Pack added that it is likely that within a three-year timeframe different solutions will be available to meet the need for remote access. Although the Graduate and Professional Students Association did not fully endorse the private ISP proposal, the plan was viewed more favorably by undergraduate students, many of whom will be assured reliable Internet service both in Pittsburgh and out of town via toll-free 800 number access at times when they may be at home. Sereika gave a brief report on the SCUC s review of the plan. Sufficient funding must be made available to the individual units to maintain at least the current levels of computing hardware and software support and the faculty desktop program. Consulting support needs to be available to units who request it for effective planning for their computing needs.
Remote access is major concern.
The SCUC supports the proposed ISP service to supplement the modem pool. However, the size of the current modem pool should not be decreased. Many faculty, staff, and students who are low-volume users cannot afford or should not have to pay for monthly service that they do not need. Such connections are required for teaching, access to CourseInfo, and e-mail between students and faculty. Higher-volume users should have the option of paying an outside ISP to be assured of highly reliable connectivity.