The committee discussed how the present LSP program operates. It was noted that although the program currently stipulates that LSPs' job duties must be 50 percent technical support, this was not a requirement when the program was established. The committee talked about the natural progression in professionalization of these positions, and how the recommendations of Mr. Davis' group seemed to represent logical steps in this evolution. Rip Verkerke said that his experience in the Law School argues for such changes. He encouraged the group to think through the CTO's relationship with faculty.
Communication is key in helping to set priorities and to disseminate word about new programs.
Mr. Davis concurred, and added that his group recognized that CTOs would need to have different skills and personalities to be successful in various units within the University. Mr. Alexander briefed the group on the University's classroom technology plan, which was begun several years ago. The renovations scheduled under the plan will be complete in 2001, and the Provost's Office soon will begin accepting proposals from deans for the next round of renovations. Because of the large number of classrooms that are not addressed under the plan, the group suggests that consideration be given to making a certain number of low-budget quick fixes, such as installation of better blinds, use of portable projectors, and the like. Mr. Ribando said that much of his group's work will be driven by information coming from the Faculty Senate's University-wide discussion of technology issues.