News     About CS     Offices     Help Desk      Policies      System Status      CS Home

About CS

Welcome: A Message from Timothy O'Rourke, Vice President of Computer and Information Services

March 1, 2004

As the Spring semester continues in full stride, I would like to report on a number of Computer Services projects. E-mail UsageE-mail use at Temple has more than doubled since we implemented the TUmail system, as measured using the following metrics:

• total number of logins per hour, and
• number of incoming/outgoing messages

Even though e-mail use has skyrocketed, TUmail continues to prove itself capable of handling the job as a reliable and powerful e-mail system.

Virus Security

A new version of the MyDoom virus spread last week, but had very little impact at Temple. Our three-pronged security effort that includes our recently installed state-of-the-art firewall, TUmail's built-in virus protection capabilities, and Temple's Symantec Anti-Virus software program has really been paying off. Again, I want to thank each of you for doing your part by installing the antivirus software. It has really made a difference.

Blackboard

Blackboard continues to be a heavily used academic resource. The system is now stable but it is still not where we would like it to be. Several patches have been applied since Blackboard 6 was introduced in July. A new release of Blackboard (Version 6.1) was released last month. We are currently testing this version to verify that it will enhance the stability and functionality of the system. My staff continues to work closely with Blackboard to monitor and quickly resolve technical issues as they arise.

New Wireless Zones

Temple's wireless zones continue to expand with new locations in many classroom buildings and residence hall lounges, as well as outdoor areas (Bell Tower, Tuttleman courtyard, and the 12th street food vendor pad). For an interactive map of wireless locations, as well as information on what you need to know to get started, please visit our wireless website. Note that you don't necessarily need a laptop to access Temple's wireless zones, as you can use your Wi-Fi enabled (802.11b) Palm or Pocket PC as well.

MyHousing@Temple Enhancements

MyHousing@Temple is Temple's interactive web-based student resident system that provides students real-time access to check the status of housing applications, view room bookings, roommate and meal plan bookings, update emergency contact information and print housing forms. We have added a number of enhancements to the site, including:

• Paying housing deposits online using a credit card or e-checksRequesting telephone and Ethernet activationApplying for summer housing
• Changing login from Student ID and PIN to AccessNet username and password

Revised Academic Policies

At the end of Fall semester, we implemented the first phase of the new Undergraduate Academic Warning, Probation, Dismissal & Reinstatement Policy. This new presidential policy establishes a more rigorous academic code.
Our Administrative Computer Services Office underwent a large scale effort to update our student information systems (ISIS, OWLnet, and OWLink) to accommodate the new academic code. Programming for phase two is underway and implementation is scheduled for the close of Spring semester. System changes for both phases involve making sure that all processing rules are in place and that all relevant information is communicated and accessible to students and staff.

New Seminar Schedule The Computer Services March, April, and May seminar schedule is now available. You can view the schedule online or pick up a copy at the Help Desk or the computer labs. Our seminars are created and led by professional trainers and are designed to get you up and running quickly with using new or updated software. The schedule includes new topics such as What's New in Office 2003, TUmail Group Calendar, Basic Image Editing with Photoshop, and Text Scanning.

Computer Services continues to do everything we can to meet Temple's technology needs and to develop for the future.