Supporting Ubiquitous Computing
at Seton Hall University
An Overview of Seton Hall University’s
Teaching, Learning, and Technology Initiatives
Dr. Stephen G Landry, Chief Information Officer
Presented at EDUCAUSE 99
October 27, 1999
Seton Hall University
Who Are We?
• We Are A Mid Sized, Private, Catholic
Affiliated University in Central New Jersey
• Carnegie Classification: Doctoral II
• 15 miles from New York City
• Two Campuses
– Main Campus in South Orange, NJ
– Law School in Newark, NJ
– Graduate Medical Education Program in Local Hospitals
• 10,000 Students
– 4,400 FT Undergraduates (50% Residential)
• 350 FT Faculty (450 FTE Faculty)
• Annual Operating Budget Approx. $140 million
– G&E for South Orange Campus Approx. $100 million
Pace Of Change at
Seton Hall University
• Before 1995:
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Inadequate Computer Labs
Inadequate Local Networks/E-mail
Lack of Integration of Technology in Teaching
Disorganized Support/Allocation of Resources
• Now:
– Seton Hall University is doing IT “right”
• 1999 EDUCAUSE Award for Campus Networking Excellence
• #16 in Yahoo! Internet Life Survey of “Most Wired” Colleges
• Growing National Reputation of our Mobile Computing Initiative and
other Teaching, Learning, and Technology Initiatives
• Alliance with IBM Corporation / AAHE TLT Group
• Site Visits by National/International Universities
• Presentations at National Conferences/Workshop
Seton Hall University
How did this happen?
• Development of IT Plan in 1995
– Cross Functional Team
• Included Faculty and Administrators
• Given Half-Time Release to Work on IT Plan
• Intensive Immersion in IT Issues, Trends, Directions
– Executive Sponsorship/Commitment to Implement
• Chief Academic Officer/Chief Financial Officer
– Involvement of User Community
• Focus Groups/Surveys
• Involvement of Faculty and Administrator Constituency Groups
(e.g., Academic Computing Advisory Committee, Administrative
Computing User Groups, etc.)
– Technology Planning Consultant from IBM Education
Developing the IT Plan
• Critical Success Factors:
– Executive sponsorship from President, Provost, and
Chief Financial Officer
– Cross-functional planning team which obtained wide
input from University community
– Utilized technology planning facilitator from IBM
– Commitment from Board of Regents for Long-Range
IT Plan and Long-Range IT Budget
• Changed the way technology was planned and funded
• Campus shifted from viewing technology as a capital (one time)
expenditure to an ongoing operating budget
• Allowed University to lease rather than purchase technology
Seton Hall University’s
Strategic Technology Plan
• Our Technology Strategy:
– Seton Hall University will develop and implement a
• learner-centered,
• network-centered,
• distributed (mobile) learning environment
– The core of our distributed learning environment will be a robust
set of digital information resources (a.k.a. The “digital library”)
in support of teaching, learning, scholarship, and institutional
transformation
SHU’s Strategic IT Plan (cont.)
• Implications of the IT Plan:
Focus on student experience
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Ubiquitous Access to Technology
University-wide Hardware and Software Standards
University-wide Network
Central IT Support Services
Greater Curricular Integration of Technology
More Efficient Business Processes / Greater Access to
Institutional Information and Services
– Bringing Together Academic and Administrative
Computing
Implementing the Strategy
• In order to implement the strategy, the
University undertook a number of teaching,
learning, and technology initiatives:
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Mobile (Ubiquitous) Computing Program
SetonWorldWide (Virtual Programs)
Reengineering Enrollment Services
Reorganization of Computing Services
• Created New User Services Organization, Including a
Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center
– Major Technology Infrastructure Upgrade
What is Mobile Computing?
• Innovative academic program involving
three components:
• Access: The University licenses student use of a
laptop computer as part of tuition and fees
• Curricular Integration: The University encourages
and supports faculty use of technology in teaching
and learning
• Network and Support Services: The University
provides the infrastructure that enables effective use
of technology in teaching and learning.
What is Mobile Computing? (cont.)
• Current Model: IBM Thinkpad 390E
• Current Fee: $650 per semester mobile computing fee
– 2 Year Technology Refresh
– Bundled software includes: Windows 98; MS Office
97; Netscape; SPSS; Maple V; various utilities
– Bundled services includes:
• Technology Help Desk, Technical Services
• Network Services: Lotus Notes and the Web (e-mail, work
flow, course development and delivery)
• Support (both monetary and technical) for Faculty / Curricular
Development
Why Mobile Computing?
• “Seton Hall University’s Mobile Computing
Program is designed to break down the
barriers of space and time and allow all our
students to fully participate in our scholarly
community and achieve high levels of
performance.”
• Mobile Computing Mission Statement
Phase-In of Mobile Computing
• Fall 1995
– Pilot Project involving Business Honors
• 20 Business Honors Students
• 12 Faculty from Business, A&S
• Fall 1997
– Pilot Project Mandatory for All Business and Biology Majors
• 300 Students / 100 Faculty
• Fall 1998
– Program Mandatory for All Incoming Freshman
• Spring 1999
– First Technology Refresh for 1997 Pilot Students
Mobile Computing Issues
• Successes of Mobile Computing
– Supporting the Program: Institutional Support / Technical Support /
Network Infrastructure /Faculty and Curricular Support
– Faculty Engagement in the Program
– Assessment of University’s Teaching, Learning, and Technology Efforts
• Challenges of Mobile Computing:
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Finances / Keeping the Program Affordable
Asset Management
Dealing with Part Time Faculty and Students
Level Setting Expectations
Improving student tech proficiency
Mobile Computing Support (Cont.)
• Seton Hall University’s Teaching, Learning,
and Technology Initiatives:
– Curriculum Development Initiative (CDI)
• Funds DEPARTMENTS who undertake technology based
redesign of undergraduate core course sequence OR required
graduate course sequence
• Funded at $250K per year
• Combination of both department initiated and targeted awards
Mobile Computing Support (Cont.)
• SHU’s Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Initiatives (cont.):
– University Teaching Fellows (UTF):
• Provides stipends / release time for tenure-track faculty
studying issues surrounding integrating technology into
teaching and learning / working on their own TLT projects
– Technology Fellows / Peer Consultants
• Provides stipends / release time for faculty to work on
individual projects and/or serve as technology consultants to
their peers
Mobile Computing Support (Cont.)
• SHU’s Teaching, Learning, and Technology
Initiatives (cont.):
– Student Technology Assistant Program (STA)
• Recruits and trains students to serve as instructional
technology consultants to the faculty
• Based on AAHE STA Program
• Funded at $100K per year (in additional to other budgets for
student workers)
Faculty/Curriculum Projects
• Focus:
– Using STANDARD instructional software tools to
enhance/improve teaching and learning
• English Department:
– Using Lotus Notes in conjunction with MS Office to
support collaborative writing and peer review
– Developed interactive, online syllabi for writing
courses
Faculty/Curriculum Projects (Cont.)
• Math/Natural Science Consortium
– Integrating use of Maple V into Calculus and Natural
Science Curriculum
• Math/Social Science Consortium
– Integrating use of SPSS into Intro. Statistics and
Research Methods Curriculum
Faculty/Curriculum Projects (Cont.)
• Biology Department
– Developing Interactive, Online Syllabi using MS
FrontPage / Lotus Notes
– Incorporating online textbooks, microscopic images,
video clips, sound clips, etc.
• Art and Music
– Developing Interactive, Online Syllabi using Lotus
Notes / Lotus LearningSpace
– Incorporating digital images from the department’s
extensive image collection
Cultural Changes at
Seton Hall University
• One of the most significant consequences of the
implementing Seton Hall’s technology plan has been
the cultural change at the University.
• Information Technology is a lever for change
– Enables new methods of teaching and learning
– Entices faculty to explore their own teaching and learning
– Leads faculty to ask fundamental questions about teaching
and learning and rethink teaching and learning
Cultural Changes (Cont.)
• “Until a few years ago teaching was
considered a private matter; there was very
little discussion of teaching with colleagues.
Now there is an active dialogue in the
department about teaching and learning
and how technology helps (and sometimes
hinders) good teaching.”
• Faculty Member, Department of English
Cultural Changes (Cont.)
• Guidelines for evaluating the effective use of
information technology in tenure and promotion
incorporated into University’s Faculty Guide.
• Under Provost Mark Rocha’s leadership, the faculty are
undertaking a comprehensive re-evaluation of the
undergraduate core curriculum.
• Faculty Senate disseminates reports and conducts
meetings using information technology.
Mobile Computing Support (Cont.)
• Technology Infrastructure Improvements:
– Wiring the Campus
• Implemented ATM Backbone
• Wired residence halls, classrooms, public spaces
– Upgrading Central Network Servers
• Implemented Lotus Notes for E-mail
– Web Enabling Student Services
• Upgrading Administrative Systems
– Implemented Improved Support Services
• Teaching Learning and Technology Center
• Help Desk/PC Support Services/Computer Training Center
• Expanded Professional Support Team
Campus Network
• The campus technology infrastructure is critical to
the success of our teaching and learning efforts
• campus network infrastructure (connectivity)
• enterprise-wide servers (content)
• support services (development and support)
• Seton Hall University is in final stages of
implementing a high performance network in
support of our teaching, learning, and technology
initiatives
Campus Network (cont.)
• Components of this new campus technology
infrastructure include:
– Networks:
• ATM Backbone
• Switched 10MB Ethernet Within Most Academic Buildings
– Servers
• IBM RS/6000 SP2 and S/390 Server Complex
• Lotus Domino as Base Messaging System
– Support Services
• Professionally staffed Help Desk / TLT Center
• Dramatically Increased Professional Support Staff
Campus Backbone Upgrade
Summer 1997
• Upgrade Purpose
– To implement 5-Year Technology Plan and Support
Mobile Computing
– To Establish Stable, Scaleable, Manageable Network
Infrastructure for the Campus
– Bandwidth required
• Residence Hall Wiring Project: All Residence Halls Wired
(2,500+ connections)
• Online Classrooms: 3000+ ports; 30+ “mobile” classrooms
• Wiring of Public Spaces (University Library; Campus Lounge;
University Green, etc.)
Campus Backbone Upgrade
Summer 1997
• University began implementation of ATM
Backbone / Switched Ethernet Environment
– Why ATM?
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Scalability ( T1 - OC96 4 Gig )
Manageability
QOS Guarantees
Truly Multimedia
ATM Forum - Vendor Supported product
Internet 2 / New Jersey Education Network Are
Coming!
Server Consolidation
Summer 1998
• Over 40 aging Novell servers / IBM 4381
mainframe were unreliable / difficult to manage
• Reduced Number of Servers from Over Forty To
Four Primary Servers:
– IBM RS6000 SP2
• Lotus Domino for Campus E-mail
– IBM S/390 Enterprise Server
– Two Netfinity Novell / LANRES Servers
• File, Print, Application Services
• NDS for Improved Manageability
– Shared Tape Backup and DASD
SHU Server Consolidation / Major System Upgrade
Architecture and Functionality of the IBM Solution
Summer 1998
IBM S/390 Enterprise Server
Administrative Systems
SCT’s IA-Plus (Administrative Databases)
SCT’s IA-Plus Web Server (Web-based Enrollment Services, etc.)
Network Login Security
Campus File, Print, and Application Services
Novell / IBM LANRES
S/390
Data Warehousing/Data Mining (DB2, Focus)
IBM RS/6000 SP/2 Scalable Parallel Server
Lotus Notes (Campus E-mail, Scheduling, Workflow)
Lotus LearningSpace (Online Course Delivery)
SP/2
Apache Web Server (Campus Web Server)
Control Workstation
Funding the Initiatives
• The Seton Hall IT Long-Range Plan Represents a
Major Investment on the Part of the University
– Total IT Expenditures (including laptop computers for
students and faculty, but excluding library services) is
now 11% of campus General and Education Budget for
the South Orange Campus
– Projected to Reach 13% by next year when we refresh
current Sophomore laptop computers
Funding the Initiatives (cont.)
• Tuition / Fee Increase
– Tuition Increases of 6% Past Three Years
• 2% per year in FY 96 - 98 attributable to IT expenditures
– Student Technology Fees
• Mobile Computing Fee: $650/Semester
• Full-Time Student Technology Fee: $200/Semester
• Part-Time Student Technology Fee: $100/Semester
• On-Time Infusion of Capital
– $5 million from University’s Quasi-Endowment
Funding the Initiatives (cont.)
• Cost Reductions in Other Areas
– Cost Savings / Cost Containment in Other
Administrative Areas from Reengineering
• Lease Technology Rather Than Purchase It
– Technology is an operating rather than capital expense
– Technology must be refreshed regularly
• Partnership With IBM
Seton Hall University
Centers of Excellence
• Institute for Technology Assessment and Support
– Clearinghouse for Assessment Data
– Assessment Design and Analysis
– Support and Training Services
• AAHE TLT Group Leadership Center
– Student Technology Assistant Program
– TLT Roundtable Program
– Flashlight Project; Epiphany; etc.
Lessons Learned
• Create a Campus-Wide Technology Plan
– Focus on the Student Experience
– Support Teaching, Learning, Administration of the Institution
– Deal With Implications of Central IT Planning, Funding, and Support
• Executive Sponsorship is Critical
– “Iron Triangle” of President, CAO, CFO
• Faculty Engagement is Equally Critical
– Provide Multiple Ways to Engage Faculty
– Combine “Top Down” With “Bottom Up” Strategies
– Establish AAHE Teaching, Learning, Technology Roundtable
Lessons Learned (cont.)
• Phase In Implementation Over Time
– Establish Pilot Projects
– Implement Quality Project Management
– Building Teams/Organizations Takes Time
• Establish Long-Range Budget and Funding Plan
– Combination of Tuition/Fee Increase, Reallocation, External Investment
– Explore Leasing/Financing/Outsourcing Options
• Seek Partnerships and Alliances
– E.g., SHU/IBM Alliance, AT&T Partnership, Partnership with
AAHE TLT Group
For More Information ...
• Visit Our Web Site at:
www.shu.edu
• Send E-mail To:
landryst@shu.edu
Seton Hall University EDUCAUSE 99 Team
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Msgr. Robert Sheeran, President
Mark Rocha, Provost
Dennis Garbini, Vice President for Technology
Jack Shannon, Vice President for University Affairs
Peter Ahr, Chair of Faculty Senate
Laurie Pine, University Affairs / Office of Public Relations
Regina Kleinman, Special Projects Coordinator
Stephen Landry, Chief Information Officer
– University Computing Services
• Bernd Walter, Director, Computing Services and Telecommunications
• Nancy Mustachio, Manager, Administrative Computing
• James Bauchkey, Manager, Systems and Network Support
• Lynne Rogerson, Manager, Technology Project / Budget Office
• Joseph Divito, Senior Network Engineer
• Marie Somers, Internet Project Leader
– Technology User Services and Support
• Phil Long, Exec. Director, Teaching, Learning, and Technology Center
• Ribar, Director, Center for Academic Technology
• Heather Stewart, Director, Insitute for Technology Development
• John Fernandes, Manager, PC Support Services
• Trent Batson, Faculty Consultant, Center for Academic Technology