Computer Committee Minutes

Date: May 24, 2006

Attending Committee members: Roger Crawfis (Chair), Mike Compton, Mario Lauria, Raghu Machiraju, Rick Parent, Jerry Sabin (Grad student rep), Prasun Sinha

Attending (others): Ron Salyers

Minutes

• Mike reported on the results from the College-wide survey on computing labs. They were able to dissect them someone for CSE fee payers. CSE was slightly above the college or on par for all of the questions. Overall, while useful, there was little modification that seemed warranted. Mike can provide the full details of the survey if interested. Roger suggested more involvement in survey's from this and other courses by the Computer Committee.
• Mike has a rough plan for a joint 24-hour lab and student (fee-paying) lounge to be housed in DL 172. Some discussion ensued about the need for a 24-hour lab, and whether Dreese was the best place for it. Most members thought that fewer computers and more lounge / work space would be better for DL 172. The committee discussed these items. No formal action was taken.
• Mike also had architectural sketches for a redesign of DL 280 and DL 480. DL 280 would be outfitted similar to the Business School lecture rooms with curved tables and a center-based speaking area. Roger requested that the room be oriented such that students enter at the rear of the room. DL 480 would be modified to hold at least 60 people. Mike is going to work with Physical Facilities to see about getting this to accomodate more people. The tables would be replaced with a theater style seating. The committee discussed these items. No formal action was taken.
• Keypass doors will be installed on the 8th floor to provide an additional layer of security for the machine rooms.
• The committee reviewed the budget for next year and approved it subject to: Mike will work directly with Rick Parent to explore options on upgrading the animation PC used for CSE 682. Funds budgeted for Faculty PC upgrades will be discussed in more detail in the Autumn quarter, with the possibility of a laptop option and an as needed upgrade schedule.
• Our next meeting will sometime in the Autumn quarter. Rick Parent will be the new Computer Chair.

Roger A. Crawfis

Computer Committee Chair