Dec. 2011 Administrative Updates

TAMHSC wireless upgrade in progress

Wireless systems within the Texas A&M Health Science Center are being upgraded by the Office of Information Technology to enable greater performance and more range than with previous systems.

Most wireless access points within our institution have been upgraded to 802.11n with Cisco CleanAir technology. This creates a self-healing, self-optimizing wireless network that mitigates the impact of wireless interference.

These access points incorporate technology called multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), a signal processing and smart antenna technique for transmitting multiple data streams through multiple antennas. According to Cisco, 802.11n wireless combines the mobility of wireless with the performance of wired networks, offering up to nine times the performance of 802.11a/g networks.

Besides the upgrades, additional access points are being added to support the growing demand of wireless usage due to cell phones, tablets and notebooks. Support equipment also is being upgraded, and guest wireless access is being simplified. The changes will lead to a faster, more reliable wireless network for TAMHSC users and guests.

Wireless improvements always will be ongoing; however, this particular TAMHSC wireless upgrade should be complete during spring 2012.

IT Support Services is available at 800-799-7HSC (7472) or by email at it-support@tamhsc.edu

OIT tools and resources available online

The Texas A&M Health Science Center Office of Information Technology offers many tools and resources online at it.tamhsc.edu.

The recently revised homepage now can be accessed on most TAMHSC webpages by clicking the orange “IT” on the upper right-hand corner of the top navigation bar. The site offers access to local IT support services, tutorials, online work orders and tools such as password-reset.

Helpful links connect users to new offerings such as Google Apps for Education and IT News and Notifications, where you can find scheduled maintenance, known issues and potential threats as well as noteworthy IT developments within our institution.

Check it out today, and see what your IT can do for you!

Dean Blakely serving on DSHS committee

Craig Blakely, Ph.D., M.P.H., dean of the School of Rural Public Health, has been selected to serve as a member of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Public Health Funding and Policy Committee established by Senate Bill 969 in the 82nd Texas Legislative Session.

“I look forward to meeting with you and having the benefit of your expertise and experience in advising me and the department on public health funding and policy issues in Texas,” states David Lakey, M.D., DSHS commissioner.

The committee will make recommendations on various issues relating to local health entities (local health units, local health departments and public health districts). The recommendations will relate to funding and communications between the entities and DSHS, as well as more general public health policy issues facing the state.

“It is critical that our state agencies have access to advice and input from top experts. For DSHS, Dr. Blakely brings to the table extensive expertise informed by robust partnerships with colleagues from across the state at all levels of public health,” said Jenny E. Jones, M.A., TAMHSC vice president for governmental affairs. “DSHS asked the Legislature to form the Public Health Funding and Policy Committee to guarantee them access to a group that can help the agency chart the best course to meet public health needs that are growing at a time when funding is declining and our health care system is in flux.”

Offices assist Brazos Valley Food Bank

Since June, employees and their families from the Office of Finance and Administration and Department of Facilities, Utilities, Safety and Security have volunteered at the Brazos Valley Food Bank.

Volunteers assist each month and have helped package more than 1,000 family food boxes and backpacks. Their participation has been a great team-building project while also demonstrating TAMHSC’s commitment to serve the community.