Technology Committee FAQs
General Technology Definitions
- ITS = Information Technology Services (ITS) is SMCCCD's department for technology-based services for faculty and staff.
- Laptop = a computer that is portable and suitable for use while traveling.
- Desktop = a computer that fits on or under a desk. They usually consist mainly of a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Unlike a laptop, which is portable, a desktop computer is meant to stay at one location.
- Tablet = a small portable computer that accepts input directly onto its screen rather than via a keyboard or mouse.
- Mac = or Macintosh, computers that are built by Apple and run the Mac Operating System.
- PC = short for personal computer. The first personal computer produced by IBM was called the PC, and increasingly the term PC came to mean personal computers running the Windows Operation System.
General Technology Questions
- What technology does ITS support?
- What technology does ITS not support?
- How do I request help from ITS?
- What kinds of requests are appropriate for an ITS work order?
- How do I request new technology, especially for new hires?
- Do I need to put technology requests in my Program Review resource requests?
- How do I request replacement technology?
- Why does ITS not support out-of-date technology?
- Who is responsible for the maintenance of ITS-supported technology (i.e., software updates, data backups, cleaning, etc.)?
Technology Standard Policy Questions
- What is the Technology Standard Policy?
- Who put this policy together and why does the college need it?
- Do Skyline and CSM have policies like this one?
- What if I need to request something above and beyond the standard listed in the policy (either due to the work I do, my personal preference, or any other reasons)?
- Are printers included in this policy?
- Is there a standard for desktop computers as well? This policy only mentions a laptop, but many Classified Staff can only have a desktop computer.
- This policy seems to directly impact Mac users. How many people actually use Macs on campus and how much do these Macs impact the budget?
General Technology Questions
Q: What technology does ITS support?
A: ITS supports District-provided laptop and desktop computers, classroom projectors, printers/scanners, on-campus computer labs, DVD/Blu-Ray/VHS Classroom players, campus landline phones, campus wifi network, document cameras, District-purchased software installations.
Q: What technology does ITS not support?
A: ITS does not support cameras, iPads, tablets, fax machines, mobile wifi devices, items purchased with grants/categorical funding, calculators, items for students to borrow or keep, personal technology, e-readers (Kindle), Smart Pens (?), out-of-date technology, personal and work cell phones, Chromebooks, software instruction or adoption.
Q: How do I request help from ITS?
A: Always fill out an ITS Service Request Form, or ITS Work Order in order to get assistance from ITS.
Q: What kinds of requests are appropriate for an ITS work order?
A: Some of the situations appropriate for an ITS Work Order include, but are not limited to, viruses, landline phone issues, wifi performance issues, requesting a student (@my.smccd.edu) email address.
Q: How do I request new technology, especially for new hires?
A: New hire technology needs should first be confirmed with your Dean, or supervisor, and then a quote should be requested from ITS in a work order.
Q: Do I need to put technology requests in my Program Review resource requests?
A: Your technology requests should be supported by your program review narrative. Its recommended to include as much evidence and explanation as possible in your program review regarding the requests you are submitting.
Q: How do I request replacement technology?
A: You can request replacement technology in an ITS work order, but replacements are subject to ITS requirements.
Q: Why does ITS not support out-of-date technology?
A: As companies release updates to their operating systems, they stop updating and supporting older versions. This leaves computers running old versions of an operating system more vulnerable to viruses, which in turn leaves the SMCCD network vulnerable as well.
A: You are responsible for the maintenance of the technology the District provides. This includes backing up your data, routine software update, cleaning, etc.
Technology Standard Policy Questions
Q: What is the Technology Standard Policy?
A: This policy was introduced at the April 27th Technology Committee meeting. Please review the policy on the Technology Committee Meetings website.
Q: Who put this policy together and why does the college need it?
A: Cañada's Budget Office recommended this policy in order to prepare for the possibility of reduction in technology funds across the District.
Q: Do Skyline and CSM have policies like this one?
A: CSM's Technology Standard Policy was the reference for Cañada's policy. Skyline does not have a similar policy.
A: Discuss your needs with your division dean. Your dean will take into account the available budget and the ITS-supported technology to make a final decision.
Q: Are printers included in this policy?
A: No, this policy does not apply to printers. However, ITS and Cañada's Budget Office are looking to lessen the number of printers on campus.
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