Information Technology Plan
and
Status Report
2012
Information Technology Services
Seattle Central Community College
BE 3157
1701 Broadway, Seattle WA 98122
206-934-6327
2011‐12 Planning Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 3 Funding ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Student Computing ................................................................................................................................... 3 Faculty and Staff Computing ..................................................................................................................... 3 Strengths and Concerns .......................................................................................................................... 4 Strengths ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Concerns ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Where We’re Going ...................................................................................................................................... 4 2012 Updated IT Planning Progress Report ............................................................................................ 4 Major Goals ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Our ongoing objectives and some strategies to achieve those objectives: .......................................... 5 IT Effectiveness Initiatives ............................................................................................................................. 7 IT Governance ........................................................................................................................................... 7 IT Centralization ........................................................................................................................................ 7 Unstructured Information Support ........................................................................................................... 8 Desktop Virtualization ............................................................................................................................... 8 2012 Project List and Status ..................................................................................................................... 8 Divisional/Departmental Needs from PAVS reports ................................................................................. 9 People and Processes.................................................................................................................................. 13 Who we are and what we do .................................................................................................................. 13 Strengths and Concerns .......................................................................................................................... 16 Strengths ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Concerns ............................................................................................................................................. 16 Procedures .................................................................................................................................................. 17 Technology – The Tools We Use ................................................................................................................. 17 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Applications ............................................................................................................................................. 17 Strengths and Concerns .......................................................................................................................... 18 Infrastructure and Desktop Hardware .................................................................................................... 19 Hardware Supported by IT Services ........................................................................................................ 19 Network Architecture ............................................................................................................................. 19 Classroom Technology ............................................................................................................................ 20 Strengths and Concerns .......................................................................................................................... 20 The Money – What it costs .................................................................................................................... 21 Report on Strategic Plan Status, Spring 2012 ............................................................................................. 22 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Overview
Information Technology Services at Seattle Central supports all aspects of IT for students, faculty and staff. Services include helpdesk, web accounts and web hosting, network and infrastructure support, software purchase, installation and maintenance, student computer center operations, coordination with media services to support classroom projection devices, support of classroom technologies including computers and software, the faculty and staff TLC (Technology Learning Center), and helpdesk operations. Seattle Central IT Services is organized in four teams: Student Computer Center operations, Technology Learning Center, Systems Support, Forms and Database support, and Helpdesk. The helpdesk team assumes responsibility for student lab setups during breaks, when helpdesk demands are minimal. Funding IT funding is through a combination of budgets. The college’s allocation from state FTE funds , provides about $2 million annually. A CL (computer lab) fee of $44 for enrollment in one computer‐lab class and $70 total for enrollment in multiple computer lab classes provides about $250,000 for student computing services. In 2006, Seattle Central’s student body participated in a ballot initiative, raising the UT Fee, $3 per credit, from the former maximum of $18 to a new maximum of $54. This fund is allocated by a student and employee committee and provides about $425,000 directly to IT Services each year. . Grants and special project funds have increased in recent years. Student Computing Because of limited space, Seattle Central must maximize the use of student computer labs and classrooms. Nearly all rooms are provided with a standard suite of software, served from network servers, including about 120 course‐specific and general campus applications. Instructors are free to choose their course software, as they do their textbooks. IT Services evaluates software requests each quarter and installs the requested software if technology and licensing permit. The student computers are re‐imaged nightly in open labs, and weekly in classrooms, , so updates, unexpected software additions, and revisions are easily managed. Student login accounts are created and removed nightly, as students enroll or leave the college. Faculty and Staff Computing From 2005 to the present, Seattle Central has concentrated administrative computing resources toward purchase and implementation of a virtualized desktop system (Citrix) for employees. This has been very well received and has increased satisfaction while decreasing support costs. About 30 software applications are currently provided through the Citrix system. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Strengths and Concerns Several recent surveys and an intensive IT planning retreat indicate some positive aspects of Seattle Central IT services as well as some areas of concern. Strengths 
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The director and computer services manger have an open door policy. Faculty, staff and students mention this positively. The departmental focus is on serving students. Student labs surveys show a high level of satisfaction. Infrastructure planning is future directed. Fiber connectivity, Gigabit bandwidth, and standards for new and for upgraded data closet equipment assure robust, secure and reliable connectivity. The Citrix system has been well received and provides off site access to files, cost savings and data security. The philosophy to “set it and forget it”, automating all possible repeated functions, frees humans for specialized work. Concerns 
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Instructors should be provided more help and expertise at integrating technology into their curricula. Budget cuts have increased college reliance on grant funding. The recent addition of a college grants manager should help with obtaining appropriate grants.. Faculty and administrators request assignment of techs to specific divisions/departments. This was a planned direction for IT Services until four positions were cut in 2009. This initiative was further reduced with the elimination of 1 FTE in 2010.. Project governance, deciding which projects to undertake, is often left to IT Services. A revised system is needed so these decisions are made at a college wide level. The restructured IT council should be of assistance with this. WhereWe’reGoing
2012 Updated IT Planning Progress Report Details of status as of spring 2012 are on page 23 of this document. Major Goals Information Technology Services at Seattle Central Community College will focus on the IT goal of our State Board: To mobilize technology to increase student success And on supporting our college community in its mission and core values: Mission: Seattle Central Community College promotes educational excellence in a multicultural urban environment. We provide opportunities for academic achievement, workplace preparation, and service to the community. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Core Values: Seattle Central is committed to creating a learning environment that is accessible, diverse, responsive, and innovative. Core Themes: All objectives and strategies developed at Seattle Central Community College are focused on:  Responsive Teaching and Learning  Catalyst for Opportunities & Success  Diversity in Action  Communities Engagement Our ongoing objectives and some strategies to achieve those objectives: Objective 1 Provide students, faculty, staff and administrative services access to and support for current and emerging core campus technologies. Assist faculty, staff and administration with research and implementation for specific, curriculum‐driven or needs‐based technologies ‐ creating a responsive, innovative and accessible, outcomes‐based technology partnership. Strategies: 
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Integrate and support a core technology infrastructure to facilitate an accessible teaching and learning environment focused on student success. Maintain a core technology infrastructure which will facilitate emerging technologies to create an innovative and responsive learning environment. Assist faculty and staff in the integration of current and emerging, curriculum‐driven (outcomes‐
based) or needs‐ based technology into core infrastructure. Support faculty and staff in the development of outcomes‐based curriculum to include current and emerging technologies Objective 2 Design, build, maintain and enhance Seattle Central’s technology infrastructure to enable world‐class teaching, learning, investigation, innovation and collaboration, serving as a catalyst for opportunities and success. Strategies: 
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Plan for and provide reliable network connectivity with adequate capacity in all classrooms, laboratories and offices. Effectively manage and evolve security as needed. Continue the installation of standardized managed and secure wireless networks. Collaborate with capital projects to ensure that new buildings and remodels are IT‐ready to serve a diverse student population. Objective #3a: Provide Students IT based student services that are accessible, easy to use innovative, and facilitate their educational and/or career goals. Strategies: 
Survey students to assess current IT related student services, and to see what additional services would assist them in meeting diverse degree or career goals 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Provide responsive, current quarterly class schedule that includes requisite information related to course content and registration restrictions. Include current class availability and waitlist information. Collect current usage data for IT related Students services to establish a benchmark. Research and review other WA State CC IT related student services for best practices that can be implemented at SCCC. Identify relevant items for further review. Identify opportunities to increase diversity through IT related student services and engagement with the community. Objective #3b: Provide Student Service staff with IT services that are accessible, innovative and assist them in meeting the Mission and Values and Core Themes of the college. Strategies: 
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Survey student service staff to assess effectiveness of internal IT services and IT related student services. Identify new IT services that may increase staff responsiveness and effectiveness. Identify District and State IT initiatives affecting Student Service areas. Determine areas where SCCC IT needs to create a bridge to larger, diverse District or State initiative completion. Establish an incumbent employee IT training schedule. Review/establish new employee IT training plans. Initiate bi‐monthly IT/Student Services staff meetings to develop continuous improvement in IT services for students and staff. Objective 4 Establish and maintain appropriate information technology staffing levels. Strategies: 
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Provide technical and specialized training for IT professionals. Provide designated staff for divisions and departments whenever possible. Align staffing levels with state and industry standards. Utilize local, departmental, and fee funds to provide IT services College,DistrictandStatewideInitiative/DirectionswhichwillimpactITServices
1. Increased use of eLearning tools a. Requires support and training for students and faculty 2. Greater use of Open Source materials a. Evaluation of materials b. Printing support for online texts 3. Centralization of services a. Some district consolidations are likely b. State legislated projects through the Technology Taskforce, Enterprise Architecture Board and others. 4. Greater reliance on grants and private funds a. Most grants provide equipment, but no ongoing support or facilities modifications 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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b. The College is submitting a Title 3 grant application. Such grants require institutionalization and ongoing support of grant funded projects. c. Gates grant has many IT related components. 5. Dependency on International Students funds a. Special support services 6. State Board requirements for specific equipment and approaches a. Firewalls b. Packet Shapers c. Email to cloud 7. Continual increases in numbers of computers and services a. “Drug cabinet” example‐ projects may have surprising impact on IT. b. Move of International programs c. Wood Construction building d. Seattle Maritime Academy project. e. Accutrak and other database projects ITEffectivenessInitiatives
IT Governance Purpose: Implement an efficient means through which Seattle Central makes decisions regarding the relative priority of potential investments in information technology. Improves these Strengths and Capabilities:  Priority setting and adjustments  Business/IT integration  Business/IT relationship  Extent to which faculty and administration are fully invested in IT’s priorities First Steps: Work with the IT Council to implement a plan for evaluating projects, similar to the method used in determining annual equipment priorities. 2012 Notes: An IT Impact statement is now in use for evaluating the IT needs of proposed projects. IT Centralization Purpose: Since centralization appears likely to be a step‐by‐step migration, IT Services must find a way to operate in an interim state for or some time. Improves these strengths and capabilities:  Uninterrupted service  Coordination of district and Seattle Central activities  Improved IT staff motivation, resulting from including them in the process. 2012 Notes: District wide centralization has not happened, but some centralized projects are in the planning phase. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Unstructured Information Support Purpose: Select , deploy, and train administrative users and faculty in the use of a rich toolset for managing different forms of unstructured information. Improves these strengths and capabilities:  Expertise in the administration and support of Blogs, Wikis, Content Management Systems (CMS), Document management systems and other tools appropriate for managing different type s of shared information.  Investigate plans under discussion for statewide e‐mail and Sharepoint services. First steps: Content Management System tools (CMS‐MS) are currently (early 2010) being added to campus web tools, for use by faculty and staff. Following the successful Exchange update, we should revisit SharePoint consideration. 2012 Notes: Talks are underway with Microsoft re Office 365 which includes SharePoint. Word Press has been selected as the college web tool. Desktop Virtualization Purpose: Provide standard applications in an efficient and effective manner. Currently, this is through our Citrix implementation for employees with APP‐V in design stages for students. Future projects for employees may include state or district implementations which are likely to use VMWare. Improves these strengths and capabilities  Allows updates, patches, revisions, without multiple installations. Maximizes use of concurrent licensing. Citrix/VM Ware allows staff and faculty to access their “desktop” applications from anywhere, anytime.  Removes or reduces dependence on Netware servers. Next steps: Encourage more users to migrate to Citrix. Complete testing and implement App‐V for student systems. 2012 Notes: Workload has limited time to spend on App‐V investigations. Citrix now has over 280 users at many times. A Dell “integrated appliance” is on order and will be tested in summer 2012. 2012 Project List and Status Seattle Central IT Projects Underway and Planned through Summer 2012 “School Dude” helpdesk and inventory Desktop Type Program Leader Harriet/Maria Others Tech staff Status/notes Beginning Cost $6000 first year. Paid. Installations Kevin Tech staff Converting to Staff time 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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replacements District Active directory Wood project Citrix –only setups Network Larry/Kevin Districtwide techs District project planning postponed Capital/Moves Larry Vendors. Jeff Watts Fiber, copper, Delayed till at least fall 2012 Keycard form Liquid Office Shelly Rick H‐Harriet On priority list of new security director Walla Walla Programming Pac (district) Gates Grant staff No ongoing advisor Diane Coleman support. May applications require outside support WiFi extensions WiFi network. Larry Tech staff Requires funding Wiring decision Jason Hourly Most systems Mac LION OS Desktop and ready. 50 more to server install in summer. installations Student computer Installations Maria Hourly staff Summer – when replacements Larry to test HW new Dells replaced SMA project Capital/Moves Larry Vendors. Jeff Watts Need timeline. Adapt ITP lab for Lab setup Larry Need tech staff Details unknown. ASL Network Larry‐Kevin‐
North, South, U of W dependent Juniper Router Paul Piecuch Siegal (Main Internet connection) Implement Installation/te Rick Wong, 20 here for testing Hovercams sting Blake/Ben More Elmos Equipment‐ Rick Wong 15 underway setup Listed for cabinet consideration Funded in contract time Paid by Gates $3000 estimated $10,000 $150,000 $150,000 to replace 755s Not known Some UT Fee support Already paid (district costs) Paid from IE funds Hovercams more cost effective Divisional/Departmental Needs from PAVS reports Divisions, departments, and units tend to plan for short term projects. We continue to work toward longer term planning efforts. The items below were mentioned on the departmental “Program Analysis and Viability Study” conducted at Seattle Central in 2009 and updated in 2011. Unit Div Dept or Program Tech used
Tech needed Status April 2012/Cost
POS for credit cards Done in several locations
Internet for garage Done. Part of plant sciences plan "Campus card" Not started.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Aux.Services computers, Office
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Bookstore moved to Barnes & Noble. Bookstore blog, LO, HP Replace HP Lift & shift Business Office scanners
Available from ITS on request
Megamations done and working well. No progress on using alternate remote access methods. Facilities Excel, Megamations remote access to control systems AutoCAD
Purchased and running
Security Win DSX, special Report Exec Using online report exec. Awaiting more WinDSX setups Clickers Just checkout from library Additional Added in 5148 More wanted. Updating to run LION in fall Money and support Program ending Process INSTRUCTION BITCA Apparel Design office, Internet Creative Academy Macs, all Film&Video Macs, special SW More computers SVI‐Cosmetology Wi‐Fi Faculty can get through Siegal. Need AP for students MIC More computers currently available most times MIC Student net, LISA‐ Podiums net, office, web, New printer card readers specialized MIC Only money Totally new print management system. Get details MIC Wi‐Fi improvements Need details so AP's can be added Business Demo rooms 3212 and 4106 Done. Others, too. Business smart board should request on equip. budgets BTS ABE Internet, special lab Computers in all classrooms All GP classrooms are equipped. ABE HHS New software for GED Need details. WaOL Angel can be used now ESL Angel, specialized speakers ESL Podiums $2500 each ESL Elmos $2000 each Tutoring computers(2) 1 was added $1500 each ESL in progress $10,000? Deaf studies analog equip, web. New language lab Gates funded part Nursing Clickers, online apps Some Gates grant 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
SIMS mannequins ITP ended. Converting lab to ASL use. $400,000 Page10
Nursing Laptops for students SUPPORT Nursing Smart board (2) money 1 installed. Nursing Elmos (2) money 4000
Nursing Podiums money 5000
Nursing Laptops SUPPORT 5000
Nursing Computerized charting Try to use iPADS or tablets. Opticianry office, Internet Demo setups (3) Money 3 roooms equipped SHS office, Internet Elmos Money $2000 each Surgical Tech Polycom, web Smart board money $1,500 Surgical Tech Podium Money $2,000 Surgical Tech Angel Available Available dental chairs Swithed to Dentrix. Unknown Dental Hy Updated software Dentrix in use Done Dental Hy Want POS Awaiting contract Dental Hy $1,500 Internet Div office Office Project SW MS‐Project is available to all Div office Updated computers Citrix stations deployed Office Designated classrooms Space. Money Unknown cost demo rooms Digital recording g Money Unknown cost Communications Podiums Money Communications Programmed remote purchase French Smart board Money French Clickers Available for checkout in library Communications IEP Eaglesoft Dental Hy Hum‐SS Communications iPADS now used for bedside notes. $2,000 Divisions buy. Low cost $1,500 Japanese demo net Japanese CD‐DVD Learning comm.. angel Learning comm. web Learning comm. Office Learning comm. Google groups Phil. Demo rooms Social Sciences Office, Internet demo room speakers Underway Social Sciences 35 computers per lab Space, Power, network, computers, furniture HP applications, Better SMS Lift& shift 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
All can have Angel now Impact on student net Net during orientation setup Options worked out
Auto. Keycards Process change? Wi‐Fi in SA Done Page11
Workflow/forms District project projectors, Elmos SA 305 done $4000 per additional room
Online credit process financial appl District? Shared docss No SharePoint now. Try Working with public Google docs folders overseas comm.. Need info Expensive
IT S All Battery backups Money All Electrical power Facilities work All SharePoint or similar Money‐district project All Admin net switch Money All Test network Money/space Prof‐Tc Wood Macs, Vectorworks Computers in shop Worker retraining Elmos, office Student tracking system Need details Biology office, WaMap. Web Projectors were low bid Many projectors were replaced Biology Special SW Fix nutrition SW Chemistry Office, web, Elmos Laptops for lab 24 stations running Earth Sciences office, WaMap. Laptop lab added spring 09 Math Elmos, WaMap, smart board SCA SCA admin Alumni tracking SCA Kitchens office, Internet Kitchen comp Funded SMA Office Simulators With new building Counseling Custom dbase Await ERP Counseling Video phone Done SAM Laptops No details $100,000 Reeval afer construction Fixed STUDENT SERVICES Enrollment Admissions Enrollment Registration Enrollment Running Start Lobby comp.s, Live Chat Investigate Enrollment Better SMS system Lift & shift Outreach Portable projector Done Outreach Improved website Web moved to PIO Student life Child care Student life Disability Student life recreation Student Life Tutoring Student Life Tutoring Computer for preschool Provided info for grant Video phones done data collection prog. In progress Office, Accutrak computer Done Office, Accutrak 10 laptops Money and SUPPORT 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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Student Life HP data to tracking Programming Student Life Online forms LO available. Need details Student Life Bank deposit aid funds Commercial service Student Re Advising List serves Current technology is subscription blogs Student Res. Advising Web Calendar Options are available Student Res. Advising Updated SMS Lift & shift Student Res. Advising Pop ups on student net Investigating screen saver options Student Res. Career Serv Website All Adequate! Student Res Coll. Success web page help Can work with TLC Student Res Coll. Success Database design Custom‐ funds‐ Expensive Student Res Coll. Success Camera‐camcorder funds Student Res Coll. Transfer Subscription list serve try Blog or similar app Student Res Fin. Aid 3 printers needs Network, funds Student Res Fin. Aid updated computers Computers replaced Student Res Fin. Aid Electronic signatures Technology exists. Need details Student Res Fin. Aid FAM SW improvement State project PeopleandProcesses
Who we are and what we do 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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IT Services at Seattle Center is composed of four teams: Student Computer Center Support, Technology Learning Center, Systems Support, Web Design and Development and Service Desk. During breaks, when service desk needs are minimal, the helpdesk team works on student lab setups for the following quarter. Our IT staff members have received a number of awards. Director, Harriet Wasserman was named by Computerworld in their “Top 100” IT directors for 2005. Maria Ales, Helpdesk manager, and Joseph Wong, TLC, have each been named Classified Employee of the year at Seattle Central. Surveys show a high level of user satisfaction with IT Services staff.
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2012 Planning Strengths and Concerns Strengths 1. Lab surveys indicate students are happy with the politeness, help, and knowledge shown by lab staff 2. Several IT staff obtained national and local recognition 3. Decision making tends to be consultative and delegated. 4. Part time office staff have been cross trained to cover helpdesk. 5. Staff technical skills are strong. 6. Student fees provide adequate support for student labs. 7. Within each IT team, trust is high. 8. Helpdesk tickets are tracked using a custom application, and statistics reported. Concerns 1. Leaders need to delegate more. 2. Employees can get into a rut – overwhelming load of routine work makes implanting new and challenging projects difficult. 3. Communication needs improvement, particularly between leaders/tech staff and staff in the student labs and the TLC. 4. There is very little funding, and limited time, for staff training. 5. State compensation systems don’t reward employees for initiative or good work. Service delivery is provided by all IT Services Teams Student Computer Center staff members supervise and operate a 175 station open lab and nine multi‐
computer classrooms, assisting faculty and students in the use of equipment as well as troubleshooting, fixing minor problems and communicating infrastructure problems to the Systems Crew. Technology Learning Center staff operate a drop‐in facility where faculty and staff can obtain immediate help or arrange longer term help with projects such as individual or special program websites. The TLC includes a 13 station training center for scheduled training as well as informal group sessions. TLC staff also take “user support” tickets through the service desk and go to employees’ desktops to assist with the use of our systems. The Systems Crew is responsible for desktop hardware and software support for Macs and PCs, connectivity issues, installation of all hardware and software for faculty and staff. The Service Desk staff provides “eyes and ears” throughout the college. They do not operate as a traditional “Tier 1” helpdesk. They attempt to solve problems by phone, but will also make a quick trip to a lab, classroom, or office to fix urgent problems. If they cannot resolve a problem in about 10 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning minutes, it is referred to technical or user support staff. A detailed analysis of 2010‐11 helpdesk tickets is provided in the appendix. In spring 2012 a new Student Helpdesk was established using S&A funds in coordination with Student Leadership. The student helpdesk is staffed by student hourly employees under the direction of the Helpdesk Manager. Procedures
Seattle Central IT Services does not use forma “Service Level Agreements”. We do not have adequate resources to guarantee specific response times. We do have a “Service Level Descriptions” document, provided in the appendix. Each request is analyzed for its severity, scope, importance and age. Helpdesk staff and the Director prioritize appropriately. For emergency requests (impacting a large number of people severely, or interfering with instruction) technical staff are phoned immediately. Systems Crew members follow a defined checklist when they install systems. TLC staff submit tickets to the helpdesk when they provide more than “drop in” assistance. Computer Center staff also submit tickets for service, but not for the user support provided in the labs. According to our state security document, formalized by the state auditor, only IT Staff members have admin rights on college owned desktop systems. Faculty members are given admin status if they sign a request agreeing to follow security procedures. The software installation policy and faculty admin request form are included in the appendix. IT Security procedures are clearly defined in the district Security Audit document. This document is not public, but the contents list is included in the appendix. Technology–TheToolsWeUse
Applications Our standard “kit” for employees consists of E‐mail on Exchange system (provided through District), additional Central e‐mail through Google which provides tools for collaboration with students and other employees, keycard, desktop computer running Citrix with about 30 applications, connection to printer(s), web page if desired, WiFi account, library reference login. Faculty also have login to student network systems. Students and employees have “EdNet” logins which allow access to WiFi, Google mail @SeattleCentral.edu, and computer logins for demo rooms, open labs, logins to the library, computer labs, demo classrooms, student web page space, O: drive storage on the student network. . 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning The main student network supports over 120 individual instructional applications on over 1000 computers. The Science and Math network includes about 100 of these apps. More specialized software groups are provided in Basic Studies, the physics lab and on the Macintosh systems. E‐mail, imaging software (Hershey), archiving systems (currently File Niche), and HP‐UX enterprise software s systems are provided and supported through Seattle Community College District (Siegal Center). Forms management/workflow (Liquid Office) has been in use at Seattle Central for several years . In 2010 the Liquid Office sever software was transferred to Siegal Center for district wide use. Software purchase, installation, inventory and support at Seattle Central are the responsibility of IT Services and are documented in the Software Installation Procedure document, in the Appendix The current list of Supported Applications, for students faculty and staff, is also included in the appendix. Strengths and Concerns Strengths 1. Liquid Office forms management/Workflow tool has been a huge success at Central. 2. The college website is database based, is representative of the college culture and branding, and provides data and services needed by the college community. The webmaster no longer reports to IT Services, but now reports directly to the V.P. for Admin Services. IT Services continues to manage web servers, accounts, and access. 3. Citrix allows easy and quick updates as well as off campus 24 hour access to employee virtual desktops. 4. Citrix, combined with a licensing server, allows deployment of expensive software such as the Adobe Creative Suite for all employees and to expensive instructional software such as Mathematica and Chemdraw for faculty. 5. Student labs and demo rooms all have access to all instructional applications (currently about 120 packages) Concerns 1.
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There is inadequate time and staff to research improvements and new applications Progress on App‐V has been limited because of staff workload. . Budget cuts (5 positions lost in recent years) impact ability to do research. A replacement imaging system must be found with the impending end of support for our Ghost system. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning Infrastructure and Desktop Hardware Hardware Supported by IT Services Backbone switches: 3 Edge switches: 72 faculty‐staff , 50 student Laptops: 50 faculty‐staff, 66 student Printers: 150 faculty‐staff, 64 student Apple Macintosh computers: 40 faculty‐staff, 310 student Windows PCS : 830 faculty‐staff 1061 student Firewall appliances: 3 Cisco/Juniper routers: 1 Servers: 26 faculty‐staff , 18 student WiFi Access Points: 32 WiFi Controllers: 2 main, 4 slave Network Architecture Internet connections for all networks are through Cisco GSR to Pacific NW Gigapop at 1G. Conversion to new Juniper routers is planned for 2012. Failover fiber links through North and South campuses. Physically separate student and admin networks, each using a collapsed backbone design. Adminnet: Core: Cisco backbone switch. Cisco edge switches linked to core with 1G or 100M fiber. Workstations connected at 100M or 1G. Ednet: Core: Juniper backbone switches. Cisco edge switches linked to core with 1G fiber. Workstations connected at 1G. WiFi: Aruba controller and APs. APs link to Aruba edge switches or vlans over ednet. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning Currently serves Broadway Edison, Science and Math, Student Leadership and South Annex buildings Transit network for District Office and SVI at 1G. Off‐site feeds for ednet and adminnet to Wood, Seattle Maritime Academy, Fine Arts, BPH, and Siegal Center Video classroom using vlans over 1G fiber. Classroom Technology IT Services maintains and supports 88 demonstration classrooms, equipped with computers, data projectors and the full suite of student applications. About 35 of these have Elmo presentation devices. Two open labs, open to all Seattle Central students are located in 3148 (Computer Center – 175 stations) and 2101 (library – 40 stations). These labs are open during college public hours. Thirty‐nine special purpose labs and classrooms are located throughout the campus and at Wood Construction. The appendix includes a detailed list, with station counts and installed software. Strengths and Concerns Strengths 1. Connection through the Pacific NW Gigapop, with fiber between our locations, provides adequate bandwidth and reliable service. We were fortunate to be able to re‐negotiate the Gigapop agreement in 2011. 2. Standards are in place for desktop and infrastructure equipment and software. 3. Citrix is backed up nightly with a daily restore to a hot fail‐over server. 4. Citrix instructions are available online and in Wiki. 5. There is enough spare capacity to pilot Citrix changes on one server. 6. Admin databases backed up nightly (incremental) and weekly (full). 7. Student servers backed up within the server group. 8. UNIX procedures are documented in Wiki 9. The environment is highly stable. 10. Student systems are imaged nightly (open labs) , so faculty requests for updates can be implemented quickly, and patches can be deployed system wide overnight. Concerns 1. Other than Citrix, there are no test environments. 2. Instructors would like more Elmo or similar visual presentation equipment. Hovercams may be a cost effective alternate. 3. Netware servers on the student net require specialized support. 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning The Money – What it costs IT Services at Seattle Central is funded by our divisional state budget, by other divisions’ contributions, and by student “CL” (Computer Lab) and “UT” (Universal Technology) fees. The chart below shows 2010‐11 revenue and expenses. Budget cuts for 2009‐10 reduced the IT Services state budget by 12% and cuts in 2011‐12 removed an additional 6% 2011‐12StrategicPlanandStatusReport
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2012 Planning ReportonStrategicPlanStatus,Spring2012
Major Goals Information Technology Services at Seattle Central Community College will focus on the IT goal of our State Board: To mobilize technology to increase student success and on supporting our college community in its mission and core values: Mission: Seattle Central Community College promotes educational excellence in a multicultural urban environment. We provide opportunities for academic achievement, workplace preparation, and service to the community. Core Values: Seattle Central is committed to creating a learning environment that is accessible, diverse, responsive, and innovative. Core Themes: All objectives and strategies developed at Seattle Central Community College are focused on:  Responsive Teaching and Learning  Catalyst for Opportunities & Success  Diversity in Action  Communities Engagement Objective 1 Provide students, faculty, staff and administrative services access to and support for current and emerging core campus technologies. Assist faculty, staff and administration with research and implementation for specific, curriculum‐driven or needs‐based technologies ‐ creating a responsive, innovative and accessible, outcomes‐based technology partnership. 22 Strategy Measure Status Notes 1.1 Integrate and support a core technology infrastructure to facilitate an accessible teaching and learning environment focused on student success. Types of computing equipment available for students and employees Equipment and infrastructure are described in the “Plan and Status Report” document Counts of Elmos, video projectors and related equipment. Demo room list is in the Most 2011‐12 college Status Report document. wide instructional 12 rooms were upgraded equipment money was 2012 Planning : 23 in winter break with an dedicated to this project additional six scheduled for March 2012 “Instructional Computing Committee”. No updates this year. Surveys of students, faculty and staff Student survey on file. using different amounts of Spring employee survey technology in their studies and jobs. includes appropriate questions 1.2 Maintain a core technology infrastructure which will facilitate emerging technologies to create an innovative and responsive learning environment. Survey of faculty and staff on success of implementation, usage, training and satisfaction. 1.3: Assist faculty and staff in the integration of current and emerging, curriculum‐driven (outcomes‐based) or needs‐ based technology into core infrastructure. 1.4: Support faculty and staff in the development of outcomes‐based curriculum to include current and emerging technologies. New strategy added in Research cost of most requested 2011‐12 year. iPad group training for faculty and staff and work with business office to established. determine feasibility of training cost. 20120‐11 survey is on file. 2012‐year end funds are 2011‐12 survey planned providing some new for April. Juniper equipment, allowing use of new technologies. Dedicate forums at Campus Engagement Day and other events (such as brown‐bag gatherings, etc.) in which industry experts or current faculty can present emerging technologies – task forces can then be formed to develop feasibility studies toward the incorporation of new technologies dedicated toward maintaining campus currency and student success. 2012 Planning Objective 2 Design, build, maintain and enhance Seattle Central’s technology infrastructure to enable world‐class teaching, learning, investigation, innovation and collaboration, serving as a catalyst for opportunities and success. 24 Strategy Measures Status Notes 2.1 Plan for and provide reliable network connectivity with adequate capacity in all classrooms, laboratories and offices. Network uptime records Relevant helpdesk tickets related to connectivity/number and time to fix problems Responses to related question on IT user satisfaction survey Bandwidth use less than 10% of our capacity. Over 99% uptime on both admin and student net. Helpdesk report and survey detail in the “Status Report” document Juniper installation scheduled Strategy Measures Status Notes 2.2 Effectively manage and evolve security as needed. State Auditor’s notes on our security documents We were certified as meeting the state standards for 2010‐11. Next review is in August 2012. New standards for an August 2012. Reports of security training Need to schedule security training opportunities for IT Staff and for college faculty, staff and students One of our techs participated in a security course through a training vendor in 2012. New state documents require security training.. 2.3 Continue the installation of standardized managed and secure wireless networks. Counts and location of installed Wi‐Fi access points. User reports of wireless coverage 36 APs deployed, covering about 75% of our college. BE: 98%, SAM: 100%, SL: 100% Fine Arts 75%. BPH BPH, FA need more. . for spring 2012 Some non instructional areas 2012 Planning issues Board room only. None of MAC, BPH, Greenhouse or NP. still not served. No plans for Wireless N. Three specific areas of low coverage in BE are undergoing review as of spring 2012 Help desk tickets for post 2.4 Collaborate with capital projects to ensure that new buildings and remodels are build/remodel installations IT‐ready to serve a diverse student population. First floor west is finished and in use. Wood is underway. Wood Construction lists are finalized. Objective #3a: Provide Students IT based student services that are accessible, easy to use innovative, and facilitate their educational and/or career goals. Strategy Measures Status 4/2012 3.1a: Survey students to assess current IT related student services, and to see what additional services would assist them in meeting diverse degree or career goals 3.2a: Provide responsive, current quarterly class schedule that includes requisite information related to course content and registration restrictions. Include current class availability and waitlist information. Track responses Have not done a survey. Need to plan New objectives and strategies for that. Survey and student Central is now utilizing the district reports should indicate online schedule. satisfaction. 3.3a: Collect current usage data for IT Provide regular Planning in progress in Student related Students services to establish a analytics report for Services areas. 25 Notes 2012 Planning benchmark. 3.4a: Research and review other WA State CC IT related student services for best practices that can be implemented at SCCC. Identify relevant items for further review. research development purposes. and Reports of investigations and implementations. Degree Boost implementation under way by District. “Advisor Data Portal” implemented during winter 2012 for our use. Report to be made listing and evaluating opportunities. Not yet started 4/2012 3.5a: Identify opportunities to increase diversity through IT related student services and engagement with the community. Objective #3b: Provide Student Service staff with IT services that are accessible, innovative and assist them in meeting the Mission and Values and Core Themes of the college. 26 Strategy Measures Status 4/2012 Notes 3.1b: Survey student service staff to assess effectiveness of internal IT services and IT related student services. Identify new IT services that may increase staff responsiveness and effectiveness. 3.2b: Identify District and State IT initiatives affecting Student Service areas. Determine areas where SCCC IT needs to create a bridge to larger, diverse District or State initiative completion. Track responses Have not done a survey. Need to plan Survey designed for college wide for that. use. Need to create a special survey for the student services areas. Progress chart showing progress and status of relevant initiatives. Discussions started with district t IT and Central’s student services areas. 2012 Planning 3.3b: Establish an incumbent employee IT Track attendance at 2010‐11 training report included in the Upcoming survey includes some specific questions re training training schedule. Review/establish new trainings and follow up appendices for the accreditation needs. on successful report. employee IT training plans. implementation and usage in individual departments. 3.4b: Initiate bi‐monthly IT/Student Services staff meetings to develop continuous improvement in IT services for students and staff. a. Track action items from meetings for successful implementation. Sent request to Student Services VP to arrange IT participation. Confirmed dates and director or designee will attend at least bi‐monthly Objective 4 Establish and maintain appropriate information technology staffing levels. Strategy Measures Status 4/2012 Notes 4.1 Provide technical and specialized training for IT professionals. Certifications obtained by ITS staff. Classes attended by ITS staff Five staff members attended high MS training is very expensive. We level Windows 7 training. They are encouraging enrollment in SCCC have requested more and other state institution classes. SVI lead tech obtained Network+ certification. Two staff members enrolled in winter quarter SCCC classes. 4.2 Provide designated staff for divisions and departments whenever possible. List staff assignments to various divisions/departments. Macs: Jason Simmons Basic Studies Bill Young, Marie Hammer Budget cuts have stopped progress on this initiative. Local and division funds are supporting Basic Studies and IEP dedicated staff members. IEP: Bill Young, Van Tran 4.3 Align staffing levels with state and industry standards. 27 Comparisons with reports such as the Students per IT staff: 208 here where median is 190 Comparison group is a set of 20 community colleges about our size, 2012 Planning EDUCAUSE “Core Data Report” Computers per IT worker 17 out of 20. (205 here vs. average of 115) from EDUCAUSE. We have more computers per IT worker and about average funding per student. Campus computers per student: .47 vs. average of .40 IT funding per headcount. 10 of 20 (at the average). Ratios of staff to computers, servers, and other equipment See above for EDUCAUSE info. Other SCCD schools have even less staff. We are below standards, but above North and South in staff ratios. PTI consultant report shows Central with 25 servers/server support staff person. They recommend each server tech can Our sever/support staff ratio is support 30 servers. lower because we run fewer, more complex servers. (purposely). New IT Commission metric mentions 1 tech staff per 300 student lab stations and 1 per 100 admin stations. We have 1 per 300 student stations but only 1 per 160 admin. 4,4 Utilize local, departmental, and fee funds to provide IT services Budget report showing breakdown of funds Student fees pay over 50% of student computing costs. Special BTS and IEP funds pay techs dedicated to those areas. 28 SVI will vote on a student fee in May 2012. 2012‐13 UT fees are in allocation process as of 4/012