2007 Student Technology Fee Proposal Form
Title of Project: Student Technology Center: Video, Printing, and Scanning
Enhancements
Department/Organization: Student Technology Center Name(s) of Project Applicant(s)
Name John FarquharPhone 6538 Mail Stop 9094
Name Phone
Name Phone
Name Phone
Principal Contact person:
Name John Farquhar Phone 6538 Amount Requested for project:
Contribution by Requesting Organization: $5,000
Important note: Before completing this form, please read the
instructions contained at
http://www.wwu.edu/stf/
Section One: Project Abstract
Provide an overview of the existing environment, a summary of the items being requested, and a brief explanation of how these items will improve student access to technological resources and/or enhance the quality of student academic experiences through the use of technology and/or increase the integration of technology into the curriculum.
This project is to replace failing and aging VCRs located in the Student
Technology Center as well as to enhance the Center with additional video, printing and scanning services.
Background:
The Student Technology Center, located in Haggard Hall 121 and adjacent to a teaching lab in Haggard Hall 122, serves all Western students with daily
technology workshops, one-on-one tutoring and drop-in services in addition to providing acccess to video editing, video duplication and format conversion, large-format, medium-format, photo and color laser printing as well as check-out services for laptops, cameras and high-capacity hard drives. Since opening in 2004 the Center has experienced continuous growth. In the fall term of 2006 the Center served more than 2,700 visitors in addition to delivering workshops to 537 students. The current winter term has already seen an increase in workshop attendance with all workshop registrations becoming filled more than one month in advance.
More specifically, the teaching lab next to the Center is the home of ten video editing systems (five Macs and five PCs). The Mac systems have digital VCRs, video monitors, and external hard drives as peripheral devices for the capture and recording of video. Two of the Macs are new Intel-based iMacs; three others are
Motorolla-based G4s. The Windows systems are higher-end multimedia stations with expanded hard drives and video editing software, however, these systems do not include external devices for video capturing and recording. Eight of the 10 total video editing computers were purchased by ATUS, or donated by Apple as demonstration systems. The remaining two video editing computers were purchased out of the Center's meager budget for technology enhancements. Additional video equipment currently provided in the Center's teaching lab includes a video duplication and format conversion station allowing tape-to-tape or tape-to-DVD copying. And, very recently, ATUS donated to the Center a four-drawer DVD duplicator.
Situated in the Center itself (in HH 121) are nine PC systems and two Macs. This area of the Center is used for one-on-one tutoring, scanning, and color printing (in a wide variety of formats) in addition to providing technologies for check-out. The two Macs deliver the same image as the Macs in the Fine Arts lab (including their special font sets) in order to provide color printing services for Fine Arts students. Enhancements:
The digital VCRs for all of the video editing and transfer services were purchased under an STF project awarded back in 1999. At this point in time, two of the VCRs have completely failed while most of the remaining VCRs are experiencing
intermittent issues. This project would first replace all of the existing VCRs in the Center. Secondly, the project would add new VCRs and monitors to expand the capability of caputuring video to the five Windows systems. Additional VCRs and DVD recording devices are proposed to create two new stations for video
duplication and format conversions. Next, three Intel-based iMacs would be added to provide better support for both video and graphic arts programs as well as potentially increasing Windows lab seats. This would be accomplished by moving the three existing Motorolla Macs from the teaching lab (HH122) to the Center (HH121) where they would displace the existing iMacs. The three new iMacs would be placed into the teaching lab resulting in five consistently configured Intel-based Macs for video editing. All of the Intel Macs would be configured to run Bootcamp (or Parallels). In this way the teaching lab could use all 20 seats for instruction on Windows software such as the Adobe Suite or Macromedia's Studio. The Center will license these products for all of the Macs in addition to licensing the statistic package SPSS for the entire lab (with ATUS agreeing to renew those licenses for subsequent years).
Printing and scanning services in the Center are also in need of enhancement. Currently, the Center possesses three color laser printers. One was purchased in 2004 when the Center was first established. The other two color printers are
vintage 1999-2002 and have been donated to the Center from ATUS. All three color printers have repeatedly failed in the past quarter causing delays and service interruptions to students. Color printing is the most requested service at the Center accounting for more than 40% of our 2,700 quarterly visitors. With this project we expect to retire the two older color printers in favor of a newer, more reliable and faster color printer. In addition, we wish to add the service of label printing for CDs and DVDs -- another frequently requested service.
The final enhancement of services addresses scanning. Currently, the Center possesses five flatbed multipurpose scanners. Usage statistics suggest that more than 160 student-visitors made use of our scanners in the fall term of 2006.
Scanning activity is usually a lengthy process which ties up resources. At peak times in the Center, students wait or are forced to return later because all
scanning stations are in use. This project would increase the number of scanners in the Tech Center as well as to add frequently-requested scanning services not currently available in the Center. The new scanners will allow students to scan tabloid-size documents and mult-page documents.
Section Two: Relationship to STF Objectives and Impact
upon existing Academic Programs:
Describe the project in detail and how the project relates to the STF objectives. Special attention should be given to how the proposed project will provide positive benefits to specific courses or instructional programs.
Please complete all of the following sections: 1. From a student’s perspective:
a. How does this project provide additional student access to technological resources?
The video editing, duplication and format conversion stations will be located in an existing lab (HH 122), which is easily accessible from Red Square and allows 24x7 access. And, since this space is also used for workshops and classes, the new equipment will increase access to students by being able to offer larger classes.
The remaining printing and scanning technologies will be located in the adjacent Student Technology Center space (HH 121) which is open to all students 60 hours each week. Both areas are staffed with student technology assistants 60 hours each week. And, in all cases, the technology will increase access by increasing the overall number of available workstations available for the service.
b. How does this project broaden or enhance the quality of the student’s academic experience through the use of technology:
Many students attending a workshop or using the multimedia equipment in the Student Tech Center are not required to do so, but choose to do so to enhance their knowledge of technology and the quality of their academic pursuits. In a sense, everything that we provide in the Center is value added to the faculty-classroom experience.
c. How does this project increase the integration of technology into their coursework?
The Student Technology Center solicits faculty involvement through workshops, tutoring and special services. In the fall term 2006, the Center met 85 different faculty requests. For the winter term of 2007, we have faculty requests to provide video editing workshops using Premiere, hard drive check-out services as well as color and large-format printing. In many cases, faculty inform us of specific class assignments which we use to prepare our technology assistants in order to assist students integrating technology in the best way possible.
Additionally, students making use of the Center are asked to identify the courses relevant to the work they are performing in the Center. In the fall term 2006, the Center provided video editing and video
transfer services to more than 115 students from 45 different courses. Printing services were provided to students from 236 different courses. And, scanning services to students from 34 different courses.
2. From a faculty perspective, explain how this project will enhance your ability to help students meet their educational goals:
Any faculty member may request workshops, tutoring and other specical services from the Center to meet specific educational goals for any Western student. For example, as a faculty member, I may assign
individuals or teams to conduct video interviews or to video-record their fieldwork experiences. My students may learn how to edit their work and transfer it to DVD through workshops or one-on-one assistance in the Center. In the adjacent lab, video editing and transfer facilities are available to any of my students 24x7. And, because this STF project would increase the number of video duplication stations, I can be assured that few
scheduling conflicts will arrise. Overall, I can tailor my interactions with my students on understanding and applying the content matter for my course rather than to concern classtime with "technical" issues.
3. Will any other departments be involved with this project? If “Yes,” please describe their involvement.
While no department is teaming with the Center on this proposal
we know that in the period of one term students from 79 different courses used our video and scanning services whereas students from 236 different courses took advantage of our printing services. The Center is broadly represented across the curriculum.
4. Has any part of this project previously been funded by STF? No Yes (Please describe):
Many of the VCRs identified for replacement in this proposal were purchased under a Student Tech Fee project from 1999. In addition, the Student Technology Center recieves ongonig funding from the Student Tech Fee including a meager amount ($10,000) for maintenance and replacement.
Section Three: Utilization
This section of the proposal is intended to provide the STF Committee (STFC) with information concerning the nature and use of the proposed items.
1. Please list the anticipated number of times each quarter that the proposed item(s) will be used by students and the duration of its use.
761 students requested color printing from the Center in fall term of 2006. This service is available 60 hours each week to all students.
More than 112 students made use of video editing and transfer services from the Center in the fall term of 2006. These services are available 24x7 with assistance available 60 hours each week.
2. Please list and explain how you determined the number of items that you have
policies, or other factors. In all cases, the STFC is interested in quantitative measures of use.
The number of digital VCRs requested will allow the Center to replace aging VCRs which are currently fully utilized as well as to make a very modest expansion of video editing and transfering capabilities. More specifically, the video expansion includes 5 new VCRs and monitors for 5 existing Windows-based computers currently used for video editing. And, three more sets of digital VCRs, analog VCRs and DVD-Rs would be used replace the current video duplication station and to create only 2 more stations.
The number of Intel iMacs requested (3) would allow the full teaching lab space to be utilizied for Windows-based instruction. The number of software purchases for the lab are based on this assumption.
Printing and scanning improvements are performed by adding only 2 printers and 2 scanners, each with different functionality.
Section Four: Project Budget
This section of the proposal details the total estimated cost of the project, including those costs that will be borne by the proposing organization(s).
• The STFC will give additional weight to proposals where additional funding is provided by either the organizational entity or other sources.
• The funds requested from the STF project must be clearly indicated and must match the total shown on the project summary sheet.
• Personnel, operating expense, and equipment costs must be clearly indicated. • The applicant should make every effort to determine accurate costs for the proposal. Please Note: Applicants are encouraged to consult with relevant campus support organizations (ATUS, Purchasing, Space Administration, etc.) before creating equipment lists and preparing the project budget. ATUS has developed standard configurations for the purchase of desktop PC’s, laptops, and Apple computers. If these standard configurations meet the needs of your project, please use the standard cost in the development of the project budget. The standard
configurations can be found on the Student Technology Fee website: http://www.wwu.edu/stf/ . Please complete all of the following sections (attach Excel spreadsheet for any additional details).
Item Quantity Item
Cost
Total Digital VCRs, monitors, short racks and security to
equip 10 video editing stations
10 2,175 21,750
Digital VCRs, monitors, analog VCRs, and DVD-Rs for duplication and format transfer stations
3 2,500 7,500
iMacs 24 inch monitor 3 1,889 5,667
Printers (2) and scanners (2) 5,510 5,510 Software: SPSS Licenses (15), Creative Suite (5),
Studio 8 (5)
4,500 4,500
Sub Total 44,927
Taxes 3,774
Total 48,701
Applicants are reminded that the proposed budget is FOR REFERENCE ONLY and the funding for a project will be re-calculated prior to the final award. The final funding for the project will not be established after the project has been technically reviewed and any special award conditions
considered. Please see Sections B.7 & B.9 of the STF Mission Statement for a further
explanation of these procedures. http://www.wwu.edu/cms/WWU.STF/mission.html
1. What funding is available from your department or other sources?
The Student Tech Center has a modest budget for equipment maintenance and improvements. In the past, this budget has been used to upgrade and expand the number of computers in the Center as well as to add new services such as large-format printing. The Center has been creative in obtaining other equipment for free such as demonstration units from Dell, Gateway, and Apple in addition to re-assigning equipment from ATUS to the Center. The Center has also received funding from ATUS for the purchase of new systems and furniture. We anticipate spending half of our maintenance and improvement budget toward this proposal. ATUS will contribute ongoing support for SPSS licensing.
2. Can this project be divided into discrete elements that could be funded separately? No Yes (Please summarize project segments with cost estimate for each
segment. Provide the relative priority of each project segment): It is possible to meet individual goals of this proposal by dividing it up into three major areas . First, the VCR replacement must be done to maintain current levels of video editing support. This could be accomplished with about $12,000. Next, color printing and scanning improvements should be made to meet current needs. This cost would be approximately $5,500. Finally, the expansion of video editing and graphics stations with new VCRs, monitors and iMacs is approximately $27,500 of the total project.
3. Are lab fees charged for any of the courses that will use this equipment?
No Yes (If yes, please note that the total funding requested from the STF must reflect the amount collected from course fees for equipment replacement and/or equipment acquisition. All proposals that involve course fees will be reviewed by the Academic Budget Office.)
Section Five: Impact on Existing Resources
The proposal should describe how the project will impact existing resources. Special attention should be given to impact on data transmission networks (e.g. sources accessed, networking equipment, etc.), and personnel (e.g. staffing, administrative support, faculty support, etc.). Any proposal that includes the replacement of computers should specifically address the
feasibility and cost effectiveness of upgrading the computers rather than replacing the computers. Please complete all of the following sections:
1. Describe how existing equipment is used and contrast this to the usage if project is funded:
2. Is equipment similar to the equipment being proposed already available elsewhere on campus (Student Technology Center, ATUS, Library, college lab, etc.)? If so, please describe why the existing equipment cannot be utilized for this project.
Similar video editing equipment exists in Fairhaven and the
Technology Center would be available to all students 24x7. No other lab offers color laser printing or CD/DVD label printing. No other lab offers document scanning, but the map library does have portrait and large-format scanning available. Locating a portrait scanner in the Tech Center is a natural expansion of scanning services for all students.
3. If this project involves the replacement of equipment:
a. Describe the ‘before and after’ configuration changes, or attach a spreadsheet that shows the changes.
The teaching lab in HH 122 currently has 15 windows stations with 5 capable of performing video editing, but with no video peripherals. In addition this lab currently has 2 Intel-based Macs and three Motorolla-based Macs with a full complement of video editing peripherals. In addition, this space has one video duplication and format transfer station.
The Center in HH 121 has nine windows stations and two 1 GHz iMacs.
With this proposal the new configuration for the teaching lab would be 15 windows stations with 5 of those stations fully-equipped with video capturing peripherals. In addition this lab would have 5 Intel-based Macs capable of video editing or running Windows
applications under Bootcamp (or Parallels) thus making a lab capable of 20 stations for Windows-based products.
The Center in HH 121 would have three 2 GHz Motorolla-based Macs for graphics applications.
b. Describe the costs and benefits of replacing vs. upgrading (if applicable): The drive mechanisms in the aging VCRs are failing. When this occurs, it is less expensive to replace the VCR than to repair it. The three Motorolla Macs are being re-utilized in the Center.
4. Will this equipment be available to students outside your department? No Yes
If the equipment will be used by students outside your department, please describe how students will gain access to the equipment, how the availability of the equipment will be publicized, the hours/week during which the equipment will be available, and any costs that will apply.
The components of this project that support video editing and transfer are to be located in an existing lab (HH 122), which is easily accessible from Red Square and allows 24x7 access. The remaining technologies will be located in the adjacent Student Technology Center space (HH 121) which is open to all students 60 hours each week. Both areas are staffed with
student technology assistants 60 hours each week according to the schedule below.
Sunday: 4-8 pm
Monday - Thursday: 8am - 8 pm Friday: 8 am - 4 pm
No Yes (If yes, please discuss whether or not the Student Technology Center can be used for this purpose.)
6. Does the department have adequate operating funds to provide on-going maintenance and support?
No Yes (Please describe):
The Student Technology Center has an ongoing maintenance budget of approximately $10,000 which is used for upgrades, enhancements and equipment repair. Any larger projects for the STC must reply upon additional STF awards and matching funds from ATUS.
7. Does the department have adequate personnel funds to provide on-going support for this project?
No Yes (Please describe):
The Student Technology Center has an ongoing budget of approximately $45,000 dollars which is used for student technology assistants. ATUS provides managerial and technical support through five permanent positions.
Section Six: Space and Site Information
This section should specifically address any space or site preparation activities that are necessary to complete the project. Any site alterations, painting, security systems, carpeting, construction, or lighting changes that are necessary must be specifically identified. Additionally, the project must specifically address any change in usage of a space (e.g. conversion of a lab, faculty office, etc.).
Special Note: If this project requires any site preparation (electrical, data, lighting, etc.), or if this project uses any spaces not currently under control of the department, a draft project description must be submitted to Space Administration by Friday, January 12, 2007. Space Administration and Facilities Management will need to conduct a site survey and provide the applicant with information concerning project feasibility, cost, and schedule. This information must be included in the final project submission.
Proposals for projects that involve any site preparation will be considered only after the required site survey by Space Administration and Facilities Management has been completed.
Please complete the following:
1. Location of equipment installation:
Haggard Hall 121 and Haggard Hall 122
2. Site modification required:
No Yes (Please describe briefly, i.e. electrical, air handling, painting, lighting, security, network access, etc.):
No Yes (Please describe):
Section Seven: Project Schedule
This section describes the overall implementation schedule of the project. Applicants should assume that project awards will be made by end of spring quarter. Whenever possible, projects should be substantially completed by the end of the calendar year. If a proposed project cannot be substantially completed by this time, the applicant should provide a detailed explanation of the project schedule and the reasons for the extended time period.
If there is any site preparation involved, make sure the project schedule agrees with the schedule provided by Space Administration and Facilities Management.
Most components of the project such as the scanners, printer and replacement VCRs can be in operation within 2 weeks after the arrival of the equipment. The expansion of digital editing and transfer equipment will require another 4 weeks to configure. All services should easily be available prior to fall term 2007.
Section Eight: Constraints
This section should list any external or internal factors that could affect the project schedule, project objectives, or the project budget (e.g. if external approval is required for curricular changes, or if funding must be received by a certain date).
1. Please describe any constraints to this project.
There are no foreseen constraints to this project.
Section Nine: External Funding
This section must be completed for any projects over $100,000. For projects this large, the applicant should investigate opportunities for obtaining external funding for all or part of the proposed project.
1. Describe the external organization(s) that may be able to provide funding in support of this project.
2. Describe the funding cycle for these requests. (Please show both submission dates as well as projected award dates)
3. Indicate the amount of funding that will be requested. Please explain why the funding agency cannot provide the entire amount.
4. In cases where joint funding is requested, what will happen if the STF award is made and the external grant is not awarded?
5. Has a grant proposal already been submitted for all or part of the proposed STF project?
