The following resolution was presented for approval relating to the Summary of Expenditures for the Board of Regents Office, the Office of the President, and Eastcliff Maintenance. The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the resolution. President Yudof introduced the item relating to initiatives and outcomes, particularly in the area of Digital Science, Design, Multimedia and Communications, that will result from, or are allowed or expanded by, the proposed Supplemental State Request and Capital Request. It was noted that this is one in a series of presentations intended to provide the Board with concrete examples of the outcomes the institution and the State will derive if the proposed requests are funded. Dean H. Ted Davis, Institute of Technology, provided information relating to the area of digital science.
Digital technology pervades every aspect of modern life.
From home entertainment systems, internet commerce, and cellular phones to the high speed computers and powerful software used to design machinery, vehicles, buildings, and clothing, digital technology has revolutionized industry, entertainment, education and commerce. The University of Minnesota Digital Technology Center being planned will bring together and focus the considerable strengths of several colleges in scientific computation and visualization, animation, medical graphics and display, design and manufacturing, molecular biology simulations, electronic commerce, multimedia, and digital publishing. The use of digital technology in the delivery of education to anyone, anywhere at any time will be an area of activity of the Center. The research, educational and outreach programs of the Center will improve the quality of education and research at the University, enhance the national reputation of the University, and help the state reclaim its leadership in industries built on digital technology. And good design has real economic value, making people more productive, companies more competitive, and places more appealing.