Master Plan and Space Utilization
Develop a master plan and space utilization process to identify needs and effectively manage space, with special attention focused on sustainability and meaningful use of protected green space.
Re-Thinking Technology Spaces
Across all three Texas Woman's campuses, the Office of Technology has worked to deliver services and spaces that meet the needs of students. This includes conversion of space into bring your own device (BYOD)-friendly work places and provision of charging stations.
Further, responding to student feedback from a StudentsACT survey in 2016, the department piloted both color printing and print-from-device in the most-used computer labs on the Denton campus.
Last fall, the Write Site relocated from CFO to the Blagg-Huey Library. TWU Technology helped make the move possible. This space was specially designed to strengthen student success at Texas Woman’s and support the continued development of the TWU Libraries as a hub of learning.
Classroom and Screening Space
Technology worked with Vagner Whitehead, Professor and Chair of Visual Arts, to install state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment in ART 101. The space is primarily dedicated to classes, but Whitehead envisions partnering with Denton festivals, such as the Thin Line documentary festival, to host screenings open to the public.
ROTC Space
Army ROTC at TWU is hosted through the University of North Texas. High school and college students, as well as those serving in the Army can serve as officers in today’s Army by joining ROTC at TWU. The Technology classroom team helped repurpose equipment to get the Cadre up and running in the former Golf Course Clubhouse.
Modifications for Music
The department of Music needed modifications made to MCL 101 to meet accreditation standards. The Office of Technology worked with Music to prepare the space to be used as a mid-sized venue for music performances, practice, and instruction, as well as continuing to serve as a large classroom. Academic Affairs provided funds to cover some of the costs for lockable storage for the newly refurbished grand piano, ten new speakers, and a removable instructor podium. Also, display control was made more flexible through installation of a central control switcher and touch panels.
Collaboration in the Classroom
The department supported the installation of collaboration hardware in CFO 129, former home of the Write Site. The room consists of tables and at the head of each table is a large screen. Students use the panel at the table to control the presentation, allowing for seamless, integrated technology in the classroom.
Refreshing Computer Labs and Instructor PCs
PCs in all computer labs and PCs in all classrooms were replaced and upgraded to Windows 10 over summer 2018. This included all labs in Dallas and Houston, as well as labs in Denton, including ASB 102, ASB 105, ASB 211, BHL 231, JH 106, JH 300, Lowry Woods, MCL Dental Hygiene clinic, and the Student Union.
Technology designed the Windows 10 image carefully to make it easier for Windows 7 users to transition. The department consulted with academic leadership about how best to communicate the change to faculty. The simple solution was to create a label for each monitor that addressed the most confusing change in Windows 10: the separation of power options and log off options into two icons. The label also included a tinyurl for additional information about the TWU Windows 10 image and the phone number for the Technology Service Desk.
Partnering to Build Texas Woman's Future
The Office of Technology supports new building construction, as well as strategic relocations by providing infrastructure and classroom and office technology. In FY18, such projects included the new Parking Garage and providing wireless internet access in outdoor spaces, supporting the competitive sports strategic initiative. Further, the department provided support for the provision of space in Old Main for the new Institute for Women's Leadership.
Already this year, Technology supported the Student Health Services move into Jones Hall. Additionally, Technology will partner with Facilities and others to provide technology in the new Science and Technology building, the new P3 Housing complex, the redesigned and renovated Hubbard Hall and Student Center.