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Issue
8, Fall 2001
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BC is the very fortunate recipient of a Title III Federal Grant (also known as the “Marc Grant”). Although the grant name isn't stimulating, the monumental project in which it will result—the BC Virtual Student Support Center (VSSC) — is anything but. Thanks to Federal approval of the proposal (created in record time by ITS, The Learning Center, the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies and the Office of Grants), over the next three to five years VSSC will arrive on the Internet. This giant, lively and user-friendly web portal will be a one-stop student mall. Here’s just a sample of the extraordinary capabilities planned for the Virtual Student Support Center: • Complete,
submit and check status of forms, including Admissions applications
The Virtual
Student Support Center will be ideal for students who cannot always
get to the campus. Obviating the need for travel will save students
both time and money.
ITS created
and recently launched the new, online Course Scheduling System
(CSS). Successfully tested and ready to use for the Spring
2002 semester, this helpful program will allow academic department
chairs to create a comprehensive schedule of courses for each semester.
The Office of the Registrar will, as always, publish each schedule
for students. CSS will be quick and simple, and the only paper used
will be that on which final schedules are printed. New courses can
be created and both new and existing courses can be entered and
edited. Each course will indicate all parameters, including seat
limits, credits and instructor’s name. CSS will also check
for schedule conflicts in time, room and instructor. Piles of paper
containing detailed lists will soon be a thing of the past.
ITS has completed a wonderful new computer lab in 326 New Ingersoll for the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences. In time for the Fall semester, the lab boasts the latest and the best: 41 Dells, flat-panel monitors, software, network printers and rewritable CD drives in every PC.
ITS is always in the forefront of technology and continually seeks new ways to benefit BC students. We are proud to announce the opening of the new Wireless Network Lounge in the Atrium/Wolfe Labs, 1300 Plaza. This is the first BC lab specifically designed for use by students with personal laptops, via wireless or wired technology. With sofas and reading chairs, it is a comfortable environment in which to study, work or relax. In addition to the wireless connectivity, six-seat tables will also have jacks for laptop computers. To gain access to the Atrium Lounge wireless facilities, students have to register and have their laptops configured by the lab staff. Students may use their own standard or wireless network cards, or they may borrow a network card from the lab for the duration of each session. Connected laptops will have access to both the Internet and on-site laser printing. Of course, students who do not have laptops can continue to use the hundreds of state-of-the-art PC, MAC, and SUN workstations in both labs. Come visit the labs at 1300/1306 Plaza or call 951-5787.
WEBGRADE, the BC online grade-entry program inspired by Registrar Joan Antonicelli and developed by ITS with Ms. Antonicelli’s input, is a spectacular success across the academic departments. The first CUNY College to create and use such a program, WebGrade eliminates reams of paperwork and, most notably, minimizes thorny issues of security. Piloted in Spring 2000, WebGrade has considerably lightened the significant load of our faculty and the Registrar staff. WEBGRADE was closely watched by CUNY while BC was put through its paces, and our success hasn’t gone unnoticed. A full-length article about the program, written by ITS Director Mark Gold and writer Merryl Rosenthal, was prominently featured in the latest issue of CUNY Matters. Thanks to our innovative ITS and Registrar staff, our sister schools will doubtless be inspired to adopt online grading.
The HelpDesk continues to offer training seminars for administrative staff. Maximize your PC skills by learning Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Powerpoint. Basic PC and Network use is taught in a required prerequisite class. To register for the prerequisite and subsequent classes, e-mail ITSSignup@Brooklyn.CUNY.edu or call extension 5861. All classes begin at 1pm and are held in the Atrium Lab. Seats are on a first-come, first-served basis. SCHEDULE OF CLASSES PREREQUISITE:
GETTING CONNECTED TO YOUR PC (1 Hour) ADVANCED
WORD 2000 (1- 2 Hours)
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Booting your PC
BC
and ITS will achieve a milestone when it launches Interactive
Web Registration (IWR). We’ve come quite a long way
from the days when students literally ran the floors of registration
rooms, course cards in hand, from department to department. The
long lines and footwork became a thing of the past with the advent
of Interactive Voice Registration (IVR), which will remain an available
registration option. With the addition of IWR, registration reaches
its apex: it will be as easy as logging onto a PC. IWR will allow
students to view enhanced course information, create and submit
schedules, pay online via credit card, and order transcripts. Plans
for a November debut, for Spring 2002 registration, are proceeding.
Students will also benefit from the upgraded Bursaring/Cashiering
System, a faster, more efficient program that will streamline payment
transactions. IWR and the new Bursaring system will be two more
vital tools that make life easier for students.