ITS News 2011

The Road Ahead

Through the years demands for technology and innovation have increased steadily in higher education as well as in healthcare industries. As we continue to see trends of moving course delivery systems and academic information resources into cyberspace, SMU recognizes the criticality of providing reliable access to and easy use of the education tools required for students to succeed the modern global, multi-platform classroom community.

IT Projects: Year in Review

To get a better sense of the accomplishments from the past year, read through our list of projects completed for the year, projects that are in progress, and projects in the queue.

Direct Loan Reconciliation

Summer 2010 the federal government changed the rules on Stafford and Plus loans. Instead of subsidizing private lenders with federal funds, the government took out the middleman (private lenders) and lends the money directly to students for subsidized Stafford, unsubsidized Stafford, and Plus loans. This change increased the workload of schools everywhere.

GoPrint Webclient

SMU is proud to offer an upgraded printing solution. GoPrint web client will enable you to print to any campus library or public area directly from your student account. Students will have an initial credit of $3.00. Your balance for printing is maintained through your student account. No more worrying about having cash on hand or a print card.

Direct Deposit of Student Refunds

Coming soon, students will have the option to sign up for direct deposit of their student refunds. Refunds are generated and disbursed to students when financial aid is awarded, and costs for attending SMU are deducted. Students currently receive refunds in the form of paper checks, which must be mailed or picked up and then hand carried to their respective banking institutions.

Student Health System Improvements

The Student Health Information System records and tracks student immunization history and requirements for clinical education placement. The system was developed 4 years ago through a collaborative effort by members of the Student Health Services and Information Technology Services Departments. In the past two years the functional requirements for system have evolved.

The Website's New Look

The website is one of the most visible entities of Samuel Merritt University. As part of our new SMU marketing and branding process, the website will be redesigned and improved. Working in collaboration with the Office of the President and their design partners, the homepage will feature styling and aesthetics improvements consistent with our new look. We will also enhance the website's general look and feel, otherwise known as the website's theme.

Network Security

IT's Network Services Team (NST) oversees the SMU community's efforts to protect its computing and information assets and to comply with information-related laws, regulations, and policies. The NST's approach to security is more proactive than reactive, although we naturally give priority response to incidents that have institution-level impact or that requires university-wide coordination.

Computer Maintenance

Throughout time, computers can start to run slow and not perform the way they used to. And from the constant use of them, their functionality becomes less optimal. They're similar to our vehicles we drive where we take it for oil changes, brake service, tire rotations, tune ups, etc. in order to keep them running stable.

Understanding Offline Files

Using offline files, employees can access files stored in your home directory (X drive) when you are working from home or away from the office. This is done by setting up your My Documents folder to be available offline, which automatically creates a copy of the network files on your computer.

Using ITS Resources

The ITS Helpdesk is your one-stop-shop for technical support at SMU. Contact the Helpdesk for assistance through any of these convenient methods: Web, Email and Phone

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