Venue: BT1.05 (at 1430)
Present: Jim Briggs (Chair), Steve Broadbent, Cheryl Johnson, Ed Kopinski, Robert Topp, Alex Counsell, Gary Bown
In attendance: Angie Muscat – taking the minutes
Apologies: Mike McCabe, Alison White
Agenda |
Notes | Action |
Status |
Minutes of last meeting |
The minutes of the meeting on 23rd November 2004 were approved. |
|
|
Matters arising |
|
|
|
Perception server |
University has now set up an e-learning review which is underway. | ||
Faculty web server |
The University is of the view that the Content Management System should be used. There is a particular problem concerning support for PHP. It was agreed to see how this was organised in other faculties. | EK to pursue |
|
British Computer Society accreditation visit |
RT reported that the minimum requirement was 5 students to 1 computer (5:1). We have 3:1 which is acceptable. | ||
Lion Gate Roof |
AC reported that following a meeting with Peter Hay he had been advised that the roof can be reskinned rather than removed, and there will no longer be a need to move equipment. Hopefully work will commence week beginning 30 June 2005 which gives 7-8 weeks for its completion. AC agreed to keep Mandy Cooper informed to avoid any timetabling problems during the exams resit period and cc to Mandy Strahan. | AC |
|
AV Technician |
Role of the new AV technician was discussed. Equipment support is only a small proportion of his job description which means he will only be able to fix simple problems, i.e. change light bulbs, not anything sophisticated. It was noted that it is essential that rooms are checked and ready prior to teaching. The new AV technician actually has nothing to do with AV systems. JSB to write to ECAM to pursue this. | JSB to pursue |
JSB has written to ECAM |
5-Button Mice |
SB reported that this problem has now been resolved. |
|
|
Budget for 2004-2005 |
Nothing to report. As yet there has been no further allocation. JSB will put a call out for bids shortly for next year’s budget with a deadline at the of February. | JSB to pursue |
|
University IT review |
EK gave a general summary of the University IT Review. It was uncertain from the report whether the recommendations were intended for implication or to form the basis of discussion. The general feeling was that the Report collated ideas which have been running around for some time and did not really contain anything which has not already been said. It was very critical in the way the IT Committee works. A total restructuring was being called for. In particular to be more strategic and reduced in size. Another major concern was the level of cover outside of regular working hours and changes in normal working patterns may eventually be inevitable. The report highlighted the manpower issue and the fact we are undermanned. | ||
Computing Strategy |
The CAM Information Technology Strategy was circulated and discussed. Minor amendments were proposed and agreed, and it was agreed to add an extra item to the ‘Vision’ to include ‘resources for staff development’. It was agreed that the Current IT Provision Table was outdated and needs to be removed. JSB to re-write strategy. | JSB to rewrite Strategy |
|
Any other business |
|||
Project requirements |
SB reported he had had a problem with a student’s (software/hardware) requirements for a project. It was noted that students project specifications should allow us to identify needs. It is important that the student discuss this with their supervisor in advance. The problem has arisen only once in over 500 student projects this year so it was agreed it was not appropriate to institute any new procedures to address it. |
|
|
Mercantile House reception area |
SB reported there would be reduced support over Easter for 2 weeks as the Mercantile House Reception Area was undergoing major refurbishment. |
|
|
Summer schools |
SB raised a question over Summer Schools and their requirements. | JSB to enquire |
JSB has written to relevant HoDs |
Date of next meeting |
Meeting to be fixed at end of March. |
|
|
Last updated by Dr Jim Briggs of the School of Computing at the University of Portsmouth.