and 27 Olson classrooms. Designs were finalized and work scheduled for the fourth quarter. Equipment has also been ordered. The facility is expected to open by the end of the fourth quarter or before the next fiscal year.

 

3. Upgrade 1101 Hart Mac computers

Status: Completed

Lab Management installed 16 iMac computers to replace the PowerMac 4400 computers in 1101 Hart Hall. Serving as a means to access digital class materials, the iMacs were purchased because the disk less configuration is ideal for the restricted computing use in 1101 Hart. These computers can not be used for functions such as word processing and checking e-mail and is limited to accessing digital class materials via the web or available via the local server. The PowerMac 4400 machines that were previously installed were moved to the new 301B Surge IV open access facility.

4. Install CBT capable computer in 1101 Hart Hall

Status: Completed

One Window's based computer was installed in 1101 Hart for the specific purpose of supporting faculty, students, and staff interested in utilizing the campus' Computer Based Training (CBT) program. This workstation is available on a first-come first-serve basis and utilizes the CBT CDs that are available for checkout from the Hart Media Distribution Lab reserve desk. The CBT licensing program also allows students, staff, and faculty to purchase CDs for installation at their home or department computer. CBT topics include Microsoft Office 95 & 97, Internet Tools, Windows NT 4.0, Oracle 7, Webmaster and Network support, Programming(C, C++, Java, Javascript, VB), Database Design, and Microsoft Support Professional.

Lab Management completed three goals set for Winter 99 and began work on a fourth. The student and faculty community has expressed their appreciation over the added services. With the second academic quarter, Lab Management continued to take the opportunity to work on long term goals focused on increasing access and improving services.

Lab Management intends to complete all work towards the 1 Olson facility and open it for campus use next quarter. Next quarter will also include reviewing the accomplishment of yearly goals and planning for the next fiscal year.

Comments: pgblando@ucdavis.edu  URL: http://lm.ucdavis.edu/pubs/labrep/winter99/  Last updated: June 30, 1999