Data from the institutional FRS database is extracted each evening and is used to create a Sybase relational database. The HRS database extract project is well under way and should be in production by early Spring 1996. The SIS database extract will be the next project to be undertaken. Preliminary work has begun by identifying the data elements to be extracted from SIS to the Sybase environment for degree audit, ad hoc reporting, and student record information. When all systems are in production, data will be extracted from these mainframe databases and placed in relational databases on servers for access by authorized users via the network.
Many labs also provide specialized software to support the colleges in their educational missions.
Computer language compilers, database systems, and other computer science software are provided on a centralized student access computer as well as in the workstation laboratories. Increase support for instructional computing through the public access student computing laboratories and technology-equipped classrooms. The number of public access computing stations on the campus has been increased to 1,000. Information Systems will establish at least two new technology-equipped classrooms in each of the next two years, and will consider the need to expand the number of student computing stations beyond the current 1,000 and to ensure that appropriate software and courseware be available in the student laboratories. Currently, the Integrated Learning Technologies group in the Library, in cooperation with the office of Distance Learning in University Extension, is supporting expansion of the interactive video network that enables distance learning across the Commonwealth.