Meeting Minutes

Columbia College

September 11, 2008 – Manzanita Conference Room

Attending: Don Smith, Brian Greene, Robert Gritz, Wendy Link, Gary Mendenhall, Ida Ponder, Craig Johnston, Melissa Colon, Brian De Moss, Rick Rivera, Nate Rien, Kelley “KC” Marshall

1. FrontPage/Web software, Website overhaul update/FrontPage’s demise – Brian De Moss/Melissa Colon

Brian Greene began the discussion related to FrontPage and the new website development. Brian De Moss explained Columbia College will officially use OmniUpdate in designing the college’s new website. However, individual faculty members do have the option of using Adobe Dreamweaver or Microsoft Expression Web if they choose. Should that be the case each area/department will be responsible for purchasing individual copies of licenses/software. Melissa announced scheduled OmniUpdate training will be available in the ITC (Instructional Training Center). Dreamweaver and Expression training will be available in the ITC upon request. The new website will be completed by April, at which time FrontPage will no longer be available for use.

There was further website discussion. Brian De Moss explained the college is currently in the process of hiring a page design consultant. Brian D. stated future designs will be brought forward from the President’s Office to the Web Focus Group (Brian De Moss, Chair; Wendy Link; Don Smith; Melissa Colon; Brian Greene; Robert Gritz; Kelley “KC” Marshall; Craig Johnston) for review with any committee recommendations being returned to the President’s Office. Brian D. ensured website recommendations, as previously developed by the Web Focus Group, will be considered as the new site is developed. Gary Mendenhall suggested the Technology Committee make a recommendation to revitalize the Web Focus Group.

RECOMMENDATION: Brian De Moss made a recommendation the Web Focus Group reconvene in order to provide assistance and direction during the new web development, and Don Smith seconded.

2. Title III Overview – Melissa Colon and Brian De Moss

Title 3 is a five-year, $2,000,000. grant to develop a distance education program at Columbia College. Brian and Melissa meet on a regular basis with Dr. Dennis Gervin, the college administrator responsible for distance education. The DE (Distance Education) Committee meets every two weeks. To be considered immediately is an annual mandate to form a 15 member cohort, the first of which will launch in Fall 2009, along with 20 annual developmental stipends which will assist faculty in developing online courses. The DE Committee is now developing a plan to be presented to the faculty. Melissa is currently transitioning from Computer Science to Instructional Activity Director (aka Distance Education Coordinator) this semester and beginning Spring 2009 will serve as full-time DE Coordinator. The Title III grant provides for the following positions: Project Director (Connie Mical), Instructional Activity Director (aka DE Coordinator, Melissa Colon), Online Services Developer (TBD), Director of Development (TBD), and Administrative Assistant (TBD). During year three of the grant these positions will transition to regular college positions. The Online Services Developer position will be advertised soon and finalized by January, 2009. This position will be responsible for any online services (counseling, orientation, etc.) the college provides to students.

3. StaffNet – Robert Gritz

StaffNet, software related to Web Advisor and which will be used to access personnel type information by all YCCD employees, will be coming online soon. Training will be offered by Erika Hatfield, Joe Macklin and Robert Gritz during October.

4. Wireless installation campus-wide (password access requirement) – Brian De Moss

Brian Greene asked for the current status of wireless installation and password access requirements. Brian D. announced new wireless access points have been placed around campus, with IT/YCCD continuing to work on the student wireless project. District has made a final decision to go with student logins. Guest logins will be available. Login information will pop up with login and password details for each individual guest as required.

NEEDED ACTION: Brian De Moss will inquire if a timeline exists as to when guest logins will be available at the next YCCD Technology Coordination Committee meeting, October 1, 2008.

5. Student email – Brian Greene/Brian De Moss

The library is currently using personal email addresses for communication with students. Brian Greene, Columbia College Librarian, wondered if the library would ever need to stop using personal emails and use only YCCD student email. Brian De Moss explained if the needed student information is coming from Datatel, it will require the library to use student email. However, since community patrons are currently contained in the library-maintained database it will be possible for the library to continue to use both personal and student email as necessary.

6. Other

Campus AT&T Service - Nate Rien, Columbia College P.E. Instructor/Basketball Coach, asked about the possibility of the college installing AT&T equipment nearby which will provide better cell service to students and employees on campus. Along with other students, there are college basketball players from other cities/states, who arrive on campus with their ATT cell phones, only to find AT&T service is not available in the dorms or across campus.

NEEDED ACTION: Brian D. will research the possibility of AT&T equipment installation on or near campus to provide better cell service for our students and employees.

Annual Review Technology Plan – Gary Mendenhall reminded the committee it will need to begin updating the Technology Plan very soon. The updated plan will need to be in place by Spring 2009. This will provide necessary planning for future possible Lottery, Block Grant and end-of-year funds.

Next Technology Committee meeting: Thursday, September 25, 1:00-2:00 pm, Manzanita Conference Room. Fred Grolle will be invited to attend this meeting.