Creating and upgrading of computers in public sites like libraries, and in labs. Stationing in the dorms some students with advanced technology knowledge. A practice CD sent to new students the summer before classes start, and software distributed to them at the beginning of the semester. Successful negotiations with Dell and IBM to distribute 300 computers coming off lease to new UB students who can't afford their own. Chief information officer Voldemar Innus says by 2001 there's anticipation that students will be able to review and pay bills via computer and a unified course management system will be in use that will make it easy for teachers to post assignments, reading material and other information, students to hold class discussions, take exams and review grades.
Wireless connectivity is another goal.
It's the next big thing in campus computer access, allowing people using laptops and other wireless equipment to plug into the university's computer network without plugging into the wall, Innus says. The university of 7,700 students just finished installing wireless connections in most of its buildings and is considering making outdoor areas wireless as well, Bartel says. The magazine praised the initiative, calling it the future of academics. It's something that's not lost on UB President William Greiner. He says UB has developed a reputation for aggressively addressing technology trends, from 30 years ago when word processing was introduced to university staff to the development of today's Center of Computational Research, site of UB's high-performance supercomputer.