In addition to its degree programs , the department offers training for students, staff, and members of the community who wish to improve their computer skills. Since its inception, the department has helped introduce local area networking to the campus, developed multimedia information delivery systems, and established the University's web site . Other miscellaneous equipment includes a CD writer, a zip drive, DVD-ROM drives, and a page scanner. The department sponsors an annual programming contest. Begun in the spring of 1989, the contest is open to all University students.
Contestants have four hours to solve a series of problems of graduated difficulty.
The winner is recognized at the annual University awards assembly, and generally receives a software development tool as a prize.