2013-2014
Completed Projects
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1. Network Infrastructure Upgrade
The NAC Datacenter, which is the "brain" and main connection point for the campus-wide network, has been upgraded with state-of-the-art high-speed network hardware. This upgrade will significantly improve the network speed across campus.
2. NAC Lab (Fishbowl) Upgrade
New computers, cabling and network gear have been installed, along with new flooring and fresh paint. This upgrade will not only provide students with a more pleasant learning environment but also significantly improve efficiency.
3. Fiber Infrastructure Upgrade
We have expanded the fiber optics capacity to support a higher network bandwidth with campus-wide compatibility and the capacity for future expansion.
4. Campus-Wide Wireless Upgrade
A much-needed upgrade of the Wi-Fi infrastructure is ongoing to accommodate the demand for increased bandwidth and high-speed wireless access, due to the proliferation of mobile device use on campus. The majority of the work will be completed by the end of 2014.
5. Campus Solutions Module of CUNYfirst
This allows students to enroll in classes, pay bills online, and view their academic and financial information and more. It also allows faculty to view class rosters, verify enrollment, post grades and perform other academic functions online, such as view student's transcript. OIT played an important role in ensuring that the implementation of Campus Solutions was successful in terms of configuring user functionality and security.
6. CUNYfirst Hotline
In April 2014 the Hotline Center was created to provide a logistical and technical support structure for students, faculty and staff as departments acclimated to the changes in systems and business processes due to the conversion from SIMS to CUNYfirst. The hotline provides a single point of contact for students, faculty, and staff for addressing and directing all CUNYfirst inquiries and providing training sessions. The workshop sessions provide students with basic instructions in the use of CUNYfirst, such as how to claim their CUNYfirst account, register for classes, and view transcripts.
Even though the Hotline Center is new, over 2,000 issues were resolved either over the phone, or via walk-ins or email. They also provided 35 student workshops session. Each workshop is about half an hour long. The data collected above shows how critical the center is especially for incoming freshman and transfer students from outside CUNY's colleges. The Hotline Center also helps field questions that would otherwise be directed to departments or Enrollment Management areas, consuming precious human resources.
With the Financial Aid module launching in the coming year, additional training and support will be required for a smooth implementation.
7. Campus PBX Upgrade
The existing telephone PBX switches were at the end-of-life for support. During 2014, the telephone switch facilities in both the Administration and NAC buildings were upgraded. By upgrading to the NEC SV8500, CCNY has transitioned into a full-featured VoIP communications system that supports advanced business productivity applications. This protects our initial investment and extends the life of the current voice infrastructure.
The SV8500 provides cutting-edge features that optimize the customer experience and maximize enterprise resources. Some of the applications supported in this new model, NEC SV8500 are:
″NEC's Unified Communication for Enterprise (UCE) suite of applications which include UCE Unified Messaging, UCE Desktop Client, UCE Attendant, UCE Collaboration, UCE Mobility and Contact Center. This suite of applications provides unified communications, fixed mobile convergence, a contact center and attendant capabilities, and advanced collaboration tools.
″UC for Enterprise Manager, a web-based management application that enables users to access the system remotely through a personalized portal to configure their communications options. Additionally, Expense Management offers call accounting, asset management, mobile management, and billing and invoice reconciliation.
″NEC's Softphone – a multimedia IP phone installed on a PC or laptop to deliver high quality voice communication via a USB-connected headset/handset. When linked together across an NEC IP network the system allows remote and mobile workers to enjoy all the benefits of a physical phone, and more – including audio and video conferencing, file sharing, IM, call-record and more.
8. BIC Master's Program Space, Shepard Bldg., Rooms 101-104
The BIC Master's program is a unique program offering next-generation advertising, public relations and digital education in New York City, the US media's marketing capital. A 36-credit, portfolio-driven Master's degree program created with the guidance, insight, and support of significant players in New York City's advertising and public relations community, it teaches students the practicalities of using the latest media communication tools and technology. In order to remain competitive, BIC's facilities must be able to simulate the type of collaborative work environment that graduates will encounter in this demanding, ever-evolving industry. Special computer lab and presentation space is required to help students fulfill the capstone and portfolio requirements of the program. Industry outreach/collaboration in the form of conferences, panels, lectures, and recruitment of graduates - all essential elements of the program - requires a versatile large space and furnishings. Finally, BIC needs office space for the program director and administrative staff. The collaborative nature of this program demands that this space be as fluidly connected as possible.
OIT played a significant role in implementing the network and cabling infrastructure required for this program. Together with Facilities, OIT designed and built a new MDF, located in Shepard 106 A, to provide networking services to the rooms housing the BIC program. In addition to providing collaborative-friendly desk space and basic office furniture, the BIC-dedicated multi-media computer/instruction lab has been outfitted with high-speed Internet access as well as 17-20 MAC stations (plus instructor's station), scanners, color printers, screens, etc
9. SysAid Ticketing System [Tech Fee funded]
SysAid, the new campus-wide service desk software package is now operational. In addition to migrating historical service tickets, types of service requests, workflows, and user information, we are currently engaged in rolling out new resources – including a comprehensive IT Service Catalog, Service Level Agreements, automated routing procedures, and a self-service portal for users to submit and track their service incidents and requests. We are also working on deploying additional SysAid modules, including asset management; service analytics, remote software update management, mobile application support and IT project management.
10. Marshak Bldg., Room 117 Smart Classroom conversion
This 100-seat lecture room has been converted to a Smart Classroom. Network cabling infrastructure has been installed.An 84-inch display has been mounted at the front of the classroom and two 60-inch displays which are visible to students sitting at the back.Wi-Fi access has been made available.
11. VMWare Update
Our enterprise virtualization and cloud computing software has been upgraded to version 5.5, the most up to date.This new version supports Mac OS X and Windows 8.1.
12. Environmental Crossroads Initiative-Phase II
Phase-I network upgrades for the Environmental Crossroads Initiative were completed in fiscal year 2013. Following the completion of Phase-l, cabling and networking equipment upgrades between the Marshak's third and ninth floors have been completed. This new upgrade has significantly increased the network speed and reliability.
13. New General Computer Lab at Grove School of Engineering (GSOE) [Tech Fee funded]
The new General Student Computer lab at the GSOE located in room 2M-6 has been equipped with 12 computers and a centralized printer station. Its network infrastructure has been upgraded with a more robust wireless system, a new network switch and cabling.The computers have been deployed with Microsoft Office as well as the latest engineering software applications that are needed for all the engineering disciplines. Access to these computers is available to students during normal business hours, except during mid-terms and final exams, when they are available 24/7.
14. Writing Center Computer Upgrade [Tech Fee funded]
The Writing Center provides one-on-one tutoring, academic writing workshops, and computer lab workspace to all students regardless of their academic disciplines. OIT replaced old end-of-life computers with new Dell computers, 43 PCs, and 24 Dell Latitude laptops. A new network printer has been installed which offers centralized printing for all the students who attend the center. The Writing Center wireless system has also been upgraded with two robust and powerful wireless access points as well as four state-of-the-art smart workstations. These new smart workstations allow students to work in a more collaborative-friendly setting, with more extensive and unfettered access to Blackboard and TutorTrac.
15. Science and Cohen Library Computer Expansion [Tech Fee funded]
OIT has upgraded the 20 aging computers located in the Marshak library (Science Library) with more robust and secure Dell computers. As technology continues to change, students are requesting more computer power and availability for research and class assignments. As a result, OIT updated and added additional smarter network switches in the Science library. An additional 50 computers have been received and deployed in the Cohen library, making a total of 70 PCs.
16. NAC 6/150 Social Science General Students Lab [Tech Fee funded]
This lab has been upgraded with 36 PCs, 13 laptops, locks and a print server. These will improve lab security and performance and, most important, increase students' productivity. On average this room is used for seven classes per semester but it's also used for additional services such as tutoring, testing and conducting STEM Programs.
17. Electronic Design & Multimedia Program Software and Hardware Upgrade [Tech Fee funded]
The most rapidly changing information technology is in the field of Electronic Design and Multimedia (EDM). As a result, the curriculum in EDM is entirely dependent on utilizing the most current versions of hardware and software technology. Using outdated graphics software or slower computers makes it difficult for students to present professional portfolios and to compete with students from design programs in private art schools.
OIT upgraded Adobe Creative Suite from CS5 to its latest version CS6, replaced 19 iMACs, three MAC mini servers, five projectors, four Blue Ray players as well as some of the aging printers. This upgrade to the latest technology enables students to better compete in the job market once they graduate.
18. Upgrade of Assistive Technology Office, NAC 1/217 [Tech Fee funded]
The Assistive Technology Lab is equipped with technological solutions for students with physical, cognitive and speech disabilities. The AAC was enhanced with the following new equipment: a color scanner, five ZoomTex support keyboards, five digital voice recorders, one Abby FineReader software package, one braille embosser, five stereo headphones with microphones, two 13" Macbook Pros, two iPad 2s, and two iPad smart covers.
19. AudioVisual Project: Phase 1–Shepard 107
An AV upgrade has been completed, consisting of the installation of three ENO smart-boards and a network switch and cabling upgrade.
20. CUNYFirst Website Revision and Update
The existing CUNYfirst support website has been revamped as the procurement, campus solutions, and inventory modules went live. The new design has separate menus for faculty, staff and students. Content is being updated regularly.
21. NAC 7/312–Audio-Visual Setup
New audio-visual equipment for NAC-7/312 has been installed and the room has been converted into a smart classroom.
22. Sophie Davis School of Bio-Medical Education, Network Infrastructure
OIT and the Office of Facilities have completed network infrastructure upgrades to Harris Hall, Rooms 04, 07, 08. These include new cabling, data and voice ports, Wi-Fi access points and a new Cisco switch for network connection.
23. Campus-Wide Laboratories Upgrades
The OIT continues working closely with the Office of Facilities to implement lab upgrades. The following lab upgrades have been completed:
- Marshak, Room-826 Prof. Michael Piasecki
- Marshak, Room 016 B, ROTC – Prof. Rishi Raj
- Marshak, Room 031A, ROTC - Marshak Library
- Marshak, Room 031, ROTC
- Marshak, Room 824 A, Dr. Sircar's Lab
- Marshak, Room 923, Prof. Kyle McDonald
- Marshak, Room 1113, Chemistry Department
- NAC Bldg., Room 1/207, Graduate Student Lab
- NAC Bldg., Room 7/310 Prof. Timothy Ellmore
- NAC Bldg., Room 4/224, PAL-SEEK Center
- Shepard Bldg., Room 01, Charles Rangel Center–R. Mark Musell
- Shepard Bldg., Room 02
- Shepard Bldg., Room 157
- Shepard Bldg., Room 277
- Shepard Bldg., Room 375, Sustainability Classroom
- Shepard Bldg., Room 408
- Shepard Bldg., Room 409, MCA Department
- Steinman Bldg., Room 269, Prof. Roger Dorsinville
