Funding for Open Access Resources

DRAFT

Project Implementers:  

Debra Scott, for Student Affairs and Information Systems, to oversee:

• Interface between student computers and student administrative systems.

Bill Koseluk, for Instructional Computing, to oversee:

• Central open access functions within Instructional Computing.
• Staffing for the 24-hour student computing facility (in development).
• Student printing via the UnipriNT system (used in various places on campus).

Larry Carver, for the Library, to oversee:

• Adding computers to the 24-hour study facility in the Library (proposed).

Project Beneficiaries:   Open Access computing is an essential component of the student experience on most college campuses, including UCSB. Students access computers for a variety of tasks – for instruction, research, contact with faculty, staff and fellow students, as well as for an ever-growing list of critical administrative functions. Clearly, the computer is among the most essential needs of each and every student, graduate and undergraduate. As all processes of university interaction (academic and otherwise) increasingly rely on technology in some fashion, there can be no question of the need to provide adequate access for students, the beneficiaries of this proposal. The remainder of the campus community will also benefit through more easy and efficient network-based communications. It should also be noted that while some students own laptop computers and bring them to campus, many do not. Any Open Access solution must necessarily serve a variety of portable and fixed scenarios.

Problem Statement

While Open Access computing is essential, it is woefully underfunded. In fact, there is no ongoing funding for this function whatsoever. The campus must invest in open access in order to allow students a university experience consistent with contemporary standards well established at other institutions. In addition to funding, the campus must also seek to standardize Open Access services, with attention to consistency across the campus in such areas as authentication, printing security and wireless access. Without attention to Open Access and recognition of its function as a key interface between students and a variety of academic and administrative functions, the campus will not be in the position to fully utilize newer technical innovations which promote efficiency. This will increase, not reduce costs at a time of budgetary stress. Open Access computing is an integral part of the entire university community and should receive support.

Project Summary

"Open Access" refers to a suite of technology-related services which is not affiliated with academic departments, or based upon their enrollment in any courses. Usage of "instructional computing" resources (i.e., computing laboratories used in instruction) is rationed by various scheduling processes which restrict access to those enrolled in a limited number of specific courses. Thus, a significant number of students are excluded from many academic computing resources as computing needs are becoming increasingly an essential part of students’ interaction with the University (e.g., on-line course registration).

Open Access computing also provides great utility and convenience for students who need to conduct research in the Library, who need to exchange information with faculty or other students via electronic mail, or who need to use computing resources in the context of their academic work. There are presently facilities in Phelps Hall (Instructional Computing) and the Library. There are also small complements of equipment for general usage located in various places around the campus, including the Ucen and other common areas. Open Access computing is a major component of academic computing. Historically, Open Access computing referred primarily to small laboratories of low-end computers with basic applications. It now includes printing functions and facilities to serve those with laptops, wireless access and related equipment. Demand for all facets of the service is high, and there is also widespread student support for 24-hour open access. This proposal will address existing providers as well as new areas, specifically the new lab in the developing Student Services building and the 24-hour study room in the Library (presently without computers).

This proposal seeks to address immediate funding needs related to Open Access provisions, especially support staffing in facilities and some equipment. It also lays out the need for a formalization of policies related to Open Access dealing with such issues as a common printing strategy on campus (with consistent fees throughout), robust wireless access for portable student computers in appropriate locations, a consistent usage of the UCSBNetID in authentication, and a common means of secure physical access to Open Access facilities (e.g., identification "smart cards"). Support for all this must be permanent, not one-time, as the function will clearly continue to be an integral component of student needs at the university.

Structures to support existing and proposed Open Access functions are well in place (e.g., Student Affairs, Instructional Computing, Library, etc.). Moreover, technologies now exist (i.e., lab imaging software) which allow for efficient automated remote management of computer labs which used to require costly manual attention. It is thus expected that funding invested in Open Access will be spent efficiently. Requested funding will allow these units to shore up deficiencies in their present levels of service in this area as well as providing them with the means of developing and implementing new services. There is substantial student demand for Open Access, and this project will do much to meet present needs.

UCSB Visionary Requirements

For this proposal to be successful, it is essential that senior administration recognize the importance of Open Access computing and its value to students and the campus community. This is not a new issue. Instructional Computing (formerly the Microcomputer Laboratory) opened the first Open Access computing facility on campus in 1986 and has funded the service itself from its own budget ever since. From the beginning, the service was utilized to full capacity and funding requests have been made many times over the past several years. Unfortunately, there has been no funding for Open Access and current budget cuts may force closure of some labs. Senior administration must receive the endorsement of students, faculty and staff in order to recognize the need for their support in this function. Student support is critical as well, as they are the chief beneficiaries of Open Access computing. In every query of student users there has been unanimous, strong support for broadening the scope and depth of this type of computing, especially during peak periods of activity as midterms and finals.

Costs and Benefits: Initial-Year and Recurring

While there are costs associated with this proposal, ultimately a robust open access service will result in efficiencies, as students are more easily able to make use of online processes formerly conducted in a manner more staff- and consumable-intensive. Benefits will be realized over time, concomitantly with the development and deployment of pertinent systems.

Student Staffing (Two 24-hour facilities)

This item refers to staffing for two 24-hour Open Access facilities. Some efficiencies may be realized by staffing only the later evening and early morning hours.

$8.00/hr staff, 16 hours/day, 6 days/week, 30 weeks = $23,040
Total, two facilities: $46,080

Wireless Equipment

This item refers to equipment required for wireless access for students in various areas.

Wireless Equipment (Cisco 2970), network support, per item: $3,300
XX number, @ $3,300: TBD
Total: TBD

An adjunct to this proposal is the suggestion that a representative group of students and staff meet to reach a consensus on such issues as:

• A consistent approach to printing on campus, with a consistent fee.
• A consistent use of the UCSBNetID for student authentications to systems.
• 24-hour open access computing and appropriate security at late hours.
• Secure access to facilities, with consideration of "smart card" technologies.

Further funding requests may develop as these issues solidify.

Matching Opportunities

Presently, the Student Fee Advisory Committee has approved a one-time allocation of $100K for Open Access within Student Affairs. This funding affirms the strong commitment of the student body to this service. As part of their approval, students have also indicated the need for a formalization and review of related Open Access issues as described above. This allocation will provide significant equipment acquisition, though it will not provide any ongoing support for Open Access in future years. It does, however, provide a significant start.

Project Timeline

Student Fee Advisory Committee funding is available now. Open Access facilities are operational in Phelps Hall and similar facilities may be operational within a year or two (i.e., the Library and the new Student Services building). Thus, requested funds will be utilized as soon as they can be allocated.

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