Forum discusses university information technology issues

In one of several special technology sessions with students this semester, Ackell Residence Center and the Capital Garage Apartments residents provided feedback to VCU’s Information Technology professionals about the plusses and minuses of university’s technology.

“We felt we needed to get input from students with their technology problems so we can improve,” said Mark Willis, chief information officer of technology services. He said the university needs to learn how students use technology.

Denise Coleman, a graduate student and Ackell resident, said she attended the forum to learn about computer safety precautions among other things.

“(To) find out about Lotus Notes and why it’s so slow,” Coleman said, adding that she also likes to socialize and eat free food that is provided at these sessions.

Keturah Edwards, another Ackell resident, said she recently received a lot of pop-up ads on her work computer.

Sophomore James Perry said that, he too, receives many pop-up ads, including the ones asking, “Which one is Jennifer Lopez?”

Keith Deane, associate director for VCUnet, told the students that even though they may have Spyware on their computers, he recommendeds that they obtain Ad-aware, a free program used to destroy viruses.

“Google it and get it,” Deane said. “Have it checked for updates.”

Amber Okusaga, a senior premedical student, asked the technology representatives about downloading music.

“If you illegally download or share copywrited material, you may be caught by the recording industry,” Christopher Cotner, coordinator of residence education, told Okusaga. “And if you are caught and it’s reported to VCU, then there will be disciplinary actions by VCU.”

One disciplinary action, he said, will include disconnecting the Internet service in your room until you meet with a university administrator to discuss the situation.

Willis said technology services plans to lift server blocks and double bandwidth during the winter break.

“Were going to double the amount of bandwidth from 45 megabytes to 90 megabytes,” Willis said, “which is equivalent to other colleges.”

The increased bandwidth will speed up the students’ Internet connection, Willis said, while lifting the server blocks will allow students to play Internet games.

During the discussion, students signed their names and listed the problems they encounter with the technology system. One student expressed displeasure with the way Lotus Notes allows users to delete their messages – one message at a time. Many students identified the slow e-mailing process as a major drawback to the system.

Willis said that the application, however, doesn’t slow the e-mailing process.

“(Sometimes) the browsers are not configured correctly,” he said, suggesting that students contact the technology’s help desk, so the receptionists can help them change their Web browsers so this doesn’t happen.

“Some of the slowness may be due to the network traffic,” Willis said, which means that the number of students simultaneously using the Internet in residence housing could slow the speed of the Internet.

Edwards, one of the estimated 15 students attending the 45-minute informal forum, described the difficulty she has had trying to transfer her Cyrus Mail messages to the new Lotus Notes. After the forum, Edwards said she doesn’t expect to have problem any longer since she spoke with the IT professionals.

“They are going to teach me how to transfer my old e-mail to my new e-mail,” said Edwards, who attended the meeting not only to provide feedback on the e-mail system and but also to vent some of her concerns.

Willis said all the messages in Cyrus Mail will be deleted in January, but he will send an e-mail to the student body to let them know exactly when that will happen.

Meanwhile, the IT chief suggested that students contact Dr. Notes at dnotes@vcu.edu or call the help desk at 828-8240 when they have problems with the transferring process or any other questions relating to the technology services.

Monica Motley, a senator for Monroe Park’s Student Government Association, said she found the forum very helpful.

“I have a feeling a lot of stuff is going to be changed immediately,” Motley said.