2002-2003 Catalogue
2001-2002 Catalogue

This information was last updated on: 08/05/04 4:17:45 PM

A wide range of information technology resources and support is available at Colby. Computers and network resources, which are recognized as valuable tools for scholars in all disciplines, are used by faculty members and students in all disciplines, and the College is committed to making appropriate computing resources available. In all courses, faculty use computers in some way; in addition to student writing assignments almost invariably done on computers, students frequently will encounter course assignments that require computer use.

The College has a dual Macintosh and Windows computer-standard strategy, enabling a choice of computing platform within the bounds of what can be supported reasonably and effectively within our highly networked environment. The Macintosh is the most common system in faculty offices and labs, and Windows is most common in administrative offices, though there is a trend, with the dual standard in place since 1998, toward more equal distribution in academic areas. Both Macintosh and Windows systems are available in the Lovejoy cluster (Lovejoy 400). Macs are located in the Olin computer classroom (Olin 323), and Windows computers are located in the library cluster (Miller 16) and the Davis Educational Foundation Electronic-Research classroom in the library. Specialized computing facilities dedicated to particular departments are located in Biology, Chemistry (including the advanced UNIX/Linux systems in the Schupf Scientific Computing Lab), Computer Science, Economics, Geology, Language Resource Center, Maathematics, Music, Physics, and Psychology. About 95 percent of all students own a computer. It is expected that students will be able to use both Windows and Macintosh computers.

Central computing systems include several Sun and Hewlett Packard UNIX minicomputer systems for academic use. A Colby account is set up automatically for each student. Each account provides integrated electronic mail and storage of personal Web pages linked to the campus Web server. Access to the network is available from computers in all public clusters and from student rooms. The Colby libraries' online catalog and links to various academic databases are also available.

Colby’s data communications network, built around a gigabit Ethernet backbone through the academic buildings, is available in all student computer clusters and in every faculty office and all classrooms. All residence halls have direct Ethernet access to the network with a port available for each student and additional ports located in many lounges and study areas. Wireless network access (802.11abg) is available in parts of Miller Library, including in the first-floor study area and in the informal study and gathering area, known as “The Street,” on the ground floor. The College has high-speed 20 Mbps (over two partial T3s) Internet access.

Assistance can be obtained from student consultants at Student Computer Services, located next to the Lovejoy cluster, and from the Information Technology Services (ITS) staff. Workshops by students and the ITS staff are scheduled throughout the year to introduce the computer and network systems, Microsoft Office applications, e-mail, and Web use and to provide advanced information on specific topics. A newsletter is published to inform users of workshop schedules, provide helpful tips, and discuss policy issues. ITS Web pages (www.colby.edu/info.tech) provideinformation online.

Colby has a Microsoft Campus Agreement that provides for each student a license to Microsoft Office and a variety of other software, including all upgrades. Antivirus software also is licensed by the College for each student to use.

The Media Services group of ITS, located in the Audiovisual Center in Miller Library, provides support for technology resources in classrooms and elsewhere on campus. (About 75 percent of classrooms have installed data/video/audio presentation technology.) In addition to offering equipment delivery and loan services, the group also produces educational materials and provides instruction in many media-related areas. An assortment of equipment for student and faculty use (e.g. overhead projectors, portable computer projection systems, camcorders, and sound systems) is maintained, as are video conference facilities. Through its satellite downlink and commercial cable services facilities, Media Services provides multilingual and special-interest programming to the campus via cable TV, which is available in each suite of rooms in the residence halls.

The Information Technology Committee, made up of faculty, staff, and students, advises ITS and the president. All meetings are open, and those interested in computing issues are encouraged to participate in discussions.

Information about Colby's current events, publications, and academic programs is available at www.colby.edu.