January 2011 administrative updates

Baylor College of Dentistry renovates ICL

OIT Innovations

Renovations are complete for the Instructional Computer Lab (ICL) at the TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry.

This fall, changes were made to the size and layout of workstations to maximize space for students utilizing the lab. New carpeting, cubicles, chairs, ceilings and lighting were installed for aesthetics and functionality, and these adjustments allowed TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry to bring in an additional printer and two more work stations for student use while still complying with the building code. A cabinet was installed in the lab for paper storage and use as a printer stand.

“The changes have been well received by students, as well as faculty and staff,” says Regina Courtney, director of administrative computing at TAMHSC-Baylor College of Dentistry. “Student representatives were instrumental in the success of the renovation.”

Renovation was necessary due to the crowded workspace within the lab. Project planning included the director meeting with the student technology representatives who made valuable suggestions about the space. The representatives also helped design the layout and choose lab materials. The student council reviewed the project plans and voted unanimously to use student technology fees for the renovation.

“I just wanted to let you know that the new computer lab looks great,” says a D4 student. “I have heard nothing but good things from the other seniors about the new lab. Thanks for all your hard work!”

Office of Information Technology delivers secure RemoteHelp

OIT Support Services

The TAMHSC-Office of Information Technology (OIT) is pleased to offer faculty, staff and students a quick and secure means of remote technical assistance. The office recently purchased and installed a BOMGAR™ RemoteHelp appliance that enhances support to all components of the health science center to meet needs more efficiently and effectively.

Using RemoteHelp, Help Desk personnel and TAMHSC-OIT technicians can meet you in a remote-controlled session on any Windows or Apple computer with your permission. Technicians from across TAMHSC are available to assist any user in any location with an Internet connection.

The BOMGAR™ appliance has met strict guidelines set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for both hardware and software to provide optimum security. It is the only remote support provider to receive the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 Level 2 certification for the government sector. This ensures that your research, student, clinic or personal data are secure and protected during your remote session.

TAMHSC RemoteHelp is now only a click away and can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the Help Desk at (800) 799-7472 to request remote assistance or access the service through https://oitremote.tamhsc.edu/

CMS training revamped

OIT Web Services Group

 

Content management system (CMS) training recently was modified by the TAMHSC-Office of Information Technology (OIT) Web Services Group to include hands-on, interactive exercises.

Initial training sessions took place over a four-day period and included 36 participants from central administration, College of Medicine, College of Nursing and School of Rural Public Health. Most recently, TAMHSC-OIT staff conducted training with 11 CMS users at the Alkek Building in Houston. Training consisted of three-hour sessions in which the trainees developed mini-sites during a series of exercises, and these sessions will resume in February.

In the post-training survey, participants indicated what they liked about the training:

• The instructor and helpers were awesome!
• To the point! Loved that…not a lot of extra info.
• Opportunities to ask questions throughout the session.
• The ability to continue training and practice following the session.
• Staff members very cooperative. Great help!!!

Other comments:

• Improvements in class were super.
• One of the better trainings I have attended.
• Training is really simplified.
• Great course!
• Overall, I am very impressed with the CMS training class.

In addition, the Web Services Group has prepared a new CMS training site as a TAMHSC user resource. The new site provides users with quick reference sheets, tutorials, frequently asked questions and a thorough user guide for Cascade Server 6.7. The new site also features a tab for easy registration for available scheduled training sessions. If a session is not listed, we will work to accommodate your request.

Contact the Help Desk at (800) 799-7HSC or helpdesk@tamhsc.edu for assistance in signing up for a training session.

For TAMHSC-Office of Information Technology news, tips and tutorials, visit http://it.tamhsc.edu