Tech Guides :: Faculty Guide :: Technology Resources
Document Contents
- Chief Information Officer's Introduction
- Accessibility Program
- Appropriate Use Policy
- Information Security
- Central Systems
- Center for the Support of Instructional Technology
- Courseware Development Center
- Media Distribution
- Media Production
- Interdisciplinary Microcomputer Labs
- Consulting Services
- Services and Information
- Telecommunications and Network Services
- Information Sources
Chief Information Officer's Introduction
Several years ago, HSU completed a project as one of two pilot campuses in the CSU for the Assured Student Access to Computing initiative, a program to require every CSU student to assure him or herself access to a personal computer and the network 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Over 80% of HSU's students meet this goal, either by owning their own computer or having an arrangement with someone else who does. Microcomputers are available via on-line purchasing at special CSU pricing. The campus Book Store offers special pricing and financing packages for students, faculty, and staff, and the Financial Aid Office can assist qualifying students to acquire hardware and software. Approximately 1,100 microcomputers, about 400 in interdisciplinary laboratories and the rest in the academic departments or in learning assistance centers, are available for student use when not being used for class sessions. This means that as a faculty member, if you make an assignment which requires the use of a microcomputer, standard productivity software, and access to the network, you can assume your students will have access to the necessary facilities needed to complete the assignment. An overview of the status of computing services for students can be found at ~its/techguides/guides/status.shtml.
HSU has ensured that students receive value for their investment in technology. It has been the University's philosophy that if appropriate content is available on the network that adds to the learning experience, students will make the investment to access it without any proscriptive mandate that they must buy a computer. Content, of course, can come only from the faculty. To ensure that faculty have the resources and support necessary to produce that content, HSU has established a Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching to assist faculty in developing technology mediated instruction. At the same time, Media Production has expanded its capability to produce and distribute course materials using a variety of media, and Media Distribution has acquired portable microcomputers and projectors that faculty may check out to use in any of the more than 70 classrooms on campus that are connected to the Ethernet backbone. There also are more than 20 fully equipped multimedia classrooms available on campus. The Center for the Support of Instructional Technology brings together the Faculty Courseware Development Center, Media Production, Media Distribution, Academic Computing, and a faculty advisory committee to provide faculty seamless support for the production of technology mediated instructional materials from conception, to production, to delivery.
The rest of this guide will tell you how you can make use of these resources. Humboldt State University intends to retain its leadership position in the California State University system in the effective use of technology mediated instruction. Information Technology Services stands ready to assist you in any way it can.
Accessibility Program
Humboldt State University is committed to providing reasonable access to its programs and facilities for all members of our community. Information on policy, workstations, web site development TDD and currency issues can be found on the Accessibility page.
Appropriate Use Policy
In support of its mission of teaching, research, and public service, Humboldt State University provides access to computing and information resources for students, faculty, and staff, within institutional priorities and financial capabilities. The Policy for Responsible Computing at Humboldt State University contains the governing philosophy for regulating faculty, student, and staff use of the University's computing resources. It spells out the general principles regarding appropriate use of equipment, software, and networks. All members of the University community who use the University's computing and information resources must act responsibly. Every user is responsible for the integrity of these resources. All users of University-owned or University-leased computing systems must respect the rights of other computing users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements. It is the policy of Humboldt State University that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.
Policy for Responsible Computing
On the Web, you will find a copy of Guidelines for Responsible Computing at Humboldt State University.
Information Security
Information on security policy, protecting and securing information, account and password security and virus and email spamming solutions can be found on the Information Security page.
Central Systems
All faculty members and registered students with enrolled units have automatically generated accounts on each of the centerally managed systems. On the Web, you will find instructions for establishing new accounts.
Central Email Server
This platform is intended exclusively for electronic mail use. Send and receive mail on the Internet with WebMail. Additionally, you can use an Email Client from your desktop, although the full functionality of the WebMail will not be available.
Web Server
This platform is intended for World Wide Web support and project development. Email is not available on the web server. Products available to date are: SSH, lynx, gnu C++ compiler (unsupported), Perl, and Apache Server. On the Web, you will find a complete list of software applications and products on the web server.
Conditions of Use
Specific resource policy statements for the email, instructional computing, and web servers are provided, and should be read the first time you log on to any central system. You can re-read these conditions by entering statement at the system prompt after logging on to most systems. Conditions of Use statements can also be accessed on the Web.
Center for the Support of Instructional Technology
The Center has been established to provide faculty support for the development and deployment of technology mediated instruction. Operationally, CSIT is affiliated with Information Technology Services divisions of Academic Computing and Instructional Media Services.
The Center provides liaison on projects with the Faculty Development Coordinator, the Library, Extended Education, and other units of the University to ensure that faculty support for courseware development is seamless.
The Center also provides a forum for faculty discussion and research about technology mediated instruction working through a Faculty Advisory Committee. For more information about the Center, contact the Director at 826-3323.
Center for Excellence in Learning & Teaching
It is the responsibility of CELT to understand today's learners and provide campus educators with innovative and useful pedagogical strategies to help support student learning.
Equipped with an expanded base of skills and expertise, the team at the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching provides guidance and support in fostering engaged, inclusive, and continuous learning. Offered through the center are training opportunities, events, technological innovations, resources and support that encourage learning-centered education.
For more information, visit the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching on the Web.
Media Distribution
Media Distribution provides access to projection and audio visual equipment to faculty and students free of charge if the equipment is for class use and/or class-related projects. Students may use equipment if they are under the supervision of a faculty member. Equipment can be delivered to classrooms and picked up by Media staff upon faculty request. To ensure timely service, please call Media Distribution at least one day in advance, at 826-3166, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
The available projector inventory includes video, data, overhead, 35mm (slide), 16mm, and opaque. The audio visual inventory includes television monitors with DVD players, VHS players, VHS camcorders, audio cassettes, microphones, cassette/CD players, laserdisc player, and screens. For more information, contact Media Services at 826-3166.
Media Production
Media Production staff are available to assist faculty and students with media related projects. Some of the services offered include video production, including scripting assistance, shooting and editing; audio production and duplication; and preparing audio and video for internet and CD applications. Additionally, off-air and satellite program taping, teleconferences, and video conferences are available upon request.
In a joint effort, the Journalism Department, the Faculty Development Office, Information Technology Services, and Extended Education initiated the Point of Origin project to provide community access to Humboldt State University's educational programs. HSU is part of the public access channel broadcasted on Cox Cable, channel 12. The project facilitates the cablecasting of both live and taped educational materials from campus.
HSU is part of the California State University system-wide point-to-point and multi-point video conferencing system. Using compression and decompression technology (codec), Media Production is capable of delivering and receiving live courses (two-way video and audio) throughout the 23 CSU campuses, individually and collectively.Media Production encourages interested faculty to call 826-3169 for additional information, a tour of the facilities, demos, or training.
Interdisciplinary Microcomputer Labs
Interdisciplinary computer labs are open in accordance with the open hours of their respective buildings. Building hours are determined by the Building Coordinator and the Office of Academic Affairs. Room schedules are posted outside each laboratory. For a complete listing of microcomputer lab equipment, locations, and policies, visit Academic Computing on the Web.
Some interdisciplinary and microcomputer locations are used as regularly scheduled laboratories. These laboratories are scheduled by the colleges and divisions, to be used as mediated instruction facilities. Faculty can schedule most interdisciplinary labs for the semester-long lab sections of their courses and on an ad hoc basis through the Office of Enrollment Management. The administrative support person for your department can provide you with details.
During scheduled times these rooms are not available to the general academic community, but are available during unscheduled times. Please check the schedule posted outside these rooms before entering, as a class may be in progress. Current schedule information can be found on the Web. If print jobs are routed to the central computer system printers, the printouts may be picked up in the second floor lobby of Van Matre Hall, every hour on the half hour, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. Outside of scheduled course sessions, all microcomputers are available on a first come, first serve basis. Individuals are asked to be considerate of others and use the facilities as efficiently as possible. Please assure that you take all materials with you when you are finished using the facility. Anything left on the tables or counter tops will be subject to recycling or turned over to University Police Lost and Found.
Report all lab problems in the Problem Log located in each lab. Contact Academic Computing for critical problems (e.g., printers inoperable in entire lab) at 826-4205, M-F, 8-5. Contact University Public Safety at 826-3456 for emergencies during other hours.
Your department may operate its own departmental lab. Check with
your College Information Technology Consultant to learn what is available.
Software Policy
Academic Computing loads lab computers with a standard set of software. Department specific software in the labs is acquired by the department. Policy relating to the acquisition of software for use in the interdisciplinary microcomputer labs is documented in "University Management Letter 84_3". The following are some important excerpts from this letter:
...Copyrighted or licensed software may not be copied except for purposes of backup and storage.
...Prospective buyers are encouraged to acquire public domain software if available and suitable for the anticipated need.
...If proprietary software must be purchased, buyers are encouraged to acquire software for which a multiple copy discount or site license can be obtained from the licensor or manufacturer.
...Some software may be licensed to a particular central processing unit (CPU) on which the software is to be used exclusively. If the associated CPU has been acquired using State resources, the proposed purchase of software is subject to the following constraints: If the software is to be licensed to a CPU located in a room containing more than one CPU, the purchase order shall not be executed unless the number of copies of software ordered equals the number of CPU's capable of operating the software in that room. It is the responsibility of the department purchasing additional CPU's to include the cost of presently licensed software in that purchase.
Consulting Services
All technology related consulting services for faculty at HSU are provided through College Information Technology Consultants (ITC). Each college employs one or more consultants for this purpose.
The principle function of each college ITC is to facilitate computing within their particular college. They provide guidance and direction in the proper use of HSU's central systems as well as individual desktop systems. ITCs provide assistance with problem resolution, software and hardware installation, and general consulting issues.
Faculty members should seek assistance from their college ITC. If they are unable to solve a problem, but know there is a solution, they will formally direct you to an appropriate ITC within the University.
Students needing assistance for project related problems should seek help from their course instructor or project advisor. If a faculty member is unable to resolve a student problem, they can refer a student, in writing, to the college ITC. For desktop related problems, refer students to the Help Desk (see below).
Contact your department office to request assistance from your college ITC.
Services and Information
Help Desk
The Help Desk provides assistance with general level computer and communications inquiries by providing support, instructions and information to students, staff and faculty. Faculty and staff who have problems which require more in-depth interaction with technology support staff or site visits will need to be referred to their traditional IT support contacts.
Help Desk support is available via Tech Guides, email and telephone. Walk-in support is available for students in the GH218 Lab and in the Library in room 120B. Contact information and hours of operation can be found at the Help Desk on the Web.
Systems Status Advisory
Systems status advisories are available on Voice Mail by dialing (707) 826-LINK (5465). Systems status advisories, impacts, emergencies, projects and planned downtime can be accessed on the Web at the Systems Status page.
Faculty Web Access
Faculty Web Access is available to view class lists with email addresses, student schedules, magic number lists, instructor class schedules, student academic records (transcript), and to submit grades.
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, and by University policy, it is the responsibility of every person who requests student information to maintain the confidentiality of data on all reports, both paper and electronic.
Electronic Directory/Email Addresses
Email address information for any individual at HSU who has an activated account can be located by using the Electronic Directory on the Web.
List Servers
A list server software program provides the ability to establish open or closed list servers for courses or special interest groups (SIGs). Each list has the option of being moderated. Contact Operations at 826-6111 for information. Access a request form by clicking here.
Academic Priced Software and Hardware
The HSU Bookstore offers academic priced software for department use, as well as personal use for faculty, staff and students. Apple products are sold in the Bookstore at Apple's full educational discount level.
The California State University system has entered into agreements with Microsoft Corporation, Compaq Computers and Dell Computers. These agreements provide eligible faculty, staff and students a license to install selected software applications on home computers, and university pricing for the purchase of desktop, laptop, notebook and server computer systems.
Information Technology Services has funded a limited number of licenses for Norton AntiVirus program. Contact your college ITC for information.
The HSU Purchasing department maintains contracts with various software vendors for academic priced software.
Moodle
ITS supports Moodle as its course management system. Moodle facilitates the creation of sophisticated World Wide Web-based educational environments. It can be used to create entire on-line courses, or simply publish materials that supplement existing courses. Interested Faculty can find more information on HSU Moodle support site.
Telecommunications and Network Services
Telecommunications and Network Services supports various communications and equipment functions common to the campus environment, including both voice and data services. Available services include:
Remote Access to Computing Resources
Access to HSU resources via the Internet from any of a number of Internet Services Providers (ISPs). On the Web, you will find price and feature comparisons of services available from ISPs that offer local toll-free dial access.
Further, ITS offers a remote dial-up service for faculty and staff who are out of the area. Contact Telecommunications and Network Services at 707 826-5000 for information about the capabilities and charges for the service.
Personal Calling
You may directly complete a personal credit card call by dialing 8 + 0 + the phone number you wish to dial. After a brief delay and a gong tone, key in the number of your Qwest calling card or your major credit card. You may also charge a third-party or collect call by remaining on the line and waiting for further instruction. To use calling cards other than AT&T or Pacific Bell, follow the instructions on the back of the card.
The University does not permit acceptance of Collect Calls or Third Party Calls (calls placed from an off-campus telephone number and charged to one of the campus phones).
Telecommunications and Network Services Web Page
Information concerning additional campus telecommunication services such as HSU phone numbers, email addresses, and fax numbers; CSU and UC Campus Directories; area code lookup, and AT&T 800 directory information, can be found on the Telecommunications and Network Services page on the Web.
Information Sources
| Information Technology Services | Phone | Fax |
| Chief Information Officer | 826-3815 | 826-6100 |
| Help Desk | 825-4357 | 826-5613 |
| Media Distribution | 826-3166 | 826-5613 |
| Media Production | 826-3323 | 826-6179 |
| Telecommunications and Network Services | 826-5000 | 826-6161 |
