University Times

An ambitious plan to upgrade technology and speed Internet access at Pitt was endorsed by Senate Council April 10.

Under the plan, the University would spend $9.6 million during the next three years, and $1.3 million a year after that, to increase bandwidth on Pitt's computer network, install and upgrade computer ports, provide more technical support, and train students, faculty and staff to use improved software.

Some details of the plan remain to be worked out, but Senate Council unanimously endorsed the plan's main points and recommended implementing it as quickly as possible. Pitt administrators hope to begin implementation by July 1, the beginning of the next fiscal year.

Provost James Maher said that, before he submits the plan to Chancellor Mark Nordenberg for approval, he will present a final version to the Information Technology Steering Committee (ITSC) for one last review. ITSC, which drafted the plan, includes faculty, staff, students and administrators, including Maher.

Several University Senate committees gave the Provost's office comments and suggestions on the technology plan, such as making sure that computing resources are available to all Pitt instructors, including teaching assistants and part-time faculty.

"I'm not aware of anything that any Senate committee has recommended that we won't be able to accommodate in the final version," Maher said.

One controversial detail remains unchanged: Students and employees wishing off-campus access to the University's network will either have to continue relying for free access on Pitt's 800 existing modems (which are often inaccessible because of heavy use) or pay an Internet provider a monthly fee for quicker access.

Some professors have questioned why they must pay an extra fee for decent remote access enabling them to do essential University work off-campus. Students who live off-campus have complained that they will have to pay an extra fee for quicker Internet access, in addition to continuing to pay a computer network fee.

Plan proponents argue that it's only fair to expect off-campus Internet users themselves to help pay for better remote service. They also say that modem pool service should improve as more users opt for quicker access.

Gov. Ridge has proposed giving Pitt a $3.5 million, one-time line item for special program initiatives, as part of the University's state appropriation next year. This week, the state House of Representatives endorsed Ridge's recommendation.

If the House, the Senate and the governor's office agree to provide the line item, Pitt's administration would apply $2.5 million of it toward the $3.8 million needed for information technology initiatives next year.

— Bruce Steele