'Academic computing' becomes priority
With the major hurdles of implementing a new student information system behind it, Chadron State College can now shift its technology focus back to “academic computing,” said Dr. Janie Park, CSC president, on Friday.
Park was speaking to CSC’s employees during their first all-campus meeting of the 2011-2012 academic year. Academic computing is the use of computer technology for conducting scholarly work, including teaching and learning. CSC has traditionally been among the pioneers of using technology, but Park said potential advancements have been placed on the backburner in recent months because of staff limitations caused by the NeSIS implementation.
“I told you that there would be rough spots. Now that we’re past the worst, we can take our blinders off and focus on something else,” she said. “One of our major initiatives in our strategic plan was ‘new models for teaching and learning.’ One of the four important outcomes in that plan is to improve academic computing input and responsiveness. It’s time we do that.”
Many CSC employees spent the majority of their time the past two years ushering in the new system, which became necessary when the old system became obsolete. The implementation of the new system is a collaboration between the Nebraska State College System and the University of Nebraska institutions, and is expected to save millions of dollars. However, Park said the only way for CSC to complete the 18-month conversion of administrative and financial software was to “put the blinders on” and focus its technology resources on that task.
Park said Ann Burk, CSC director of information technology, will be spending more than half of her time working with faculty to improve academic computing.
Also during Friday’s meeting, Park introduced new employees and Dr. Randy Rhine, CSC vice president for enrollment management and student services, delivered a presentation about the reorganization of the institution’s student services. The reorganization, which was approved by the NSCS Board of Trustees in June, also was largely driven by the implementation of NeSIS. The reorganization has resulted in many office moves in Crites Hall, with a new Student Transition and Retention Team, known as START, occupying the former registrar’s office and handling the bulk of student assistance.
Category: Campus News