Student Technology Fee STI Plan FY 2020

Student Technology Fee STI Plan FY 2020

FY 2020
By

Dr. Tony Liss, Provost and Felix Lam, VP and CFO - Chairs
Ken Ihrer, VP of Operations and CIO - Co Chair

Table of Contents

FY 2020 Proposed STI  Activities and Corresponding Budgets..............................3

Equipment for In-Class Dissemination of Course Materials....................................4

Instructors’ Laptops for Hybrid Course..............................................…..................6

School of Architecture General Student Computer Lab Switch Upgrade ...............7

School of Architecture Library Computer Upgrade and Digital Signage..................8

Digital Signage System to Broadcast Computer Availability ...................................9

Computer Upgrade for Mechanical Engineering Material Labs .............................11

Marshak Lecture Hall MR 1 and 2 New Instructor Computers...............................12

Technology Update to Improve Student Experience Humanities and the Arts.......13

MR 1005 AV System and Network Cabling Upgrade................................  ...........15

Development for the Social Science Computer Lounge, NAC 7/120D..................16

Computer Upgrade for Biology 207 Teaching Lab.................................................17

Sonic Arts Center Computer Upgrade...................................................................18

MCA Smart Classroom Upgrade, SH-462.................................................. ..........19

City Central One Stop for Students.......................................................................20

Audio/Visual Upgrade for School of Architecture Lecture Hall – SSA 107............22

Smart Podiums Replacement at CWE........................................................... .......23

Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee Members.......................... ............24

FY 2020 Proposed STI Activities and Corresponding Budgets 

For the coming year, the Technology Fee Committee identified sixteen additional activities to be implemented with a total cost of $423,876 received from the 2019 CCNY STI Funds.  The selection of this fiscal year’s technology projects is guided by funding initiatives which:

  • Impact the broadest number of students across schools/divisions
  • Advance e-learning and improve access to higher education
  • Promote post-graduate readiness
  • Reduce CCNY’s carbon footprint.

The projects are as follows:

Project Title                                                                                                                                                                     Cost

  1. Equipment for In-Class Dissemination of Course Materials                                                                   $ 4,000
  2. Instructors’ Laptops for Hybrid Course                                                                                                $ 7,500
  3. School of Architecture General Student Computer Lab Switch Upgrade                                               $10,706
  4. School of Architecture Library Computer Upgrade                                                                              $11,298
  5. Digital Signage System to Broadcast Computer Availability                                                                  $12,000
  6. Computer Upgrade for Mechanical Engineering Material Labs -Room ST-B64                                    $12,166
  7. Marshak Lecture Hall MR 1 and 2 New Instructor Computers                                                             $14,275
  8. Technology Upgrade to Improve Student Experience Humanities & the Arts                                         $14,865
  9. MR 1005 AV System and Network Cabling Upgrade                                                                          $15,489
  10. Development for the Social Science Computer Lounge, NAC 7/120D                                                  $21,156
  11. Computer Upgrade for Biology 207 Teaching Lab                                                                                $22,976
  12. Sonic Arts Center Computer Upgrade                                                                                                  $40,266
  13. MCA Smart Classroom Upgrade, SH-462                                                                                           $40,477
  14. City Central One Stop for Students                                                                                                       $55,963
  15. Audio/Visual Upgrade for School of Architecture Lecture Hall – SSA 107                                             $61,153
  16. Smart Podiums Replacement at CWE                                                                                                    $79,586

Grand Total                                                                                                                                                    $423,876

Proposed Activities and Corresponding Budgets

2019 CCNY Student Technology Fee STI Plan

1. Equipment for in-Class Dissemination of Course Material

Person Responsible for Project(s): Mahesh K. Lakshman
Telephone Number: 212-650-7835
E-Mail:  mlakshman@ccny.cuny.edu

College Department(s) Affected: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Impact on Students: 

Professors Mahesh Lakshman and Barbara Zajc teach a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses at CCNY.  These include a large population Chem 261 (organic chemistry 1), large population Chem 262 (organic chemistry laboratory, currently split into 9 sections with 2 separate lectures), and smaller MS B5000 (Organic Mechanisms, a required course for MS, 5-year BS/MS students, and an elective for well-prepared undergraduates), B5100 (Organic Synthesis for MS, 5-year BS/MS students, and an elective for well-prepared undergraduates), B5200 also co-listed as Chem 325 (Spectroscopy and Structural Proof in Organic Chemistry for MS and 5-year BS/MS students, as well as undergraduates, and chemical engineering students have recently subscribed to this course).  Thus, the equipment requested in this application will have a significant impact on the dissemination of course material in these wide-ranging courses to a large CCNY student population.  It will also allow for ready access to Internet-based learning tools that can be used for in-class teaching and learning.

Project Description:
The project essentially involves the utilization of state-of-the art technology for classroom instruction of a wide number of courses in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  These include:  Chem 261 (Organic Chemistry 1); Chem 262 (Organic Chemistry Laboratory); B5000 (Reaction Mechanisms, required course for MS and 5-year BS/MS students, and an elective for well-prepared undergraduates); B5100 (Organic Synthesis for MS, 5-year BS/MS students, and an elective for well-prepared undergraduates); B5200 also co-listed as Chem 325 (Structural Proof in Organic Chemistry for MS and 5-year BS/MS students as well as undergraduates, and chemical engineering students have recently subscribed to this course).

The use of this technology will not only facilitate dissemination of lecture material via contemporary technology, which students expect, but it can also be used to access web-based learning aids, such as imulations/animations that can be used to augment student learning within a classroom setting at the time of the lecture.

So far, Professors Lakshman and Zajc have each used an iPAD mini for classroom instruction.  Not only does the iPAD mino have a small screen as working area for writing on, but also it does not accommodate the use of an iPencil.  Because of this, every semester, a rather ineffective stylus needs to be checked out from iMedia that results in poor quality writing (almost scribbles) on the small screen.  Technology has progressed substantially, and contemporary technology will greatly facilitate dissemination of classroom information.  The built-in WiFi capability of the iPAD can be readily utilized to access animations/simulations (as stated above) directly in the course of a lecture.  A good example is that of the SN2 reaction that is taught in Chem 261 (link below).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmcVgE2WKBE. On account of these reasons, the present application requests funds to acquire: (a) 2 state-of-the-art iPADS, (b) 2 iPencils, (c) 2 glass screen protectors for the iPADS, (d) 2 cases, (e) 2 iPAD to VGA adapters, (f) 2 protective folio cases, and (g) 2 downloads of iAnnotate that allows documents to be imported into the program, and allows the instructor to directly write on the screen and project in real time.

In addition, request is made for a portable LCD projector.  The rationale for the projector resides in a recent experience, where the projector installed in a classroom failed, and a portable projector had to be found in a time crunch in order to teach class without cancelation of the lecture.  Since this was an evening class, it made it even more challenging to find a projector, without losing too much lecture time.  The stopgap projector was needed until iMedia managed to install a temporary projector in the classroom.  Having a portable projector available will eliminate the stressful situation associated with having to find a projector under a time crunch, when a large number of students are awaiting instruction.  Also, this projector can be used in situations where instruction is conducted in a smaller room that does not have a projector in it.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items QtyCost
Hardware Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Apple iPad Pro 12.9 in, 64 GB, space gray, WiFi + Apple care2$ 2,156
                                                                                                 Sub-total2$ 2,156
   
Projection device(s) such as AV Equipment, Smartboard, etc  
Portable projector1$ 1,140
                                                                                                  Sub-total1$ 1,140
   
Miscellaneous  
Glass cover for the iPad Pro screen2$ 130
USB-C VGA multiport adapter2$ 138
3rd Generation smart folio for iPad Pro (charcoal)2$ 198
iPencil (2nd generation)2$ 238
  Sub-total $  704
Total $ 4,000

2. Instructors’ Laptops for Hybrid Course

Person Responsible for Project(s): Prof. Tom Peele
Telephone Number: 212-650-6328
E-Mail:  tpeele@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected: English Department, CLAS

Impact on Students:
We currently run between twenty and twenty-five (20 to 25) composition courses in the hybrid format every year; this is about 10% of the total number of composition courses we run. The courses are capped at twenty-six and twenty-eight (26 to 28); all courses run at or above student capacity. This courses allow between 500-600 students a year to enroll in a hybrid composition course. Course completion data from 2015-2018 show that students successfully complete hybrid and conventional courses at approximately the same rate.

Project Description: 
In order to be prepared to teach in the hybrid format, CCNY instructors must complete “Preparation for Teaching Online: A Foundational Workshop for CUNY Faculty” offered at no charge to CCNY instructors by the School of Professional Studies.  Every year, approximately 10 adjunct instructors apply to enroll in this course. While some instructors have a laptop, these will be given to instructors who are in need of a late model laptop for the first year that they teach in the hybrid format at CCNY. The next year, they will be given to new instructors for their use. Instructors in the English department have access to very old desktop computers; this support will allow more instructors to participate in the program. 

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items QtyCost
Hardware Year 19(2019 - 2020)
MacBook Pro 2.3 Gh, i5,8GB Ram, 128 Drive + Apple care,$1,500 ea.5$ 7,500
Total $ 7,500

3. School of Architecture General Student Computer Labs Switch Upgrade

Person Responsible for Project(s): Jonathan Zhao
Telephone Number: 212-650-7773
E-Mail:  jzhao@ccny.cuny.edu "> jzhao@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected: All CCNY Students who use the School of Architecture Computer Labs 

Impact on Students:
For several years Spitzer School of Architecture’s students have complained about the sluggish performance of computing technology, which is largely due to increased computing demands on a bottleneck caused by an obsolete network switch. Upgrading the obsolete network switch will improve network connectivity for roughly 470 undergraduate and 140 graduate students that rely on the CAD labs for instruction and coursework. Removing this impediment will substantially improve performance on both the wired and wireless networks, enriching the educational experience of our students.

Project Description:
The Spitzer School of Architecture houses two CAD computer labs each equipped with an assortment of digital media resources, including 40 powerful computer workstations, multiple large format plotters and scanners, a variety of printers and other equipment tailored to meet the computing-intensive needs of today’s architecture students.  One lab is dedicated to project development, especially design and graphic rendering; the other lab is primarily an instructional space used to compete class assignments, render digital objects, and print portfolios for class reviews. Each lab is also equipped with digital projection and audiovisual equipment.
Architecture-specific software installed in these labs include AutoCAD, Revit, 3DS Max, Rhino, and all Adobe products. In the background a group of servers administers access to software, file storage, printing, applications distribution, and license management. Every semester our students use these various resources to generate thousands of large complex files that must be created, rendered, stored, transmitted, and presented. Each year as our students and instructors become more tech-sophisticated, using more complex hardware and software, transmitting more and larger documents, they substantially increase the strain on the obsolete network switch currently deployed in this space. The sluggish network performance results in a frustrating experience for our students and instructors as our students hone their professional skills. Poor network performance imposes constraints on their ability not only to create their files, but also to collaborate with each other and present to their instructors.  

The network equipment has not be upgraded since the building itself was upgraded 10 years ago. This switch upgrade will alleviate some of this strain and enhance the teaching and learning experience in our CADlabs. Furthermore, we will accommodate installing network access points that will improve WiFi access.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Cisco Catalyst 9300 48-port  UPOE 1 $ 10,706
Total  $ 10,706

4. School of Architecture Library Computer Upgrade and Library Digital Signage

Person Responsible for Project(s): John Carrero
Telephone Number: 212-650-7603
E-Mail:                                                            jcarrero@ccny.cuny.edu
 

Department(s) of College Affected: All CCNY Students who use the Architecture Library Computer Lab and the Science and Cohen libraries.

Impact on Students:
Upgrading the Architectural Library Computer Lab’s obsolete computers will enrich the educational experience for the roughly 500 students in the School of Architecture who use the library to conduct research and work on coursework in their quest to learn more quickly and efficiently.

Project Description: 
The computer in the Architecture Library Computer Lab have not been upgraded in 10 years. The current Dell 755 workstations perform sluggishly because they cannot efficiently run the latest Windows operating systems, malware protection, and software applications due to slow processors and inadequate memory. Since the Windows 7 operating system is reaching end of life in 2020, this upgrade is necessary to allow the lab to upgrade to Windows 10. Furthermore, the printers in the lab are old and reaching end of life. Student government has requested access to printing in the Architecture Library.  
I am also requesting four 50 inch flat panel displays to serve as digital signage information kiosks to keep the students abreast of information and events pertaining to the library and CCNY. These displays will be located in the reference desk and circulation desk in the NAC and Science library.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Dell OptiPlex 3050 MT, $580 each.  No monitor  15 $ 8,700
                                                                                              Sub-total  $ 8,700
Peripherals 
Printers 
Kyocera P3045dn $499 each.  2 $ 998
Projection device(s) such as AV Equipment, Smartboard, etc 
VIZIO E-Series 50 inch $400 4 $ 1,600
                                                                                         Sub-total 
Total  $ 11,298

5. Digital Signage System to Broadcast Computer Availability 

Person Responsible for Project:    Kimberly Lopez
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 5287
Email:                                                 klopez@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected:  All Undergraduate and Graduate students at CCNY

Impact on Students: 
Since its opening in 2011 on the ground floor of the NAC Cohen Library, the CCNY Technology Center has become a vibrant space on campus accommodating innovative teaching, learning, collaboration, and recreation.  Created in the mid-90s, the NAC Computer Lab (affectionately known as “the Fishbowl”) located beneath the first floor escalators is a large open computer lab that is frequently used to conduct proctored exams. During the 2017-2018 academic year, the Tech Center and NAC Lab were a heavily trafficked hub with over 16,000 students logging into computers over 350,000 times. Our students spend a lot of time on campus. Designed for comfort and productivity, the Tech Center and NAC Computer Labs are their homes away from home.

The Tech Center has three (3) traditional smart classrooms, two (2) modern Active Learning Classrooms, fifteen (15) individual study rooms, and ten (10) group study rooms. There are also open access workstation areas with Windows and Macintosh computers, network printers, and Wi-Fi work spaces. Together, these two adjacent spaces host over 400 Windows computers, over 70 Macintosh computers, 60 laptops, and 12 network printers. 

Project Description: 
In order to provide real-time information on the availability of computers throughout the Tech Center and NAC Computer Lab, the Labstats software used to provide metrics on these two labs will be configured to provide real-time maps. These maps will also be available on the Tech Center website. Four (4) large flat panel displays will be installed in key areas to broadcast these Labstats digital map showing each individual computer’s availability (sample screenshot below: Refer to Fig. 1). These digital screens can also display important information for students. They will be installed strategically throughout the Tech Center and NAC Computer Lab.

Sample of LabStats Display information
Fig 1:  Map of the Tech Center – Proposed digital displays locations.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Digital Display for Labstats  
Large flat panel displays for Labstats, $3,000 each 4 $ 12,000
Total  $ 12,000

6. Computer Upgrade for Mechanical Engineering Material Lab-Room ST-B64 

Person Responsible for Project:    Prof. Feridun Delale

Telephone Number:                        212 650-5224
Email:                                                 delale@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected:  All undergraduate and graduate students in Mechanical Engineering

Impact on Students: 
The Materials Laboratory (room ST-B64) is used for instruction of the laboratory portion of ME 46100 - Engineering Materials.  This is a required course in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum.   Eight sections of the course are offered annually with a total enrollment of 151 students in the Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 academic year.  Students also use this lab for projects in various other courses in the curriculum such as Senior Design, adding to the number of students impacted.  This laboratory contains dedicated PCs used for data acquisition from experiments and specialized equipment. There are seven desktop computers in this laboratory ranging in age from nine (9) to thirteen (13) years.  Two computers are used for data acquisition from metallurgical microscopes, two for micro-hardness testers, and one each for tensile, torsion and impact testers.  Each week, students perform hands-on experiments using this equipment under the supervision of laboratory instructors.  The computers currently in use are extremely old, slow and frequently suffer hardware failures.  In fact, for one of the microscopes, the software has become corrupted and is unusable.   Owing to the lack of disk space, RAM, and low processor speed of these seven computers.  The plan is to replace these antiquated machines with new, faster and more reliable equipment.

Project Description: 
Funds are being requested for the following computer hardware upgrades for the Materials Laboratory:
To replace seven old desktop computers with new equipment.  The computers will be replaced with Dell Optiplex 5060  Tower desktops each having an Intel core I7-8700 processor, 32 GB RAM, 4 GB AMD Radeon RX550 graphics card and 1 TB hard disk.  The new computers will be networked so that they can receive Windows and McAfee antivirus updates.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Dell Optiplex 5060 T, i7-8700, 32 GB RAM, 1TB SSD,  24” Monitor $1,738 each 7 $ 12,166
Total  $ 12,166

7. Marshak Lecture Hall MR 1 & MR 2 New Instructor Computer  

Person Responsible for Project:    Nana Abeyie
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 6899
Email:                                                 nana@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected:  All students who take science classes

Impact on Students: 
The Marshak lecture halls (MR1 and MR2) are among the largest classrooms on campus with seating capacity of 150-170?? students.  These rooms are heavily used by the Division of Science to teach mandatory science courses such as General Chemistry, General Physics, General Biology and other upper level courses.  The classrooms are in the process of being renovated to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements, including the installation of new audiovisual technology.

Project Description: 

These rooms are currently being renovated by DASNY to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements to accommodate students with disabilities. Presently many of the instructors relied on the chalkboards to teach their students. Students who sit in the rear rows have difficulty hearing the instructor and seeing what the instructor writes on the chalkboard.

The newly installed state-of-the-art audiovisual system will allow faculty to enhance their lectures with technology. The upgrades will provide for larger projections screens and the installation of large flat panel displays in the rear of the classrooms, two in MR1 and four in MR2. These audiovisual enhancements will improve the experience for all students, not just those with disabilities.

To further enhance the teaching and learning experience offered in these two classrooms, the Office of Information Technology is requesting $14,275 to purchase three Microsoft Surface Studio 2 all-in-one computers computers. These will allow instructors who have traditionally preferred to use chalkboards to continue to handwrite their annotations in a way that can be projected onto all the available screens, allowing students throughout the classroom clearer visibility. One Studio tablet will be permanently designated for use in each classroom while the third will be designated for testing new software and as a backup unit in case one of the classroom-designated units need to be serviced or replaced.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
AV Hardware  Year 19(2019-2020)
Microsoft Surface Studio 2, +  Accessories ; $4,758.33 ea 3 $14,275
Total  $14,275

8. Technology Update to Improve Student Experience Humanities and the Arts

Person Responsible for Project:    Svetlana Bochman
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 8610
Email:                                                 sbochman@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected: Division of Humanities and the Arts: Office of the Dean

Impact on Students:  

The Division of Humanities and the Arts instructs the largest number of students across CCNY.  It includes the following departments: Art (including Electronic Design and Multimedia), Asian Studies, Black Studies, English, Foreign Languages and Literatures, History, Jewish Studies, Media and Communication Arts (including Advertising and Public Relations; Film and Video), Music (including Sonic Arts), Philosophy, and Theatre.  The Office of the Dean serves as a main point of contact for all Humanities and Arts students, including 2600 majors (2200 undergraduate and 400 graduate students) as well as thousands of other students who take General Education Humanities and Arts courses.  The Office of the Dean advocates for students as they strive to achieve social mobility and personal fulfillment through education. 
This proposal seeks to facilitate student interaction with the Dean’s Office.  The Division of Humanities and the Arts would like to update outdated technology and poorly functioning equipment in our 3 advising offices and common student areas so that faculty, staff and advisors may present vital information more effectively and students may achieve a better overall educational and co-curricular experience. 

The Dean’s Office at the Division of Humanities and the Arts is a place where students come to engage with administration and staff through all stages of their academic career, from registration to graduation.  Funding from Technology Fees will ensure that the Dean’s Office continues to enjoy its well-deserved reputation as a welcoming place where all Humanities and Arts students can come to receive guidance to achieve their academic goals and, in turn, prepare to achieve their career goals. 

Project Description: 

The Office of the Dean at the Division of Humanities and the Arts is requesting $4,621 for a color copier and printer to print, scan and copy student-related materials, especially during student advising sessions.  It is often necessary to make copies for students and our current color copier is over 10 years old, while our current black-and-white student printer is broken.  In addition, this equipment would be used to make flyers and marketing materials for college distribution, and advising to undergraduate and graduate students college-wide.  It would be more cost effective to make these materials in-house instead of sending them to Duplicating and paying a per page rate for color copies/flyers. 

The Dean’s Office is also requesting $10,242 for 2 iPads, 1 MacBook and 4 Dell laptops to be used for student-facing activities by advisors.  The iPads will be used by students when they meet with advisors to access CUNYfirst during Fall and Spring advising.  In addition, the Humanities Office has 20 to 30 onboarding days during Winter and Summer for new students.  Students would use the iPads for registration while they meet with advisors during this time. 
Students would access the MacBook in a dedicated space in order to review information on scholarships, fellowships and summer research program opportunities.  They will be able to learn about departmental awards and funding opportunities.  This information is currently scattered around the Division and difficult for students to access. 

The four (4) laptops would be used by the faculty and staff at the Dean’s Office when they engage with students in different parts of the campus.  They will be useful for meetings, presentations and panels where staff work with students outside of the Office of the Dean of Humanities and the Arts, especially when they visit different departments and divisions on campus. 

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Apple /iMac: iPad 128–Space Gray + 3 yrs Apple Care 2 $  956
Apple Laptop: 15-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar-Space Gray 1 $ 2,868
Dell Lat 5591 i7 2.6Ghz 6 core, 16GB, 512SSD, $1,583 4 $ 6,332
                                                                                                 Sub-total  $ 10,156
Peripherals 
Printers: HP Color LaserJet Enterprise M750dn #D3L09A 1 $ 2,799
Miscellaneous items  
USB-C to USB Adapter+ USB –C digital AV Multp adapter (1 each) 1 $  88
Extra set of Color printers supplies:   $ 1,822
                                                                                                 Sub-total  $ 1,910
Total  $ 14,865

9. MR 1005 AV System and Network Cabling Upgrade  

Person Responsible for Project:    Nana Abeyie
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 6899
Email:                                                 nana@ccny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected: All Students in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Project Description:

Most of the AV technologies in the Marshak building are outdated and most of the times faculty has difficult time using the current AV equipment in some of these rooms; projectors are outdated as well as poor wireless connection.  The Office of Information Technology is requesting $15,489 to upgrade the current AV system in MR 1005 with a state-of-the art AV system, adding a new wireless access point and upgrade the network cables. 

2019-2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items Qty Cost
Projections Devices/ AV equipment  Year 19 (2019 - 2020)
Kramer VIA Connect Pro 1 $   622
Kramer 8-Input HDMI & HD Base T ProScale Presentation  1 $ 1,704
Elmo/Wolf Doc Cam VZ3neo with 5 years warranty 1 $ 2,064
Sony VPLPWZ10 - 5000 lumens$2,072 2 $ 4,144
                                                                                       Sub-total  $ 8,534
Wireless Access Point  
Aruba AP Access point  1 $ 1,176
 
Networking  
Cables materials + installation    $ 3,317
Miscellaneous  
Ceiling Mount & Projector Mount 2 $  248
Da-Lite Pull down Screen, $284 2 $  568
Other Accessories such as speakers, audio controllers, install and testing all equipment, etc.  $ 1,646
                                                                                       Sub-total  $ 2,462
Total   $ 15,489

10. Development for the Social Science Computer Lounge, Room NAC 7/120D  

Person Responsible for Project:    Robert Melara, Ph. D.
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 5716
Email:                                                 rmelara@ccny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected: Psychology Major and other students

Impact on Students: 
The Social Science computer lounge is currently used by tutors and peer mentors in the Colin Powell School.  However, the goal is to expand the functionality of the space to increase tutoring/mentoring services for all students in STEM and other technical courses.  The development of the Social Science Computer Lounge will allow students to collaborate with others both within the major and across majors.  Such collaboration is key to allow students to grow and network, as well as exposing them to opportunities not necessarily found within their own major/division

Project Description:
Currently NAC 7/120D is a student lounge accessible to all CCNY students, undergraduate and graduate.  This space was repurposed in recent years to address students’ need for a space to work, gather, and socialize.   To support the academic progress of psychology majors and other students, the Psychology Department has increased its technological requirements across several quantitative and STEM-based classes.  To support students in these classes we provide a very popular peer-mentoring program, as well as tutoring services.  This capitalizes on the true benefit of this space – allowing interaction among students of different experiences and backgrounds.  In addition, many extracurricular activities occur in this space, including workshops and club events.  The lounge is heavily utilized, with an estimate of 20 – 25 students daily but has seen as many as 30 - 45 students at peak times or for various events. 

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:
Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Dell Optp.  5060 SFF  i-7 16 GB RAM, 512 SSD 24” Monitor , $1,286 6  $ 7,716
                                                                                                  Sub-total   $ 7,716
Projection device(s) such as AV Equipment, Smartboard, etc 
Kramer VIA Connect Pro 1 $   622
Kramer 8-Input HDMI & HD Base T ProScale Presentation  1 $ 1,704
Elmo/Wolf Doc Cam VZ3neo with 5 years warranty 1 $ 2,064
Sony VPLPWZ10 - 5000 lumens $2,072 each 2 $ 4,144
                                                                                                  Sub-total  $ 8,534
Networking 
Wireless Access Point  1 $ 1,176
Network cabling materials and installation  $ 1,844
                                                                                                  Sub-total  $ 3,020
Peripherals 
HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-one Wireless Printer 1 $ 100
Miscellaneous 
Ceiling Mount & Projector Mount 2 $ 248
Holsem Powerstrip/Surge Protector, $40/each 8 $ 320
Da-Lite Pull down Screen, $284 2 $ 568
Other Accessories such as speakers, audio controllers, etc.  $ 650
                                                                                       Sub-total  $ 1,786
Total  $ 21,156

11. Computer Upgrade for Biology 207 Teaching Labs

Person Responsible for Project: Jonathan Levitt, Professor and Chair of Biology
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 6584
Email:                                                 Jlevitt@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected: Biology, CUNY School of Medicine, Psychology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering

Impact on Students:

The proposed computer purchases are for necessary replacement of old obsolete Windows computers. We are unable to update the drivers and software to run data acquisition devices that students use in Bio 20700 lab exercises. Furthermore, we are also unable to download latest versions (or entirely new software!) for simulations, data analysis, graphics, etc. Each year this course serves roughly 280 students; this includes EVERY 1st year student in the CUNY School of Medicine, Bio majors, and students pursuing pre-health careers in other majors (Psychology, Biochemistry, and Biomedical Engineering.

Project Description:

The proposed computer purchases aim: (1) to upgrade old and nearly obsolete (>10 years, running Windows 7) computers in Bio 20700 teaching labs. These computers connect to data acquisition devices; the new device drivers and software to run these devices and plot the data students acquire are becoming incompatible with our old machines, which must now be replaced. We have 2 rooms for Bio 20700 labs; each has 6 student stations and 1 instructor station, plus 1 printer to produce graphs, data analyses, etc.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Dell OptiPlex 5060 SFF i7, 16 GB RAM, 512 SSD and 24” monitor + 5 year support, $1,584 14 $ 22,176
                                                                                         Sub-total  $ 22,176
Peripherals 
HP LaserJet Pro M426fdn AIO, $400 each 2 $ 800
Sub-total 
Total  $ 22,976

12. Sonic Arts Center Computer Upgrade

Person Responsible for Project: Chief CLT, Joe Popp
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 8254
Email:                                                 jpopp@ccny.cuny.edu

Department(s) of College Affected: Music Dept. and Media and Communication Arts

Impact on Students:

The Sonic Arts Center Music and Audio Technology program is part of the Music Department and has an enrollment of 45 – 60 students per year. These students are trained in the latest techniques in music, music recording and production, as well as audio post-production for film, broadcast, and the web. Our students are frequently involved with recording the >260 students and faculty of Music Department, and also work with the >240 students and faculty of the Media and Communication Arts department on various film and video projects. Therefore, this proposal will serve over 550 students and faculty of the Center and the Music and MCA Departments. 

Audio recording technology has changed drastically over the past 15 years. Hardware based audio recorders and audio effects processors have been replaced by software applications that run solely on computers. Because of this shift in technology the Sonic Arts Center needs to employ the most current and powerful computers available.  As software recording programs have become more complex and processor intensive, we must provide our students with the appropriate resources so that they are well prepared to enter the professional music and audio technology industry. The Sonic Arts Center is run exactly like a professional recording studio. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our current AppleCare warranties have been out of date for over 3 years. Because the computer is so central to the modern recording and mixing process and our training, any computer failure means the loss of a workspace for our students.  The request for funding of Macintosh Pro Computers would allow: (1) a processor speed and computational power increase over our current computers, and (2) increased reliability for our studios that are open 24/7. The computer is the heart of the modern recording studio. Our students, and the students of the Music and MCA departments will be well served with this upgrade that is beyond our current budgetary allocation.
Project Description:

The Sonic Arts Center, is proposing to upgrade 6 Apple Macintosh Pro computers in our recording studios in Shepard Hall Room 192.  These computers are over 5 years old.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
Mac  Pro, GHz 12-Core, 64GB Ram, 1TB SSD + Dual AMD Fire Pro D700 6GB , $6,711 each 6 $ 40,266
Total  $ 40,266

13. MCA Smart Classroom Upgrade, SH-462

Person Responsible for Project: Wayne Grofik
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 6284
Email:                                                 wgrofikcny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected: MCA Students and non-MCA students who take introduction to Media Production. 

Project Description: 

We are requesting funding to replace over five years four (4) iMac computers with newest and faster processors.  These new computers will be used by our 2nd year MFA students to edit 4K projects thesis.  We also proposed to replace older technology camcorders use by both MFA and BFA freshman students. In addition to we want to set up a new mini-lab for AD/PR and Journalism students so that they can write and do web research.  We are planning to use the current computers since they do not need high processor.  Our current software and printers used by our beginner filmmakers are no longer supported.  We are proposing to purchase the latest version of Jungle Software’s Chimpanzee which not only has the capability of creating breakdown sheets, budgets, manage your cast and crew but It also allows students to  generate call sheets, pro lists, shot lists and storyboards. 

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019-2020)
iMac 27” with 5K,i7, 4.2 Quad-core, 32 GB RAM, +Apple care 4 $ 11,441
                                                                                                   Sub-total  $ 11,441
Peripherals, Cameras, etc 
HP LaserJet  printer, M506n 1 $ 450
HP Laserjet printer, M750 1 $ 2,499
Panasonic AG Camcorder  Cameras, 8 8 $ 15,960
                                                                                                    Sub-total  $ 18,909
Software  
Chimpanzee Film Software for Budgeting & Scheduling 16 $ 1,584
Furniture  
Posture Chair  with Adjust, $97 each  4 $ 388
Heavy-duty workstations ,$465.5 each 4 $ 1,862
                                                                                                Sub-total  $ 2,250
Miscellaneous 
HDMI Cables, controllers, entry Level Tripods, Lenses,   Batteries, and microphones for Jouralism and BIC         Sub-total  
$ 6,293
Total  $ 40,477

14. City Central One Stop for Students 

Person Responsible for Project: Celia Lloyd, AVP for Academic Momentum and Student Success
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 7859
Email:                                                 clloyd@ccny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected: Entire College

Impact on Students:

When students are enrolling to the college, registering for classes, or trying to ascertain their bill or financial aid status, they are often perplexed by the byzantine interactions required to accurately answer simple questions or resolve minor issues. Often what seems simple and minor from a student perspective is in fact quite complicated. For example, answering a student’s simple inquiry about his/her Financial Aid can blossom into a complex series of interactions requiring specific insights from the Registrar, Financial Aid, Bursars and academic advisement offices. In the past our students were often required to navigate between the various offices and complex terminology in order to find a resolution.

In 2018, the inception of the City Central One Stop fostered a collaborative effort by the BARFITA groups to cross-train our staffs in order to refine procedures and practices to quickly triage and resolve student inquiries and issues. This one-stop shop solution serves as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and staff seeking basic enrollment management services, providing a much more efficient way of addressing the diverse needs of students and faculty. This innovation has led to a substantial increase in student satisfaction and a precipitous drop in student complaints. Funding this proposal will allow us to expand on this success.
The college already identified a new space, NAC Lobby Area (room NAC 1/205) for expanding this outstanding initiative.  In this new location it will function as a central hub for students to receive concierge service. This new site is conveniently located in the midst of the offices of Graduate and Undergraduate Student Governments, Student Life, Career Services, City Tech Center, the Information Technology iMedia Reservation Desk, Tech Center, and Service Desk.
The One Stop will be staffed by a small team of full-time subject matter experts representing the various enrollment management areas as well as part-time, cross-trained Enrollment Generalists. This team’s primary aims are to accurately answer student inquiries with courtesy and professionalism, interface with their colleagues throughout the college to proactively resolve student issues, and provide helpful referrals to the myriad of services available to our students. More complex issues that cannot be resolved by the One Stop staff will be escalated to the appropriate office, with One Stop staff tracking progress and relaying significant updates to each student.
Project Description:

Establishing this next iteration of the City Central One Stop will require a modest investment of laptops/ tablet computes, network printers, installing flat panel displays, expanding wired network coverage and furniture the new facility.   The City Central One Stop is expected to become a fast paced, high volume office that provides friendly, quality, and in person information to students and the community in general. We are here to help ensure our students succeed.
We are requesting $55,963 funding to fund the second phase of the City Central One Stop for Students as it will be relocated from the Wiley Administration building to the NAC building as it continues to service the entire college. This funds will be used to purchase:

1. Laptops/tablets
2. Printers
3. Flat Panel displays (digital signage), to display useful information as students wait for their needs to be accommodated.
4. Expanding wired network coverage
5. Wireless Access Point (2)
6. Furniture

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 – 2020)
Aruba AP$1,176 each 2 $  2,352
Microsoft Surface Pro 6, i7, 8GB,256 SSD, 3yrs supp.+ Accessories 8 $ 10,856
                                                                                                 Sub-total  $ 13,208
Peripherals 
HP LaserJet Pro. M570dn, $1,090  2 $ 2,180
Digital Signage display , $3,000 ea.  2 $ 6,000
                                                                                                 Sub-total  $ 8,180
Miscellaneous  
Cabling + Installations                                                          Sub-total 1 $ 3,000
                                                                                          
Furniture  
Computer desks, file cabinets, chairs, etc + Installation 
                                                                                                 Sub-total  $ 31,575
Total  $ 55,963

15. Audio/Visual Upgrade for School of Architecture Lecture Hall, Room 107

Person Responsible for Project: Muhammad Ahmad
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 8819
Email:                                                 mahmad@ccny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected: Undergraduate and graduate Arch Students, Engineering, Foreign Languages, and Literature students.

Impact on Students:


SSA 107 is the main lecture hall in the Spitzer School of Architecture (SSA) with capacity for 175 people. At least 470 students, 330 undergraduates and 140 graduates depend on this room.   By the time the Y-Building was newly renovated to house the School of Architecture in 2008-2009, the A/V equipment in the building was already 3 years old. This room is more than just a lecture hall. It is a multipurpose auditorium used not only by SSA students and faculty; but also, widely reserved by numerous departments and student organizations across the college.  The lecture hall also serve as the orientation room for parents and prospective and admitted students. 

Project Description: 
        
The A/V infrastructure is over 10 years old and failing to keep up with the growing demands of the City College community.   The goal is to completely redo the A/V infrastructure with state-of-art new AV technology which will allow faculty to show videos and share other educational resources to students.  Faculty also will be able to do video conferences with other universities and leading organizations in the industry fields.   We are requesting $61,153 from the Tech Fee funds to complete this critical project.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget

Items  Qty Cost
Projection device(s) such as AV Equipment, Smartboard, etc 
8 Input Dual Output Legacy+HDBT Presentation + VIA Con Pro 1 $ 4,075
Panasonic Projector 6,000 LUMENS, $6,400 each 2 $ 12,800
                                                                                           Sub-total  $ 16,875
Furniture  
Custom Lectern, Natural Maple, MFI #18315AF         
                                                                                             Sub-total  1 $5,400
Miscellaneous 
Power Amp 70 V Amp 200 Watts 3 $ 1,260
Creston CP3 Control System 1 $ 1,300
Crestron TSW-760-B-S  7” Touch Screen panel 1 $ 1,400
AVB Beamtracking ceiling Mic, wht pendant $1,065 each 2 $ 2,130
SF 3PT Ceiling Speakers, Black (Pair) 12 $ 2,204
Cabling, such as HDMI, Video cables, etc.   $ 3,670
BIAMPflier Server wi/12 Inputs + wi/4 Inputs, one each 2 $ 4,530
AV Rack, Audio Ampl, audio transmitters, etc  $ 8,629
w/UR4D Dual Channel Receivers,  $4,585 each  3 $ 13,755
                                                                                            Sub-total  $ 38,878
Total   $61,153

16. Podium Replacement CWE

Person Responsible for Project: Robert Hernandez
Telephone Number:                        212 650- 6625 ext. 260
Email:                                                 robert@ccny.cuny.edu
Department(s) of College Affected:  All students at the Division of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Impact on Students: 

The podiums are used to support student learning and to enable students with gaining professional presenting skills. The podiums also support conference activities on campus as well as admissions sessions, graduation events and job fairs, all of which are integral parts of the college experience for CWE students.

Project Description: 
CWE’s smart classrooms have been providing faculty and student’s complete audio-visual support for over a decade; however, most of the podiums need to be replaced as soon as possible.  The audio-visual technology, available in all of CWE’s 13 classrooms consists of: ceiling mounted projectors and Smart Podiums.  The Smart Podiums are controlled by a Crestron user-friendly touch panel.  Each podium is equipped with an internal computer, option to connect laptops, camcorders, portable audio or video recorders, document camera, microphones, DVD and VCR player.   In addition, the podiums have Boss speakers for HD audio.  These units are very user friendly and users typically do not require training.  In fact, most faculty members are able to use the equipment without training or with minimal guidance. To achieve this important user friendly solution, the podiums’ main components use today’s market custom programmable components from Crestron and Kramer Manufactures.

Recently we replaced the projectors and computers in all smart classrooms. Despite these routine enhancements with replacement parts over the past decade, the specific parts that are essential for general functionality are no longer available for purchase. Currently, the podiums cannot support high definition, Blue-ray and other connections.  We have consulted with our vendors on a variety of options to retrofit the podiums with modern components; however,  we  found that the cost of rebuilding these units are more expense than purchasing new podiums since they are no longer support or parts are not available any more.  

Without the podiums in working condition, faculty will be limited in the technology that can be used during class sessions which can negatively impact students’ experiences and learning in the classroom. Poorly working podiums will also preclude us from hosting conferences which benefit students. The lack of working technology will also negatively impact student services, in particular admissions sessions, student orientation, pre-graduation events, scholarship ceremonies and job fairs. Please see attached document outlining the podium components.

2019 -2020 Fiscal Year Budget:

Items  Qty Cost
Hardware  Year 19(2019 - 2020)
A/V Podium,  $26,528.67 3 $ 79,586
Total   $ 79,586

Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee Members

The Student Technology Fee Advisory Committee is composed of 27 members, chaired by the Provost, Vice President  & Chief Financial Officer of Finance, and co-chaired by VP of Operations & Chief Information Officer Information Technology. It includes 12 students recommended by the Office of the Interim Vice-President of Student Affairs (nine (9) undergraduates and three (3) graduates), eight faculty, three academic representatives, and one ex-official member. The Technology Fee Committee is the standing college committee that advises the Office of the President on the expenditures of Tech Fee revenue.

Committee Chairs – Tony Liss, Provost and Felix Lam, VP of Finance (2)
Co-Chair – Ken Ihrer, VP Office of Operations & Information Technology (1)   

Student Representatives (12) –
Bryan Wigfall, VP of Campus Affairs
Ahsanul Abeer, Undergraduate Student Representative
Kasson Colon- Mangin, Undergraduate Student Representative
Kenta Little, Undergraduate Student Class Senator
Christopher Henry, Undergraduate Student Class Senator
Dina Elhadidy, Undergraduate Student Class Senator
Hannah Towfiek, Undergraduate Student Class Senator
Jaret Wyatt, Undergraduate Student Senator at Large
Rafaella Smith, Undergraduate Student Senator at Large
Emmanuel Adu Poke, Graduate Student Executive Chairs
Sarah Wemy, Vice President, Graduate Student
Jeffrey Xu, Graduate Student Councilor

Faculty Representatives (8)
Prof. Mark Smith, Humanities and Arts
Prof. Ilona Kretzschmar, Grove School of Engineering
Dean Gordon Gebert, School of Architecture
Prof. Laurent Mars, Division of Science
Prof. Elizabeth Matthews, Center for Worker Education
Prof. Kevin Foster, Colin Powell School
Doris Grasserbauer, School of Education 
Mr. Omar Kabir, CUNY Medical School

Administrative Representatives (3)      
Celia Lloyd, AVP for Academic Momentum and Student Success
Wendy J. Thornton, Interim VP of Student Affairs  
Charles Stewart, Associate Dean and Chief Librarian  

Ex-officio Member (1)
Otto Marte, Tech Fee Administrator and Director of OIT Business Services

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Last Updated: 08/03/2020 14:27