“This work is my ministry,” she says, “and I've been placed on our Earth for this reason. Helping the poor is one of the areas that gives my life great meaning.”
Photographer Jill Booth Macdonell '57
frequently asked questions
What software is used for electronic course enhancement, for example, (syllabi, reading lists, discussion groups, demonstrations)?
Blackboard, a course management software, is available to all faculty for use in their courses. It is web based so that you can access it from your dorm or your parent's house. Faculty manage content, students and resources; students can manage their courses and assignments and have access 24/7 to anything their instructor posts.
Are technology resources available, used effectively to enhance the learning experience, and designed to prepare graduates in your major for successful technology use in their careers?
The college has extensive computing resources, including 20 technology enabled classrooms. The network infrastructure is state of the art and is maintained and upgraded on an ongoing basis. Computer labs are available for students who do not bring their own PCs. Students experience networked computing at its finest which is important exposure for the networked workplace of today.
What library resources are available online (catalog, databases, special collections)?
What electronic reference materials are licensed and how accessible are they from outside the library (for example, in the residence halls or off-campus)?
The following link to the CSC website lists all available resources:
http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/information/library/resources/databases.html. These online resources are available from all networked campus computers, including the dorm room. These resources are not currently available for students living off-campus.
How does the campus help students develop computer skills?
Does the campus have a specific computer/IT competency requirement for all undergraduates?
CIS 105, Introduction to Computers is part of the core curriculum and is required to be taken by all freshmen. CIS 312 (BUS 312) Business Applications for Computers is available to provide a more in depth look at specific applications.
What percentage of faculty has a networked computer available to them?
All faculty members are provided a networked computer.
What information about admission and financial aid is available online, and can necessary forms be submitted electronically?
The CSC website provides both admission and financial aid information through the following link: http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/admissions/index.html
Is the college catalogue, including important campus policies, available on the Web?
The following link will take you directly to the online college catalogue:
http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/academic/admin/catalog.html
What percentage of students on this campus own personal computers?
At the beginning of the 2002-2003 academic year, 93% of all resident students brought computers to school with them.
What is the ratio of public access computers to undergraduate enrollment?
There is one public access computer for every 10 students.
What percentage of students uses e-mail and other software applications on a regular basis?
All students are given a CSC email address. This is the only email address used for college communications.
Does the campus allow personal Web pages?
The College web site supports faculty and staff personal web pages. There is work underway on a policy to allow students to post personal pages.
Is contact information for students, faculty, and staff readily accessible electronically?
Contact information for faculty and staff is available through our website. The web address is http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/people/index.html
Is there a campus code of behavior for use of computing and information resources?
Yes. Please see the Code of Community Responsibility for codes of behavior for all college resources including computing and information resources. Also, please see the Campus Network Acceptable Use Policies.
What social activities and services are available over the Web?
The campus calendar is available through the CSC website. It lists all activities that are taking place on campus.
Are there Web sites for student organizations and clubs, and are these linked to the campus home page?
The site for student clubs and organizations is listed under the Student Life section of the web site http://www.colby-sawyer.edu/campus-life/clubs/index.html
Are students required to purchase their own computer?
No, but it is strongly recommended.
How does the campus make computing and network access financially available to all students?
All student dorm rooms have network jacks with free Internet and network access. In addition there are two computer labs containing 60 Compaq PCs, one located in Colgate Hall and one located in the Susan Colgate-Cleveland Library/Learning Center. Both computer labs are equipped with an HP8150N high-speed laser printer, a scanner, and are staffed by student monitors. Also, there are 17 computers located in the library for Internet access and research. Three of these computers have scanners for student use. These resources are provided free of charge to all students.
Does the campus assess extra fees for network connections in the dorms or for off-campus access?
There is no charge for Internet access in the dorms. The college does not provide Internet access for students living off campus.
If I bring my own computer equipment to school, what kind of support can I expect from the campus? What kinds of services (training, troubleshooting) are provided by the campus, and during what hours of operation?
IR staff assists students with configuring their network connections from the residence halls. IR staff are available to assist students Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm. There is no College connection available for students who live off-campus at this time. The College does not provide hardware service for student owned computers so we encourage students to keep current with support contracts offered by their hardware vendor.
What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?
The College has standardized on a Windows platform and has deployed Windows based computers in every department except the Graphics Design Studio, where Macintosh G3 and G4 computers are used. Campus hardware is leased, which allows for regularly scheduled lifecycle upgrades.
All residence halls are connected to the campus Ethernet network. If students have a network card in an Intel based computer we have network configuration instructions available. This excludes Microsoft XP Home. Mac computers with an Ethernet card can connect to the Internet but not the campus network.
Microsoft Office XP is the standard application suite for word-processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), and presentations (PowerPoint). Colby-Sawyer College has purchased a campus license agreement from Microsoft Corporation. This license gives the College the right to provide a full copy of the Microsoft Office Professional Suite of products to every student free of charge.
What is the College initative concerning AntiVirus programs?
Beginning in September 2002 students intending to connect their own computers to the College network must maintain up-to-date anti-virus software. This is in the interest of both the user and everyone using the network. Colby-Sawyer College requires NOD32 Antivirus, and will provide it FREE of charge. Instructions for obtaining the software are available at registration.
Does the campus have a policy on media downloads?
Students are personally responsible to use the Internet in a legal and ethical manner. The college cannot protect students from legal action if they ignore copyright laws. Music and movie downloads are very popular and easy to acquire via the Internet but copyright laws often make this an illegal act Please check
www.colby-sawyer.edu/information/technology/Netact.html for more details.
Does the campus have a plan for keeping the hardware current, and, if so, what is the replacement cycle?
The college is currently on a three-year cycle for replacement of college computers.
How does the campus support printing for the students, and is there a charge for this?
There is no charge for use of the printers in the computer labs and the Library.
