Information Technology Services is pleased to announce an expansion of the College initiative to support Macintosh computers and applications.  A new position has been posted  to supplement current MAC-related ITS support services.

While the College continues to base its primary strategy for information technology on a Microsoft Windows environment for personal computers, software applications, and for central servers where there is no Novell or Linux alternative, it has also responded to circumstances in which disciplinary needs cannot be met using Windows.  As a result, the College now provides and support Macs when there is a demonstrated need that cannot best be met with Windows computers, with the understanding that not all of the College's systems will be compatible with Apple's hardware and software.  Most recently, the College has provided and supported computer classrooms with Apple Macintosh computers and applications to meet such designated disciplinary needs.

Much of the College's current strategy of standardization is characteristic of colleges and universities nationwide, whether campuses of our size choose Windows or Mac as the primary system.  A high degree of standardization provides economies of scale in purchase costs, depth of support for laptops and desktops, and staffing efficiencies.  For the present, the College continues to provide comprehensive support for faculty, staff and students using Windows computers provided by the College and sees this strategy as supporting a critical component of a student's education.  Under this framework, all faculty, administrative, and support staff will normally be provided standard PCs with a Microsoft Windows Operating System, unless there is compelling instructional need associated with MAC-dedicated labs or software.

In recognition of the ever-evolving landscape of computer hardware and software standards in educational and professional settings, ITS, in collaboration with Academic Affairs and other campus offices, will continue to monitor best practices , cost considerations, and promising developments.  Every effort will be made to respond to new IT developments within higher education and the workplace, especially those that demonstrate enduring potential.   We hope that this framework will help to provide a context for our decision-making.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at x5433.