Between Blackboard, Google and Microsoft products, the UT community heavily relies on technological services.
To make life easier, the SGA Technology Services Committee will be hosting a Tech Services Fair on the Pedestrian Walkway today between noon and 3 p.m.
The goal of this fair is to give SGA and the Office of Information Technology direct feedback about its effectiveness and services.Some services provided by OIT and SGA include Blackboard, Microsoft Outlook and specialty programs like Matlab geared toward specific classes.
Jonathan Jackson, a senior in computer science and an SGA senator for the College of Engineering, sees the event as a great way for students to connect with the OIT.
“Students will be getting free stuff to give input on making their UT technology lives much more enjoyable,” Jackson said.
This year’s free goodies are from technological providers like Cisco Systems and CDW-G.
Gregory Billings, a senior in computer science and the co-director of the Technology Services Committee, coordinated the event in hopes that students will express their concerns to OIT and give ideas on how to better the services currently offered.
“We’ve used the survey data we’ve had in past years to help push OIT to improve Wi-Fi, include Gmail, etc.,” Billings said. “We hope to gain even more feedback.”
The Technology Services Committee will provide free USB flash drives and shirts for students who participate.
“Students should be interested because we represent their voice,” Billings said. “The information they give us doesn’t fall on deaf ears.”
Surveys have helped engage OIT in catering to student needs. Starting next year, incoming freshmen will have the option of choosing Gmail or Microsoft Outlook as an email provider.
“OIT is constantly searching for what students want to do next,” Billings said. “We represent them and work hard to push what they want.”
SGA and OIT are hoping to gain perspective from students and faculty on technology services, lending eager ears to the population they represent and serve.
“Without students’ support, we can’t gauge what students want and need on campus,” Jackson said. “I want to see students expressing their opinions and helping SGA create a better university for everyone.”
