Welcome from Information Technology Services
As the fall semester gets underway, Information Technology Services (ITS) has been busy working on the many projects slated for this academic year. As we look ahead to the next several months, we would like to thank you in advance for your continued support and cooperation. This newsletter (published each fall) is just one way that we share information about the various services we offer and how different technologies are being used at the university.

A few highlights include:

The renovation process for the Fletcher Jones Computer Center is underway. The new and improved center is designed to support innovative teaching and learning. The renovated space, due to open in Fall 2009, will include a number of computer labs as well as areas for individual and group collaborative work.

This fall, the university is implementing a security awareness training program geared toward end-user computing. In addition, two projects addressing the issue of individual safety have been tested and are ready for use: the All Campus Alert System and UR Bulldog Alert.

More faculty members are making use of instructional technology. The use of clickers, an electronic voting system, in the classroom continues to gain in popularity as nine faculty members make use of this technology in the fall. Blackboard, the university’s learning management system, remains a popular option for posting materials on-line. The interest in innovative new technologies brought forth by Web 2.0 was evident with nineteen faculty members attending a full-day workshop this summer.

We hope that this newsletter serves as an overview of the many services our department offers. If you have suggestions and/or recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact me at extension 8303 or by e-mail at hamid_etesamnia@redlands.edu.

- Hamid Etesamnia

New Hires in ITS
New members of ITS include Eric Chaffin, Wes Head, Yang Jiao, Iyan Sandri and Richard E. Van Lommel. 

Eric Chaffin, Technology Enabled Classroom (TEC) Consultant, provides the day-to-day support for faculty using the TECs. Prior to coming to the University of Redlands, Eric was a Multimedia Specialist for Crafton Hills College.

Wes Head, Systems Manager, is responsible for the ongoing support and maintenance of various systems, including Datatel. Prior to coming to the University of Redlands, Wes held a similar position at Caltrop Corporation.

Yang Jiao, Senior Programmer Analyst, is responsible for Datatel system maintenance and report writing. Prior to coming to the University of Redlands, Yang held a similar position at Baldwin-Wallace College in Ohio.

Iyan Sandri, Computer Lab Coordinator (one-year position), provides support for the computer labs that are temporarily housed in Duke Hall. Iyan is a recent graduate of the University of Redlands. As a student, he worked four years as a student assistant for the Fletcher Jones Computer Center.

Richard E. Van Lommel, ResNet Manager, provides network assistance solutions to students living on campus. Prior to coming to the University of Redlands, Richard was the Technology Manager for the College of Business at Cal Poly, Pomona.