ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
MEMBERS
Dr. Michael Flick, Chair
CSSHE
flick@xavier.edu
Robert Cotter
cotter@xavier.edu
Dr. Steve Herbert
CAS
herbert@xavier.edu
Dr. David Hyland
WCB
hylandd@xavier.edu
Dr. Liz Johnson
CAS
johnsone@xavier.edu
Dr. Tom Kessinger
CSSHE
kessinger@xavier.edu
Dr. Amit Sen
WCB
Sen@xavier.edu
Dr. Kandi Stinson
stinson@xu.edu
Dr. Jonathan Tan
CAS
tan@xavier.edu
Dr. Deborah Tesch
WCB
tesch@xavier.edu
Dr. Shelly Webb
WCB
webbs@xavier.edu
Amy Filiatreau
filiatreaua@xavier.edu
Report to the President
2008-2009 Academic Year
Xavier’s Academic Technology Committee (ATC) continued its efforts to contribute to the
activities of several of the University’s technology-oriented standing committees including
the University Technology Committee (UTC) and the Administrative Information
Technology Committee (AITC), and the many arms of the Division of Information
Resources as they relate to technology matters affecting the academic environment and
instruction. We provided input to these constituents regarding all aspects of our charge.
The faculty have continued to express concerns about electronic storage - especially related to
e-mail. Although the Division of Information Resources maintains that e-mail was not intended for
the submission of larger files (PowerPoint, video, graphics, ...), the reality is that this has become a
standard in both academic communication with students as well as colleagues both on and off
campus. Some progress has been made in this area as e-mail quotas have been increased. Archival
storage limitations are also an issue. The committee continues to believe that limitations for archival
purposes are still too low for some faculty research and teaching purposes. Although some faculty
have resorted to archival storage on their own devices, this can pose difficulties if the devices are
lost/stolen. The loss of sensitive information might even put the University/individaul faculty
members at risk legally.
The committee applauds The Division of Information Resources for its advancement of technology
in the classrooms. Satisfaction with classroom technology support may currently be at an all time
high. Since technology has become so integrated into many instructional arenas, continuing efforts
are encouraged to keep Xavier as current as possible. We note that students demand access to
technology and Xavier has done a remarkable job of staying on top of trends. The new student web
pages are a great example of how the Division of Information Resources responded to a curricular
need. Further, the ATC notes that the Information Resource Center’s one-stop help desk combined
with circulation, reference, AV, check-out, and technical support are functioning well.
Although consultation with the ATC prior to implementation of technology that affects academics
has improved, there is still much that can be done in this important area.
The committee engaged in a lengthy discussion about distance learning and on-line course offerings.
The following resolution was made and forwarded to the various curriculum committees on campus:
We acknowledge that locally, nationally, and internationally there is a need for Xavier University to
consider a move toward more on-line course work. Noting the University’s mission and academic
vision of 2011, it is the responsibility of the faculty to ensure that quality is not sacrificed. Quality is
never negotiable. As with face-to-face instruction, on-line instruction must be of such quality with the
use of advanced technology that students see Xavier as a leader in providing continued excellent
pedagogy.
The Academic Technology Committee takes the position that technology is not a replacement for faceto-face instruction. So, if any new or existing course is offered with 50% or more online component as a
replacement for face-to-face instruction, the course should be reviewed by appropriate college
curriculum committees, as well as by BUGS and BOGS.
The committee feels that significant faculty and administrative involvement in the planning and
implementation of distance education is needed. Jumping into this arena without proper planning,
support, software, and equipment could damage Xavier’s high academic image. Quality must meet or
exceed that which is provided in our classrooms, and controls must be in place prior to any
implementation.
The ATC also reviewed, provided input to, and now supports the new/revised IR Policy and Security
Committee recommendations.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Flick
Committee Chair
TMF:nd
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