Students remarked that at peak hours, the Biomedical Center computer cluster is very busy and it would be useful to have more computers. Students also pointed out that it would be very useful to have computers in the small group rooms in the basement so that Internet resources could be accessed during small group discussions. The medical school reviews technological needs on an ongoing basis and is working to improve both hardware and facilities as well as technical support. Staff checks the cluster daily, restores software on all machines regularly, and makes sure any broken equipment is sent to repair immediately. The computing office provides staff consulting and its number is posted.
Equipment is replaced a minimum of every three years and often more frequently.
The replacement schedule is more generous than the one kept for faculty and staff equipment. Installation and maintenance of computers in the small group rooms is complex, because of the many uses to which those rooms are put. The computing office is examining the issue and will make a recommendation. In response to the concern expressed in the report, a committee of faculty, students and staff will be formed to deal with computer related issues. It is expected to begin its deliberations by mid-April.