TECHNOLOGY PLANNING & PRIORITIES COMMITTEE
MARCH 29, 2012
Present: Joel Cooper, Sue Traxler, Paul Thiboutot, Bev Nagel, Steve Spehn, Fred Rogers, Linda Thornton, Don Hasseltine, Nathan Grawe, Jim Fergerson
Also attending: Linda Thornton, Sue Traxler, Austin Robinson-Coolidge
AGENDA:
1. Review minutes from March 1, 2012 meeting.
2. Discussion of campus iPad purchasing policy.
3. ITS summer project prioritization (carried over from last meeting).
4. Discuss current IT technology request process.
1. Minutes from 3/1/2012: Approved.
2. Campus iPad purchase policy discussion
• We are trying to provide multiple funding options as opposed to simply increasing the technology budget overall.
• PDA funding was discussed extensively. It is very different from personally owned – personally owned is essentially extra compensation and a tax liability, while PDA is not. PDA funding could be a slippery slope, but there are research needs that might justify it. It was noted that PDA accounts are subject to the same professional use guidelines as other funds. In contrast personally owned devices (a la the cell phone) come out of the departmental compensation budget. Grant based equipment, including iPads are owned by the college.
• Admissions could be using iPads to read apps, fill out ballots. Could also use for visits, etc. Paul noted he would consider buy 12 out of his departmental budget. Would be an additional item, but would be worth it – would be an “advantage”, a positive impression on prospective students.
• Development. Would be a useful tool, but Don noted he doesn’t have people pounding on his door about them. Elements of ease and convenience, but not required. More and more present across the profession.
• Business office. Linda noted they are getting requests from Res Life and Facilities. Linda would advocate for moving some equipment budgets, etc. to ITS for purchase of these – much more consistent and simple.
• Fred wants to avoid making it an entitlement, i.e. if you have a certain status, you get one.
• Linda is very concerned about equity and not creating a “haves vs. have-nots” culture.
• It was agreed to move in the direction of institutionally owned devices and to be very clear about what it is we support and to what level. We will continue to reimburse for work related apps on personal devices.
• Use PDA language to determine how software is handled.
• PDA purchases were not clear at this meeting.
• It was agreed to create a broader group to oversee the decisions: both iPads and non-replacement IT equipment requests.
• ITS will create a new purchasing policy draft and circulate it to TPPC.
3. Other agenda items were deferred until future meetings
Respectfully submitted,
Joel Cooper