Proposal

Narrative

We request an upgrade of computers and associated technologies for our advising offices in Science and Pre-Health, in the College of Science. Since the pandemic the university has done an exemplary job of being able to assist students with their advising and academic support needs in a virtual environment. During this time our students adapted quickly and very well to virtual advising, preferring this modality over others to connect with their advisors. We saw an increase in appointments and a significant decrease in no show/missed appointments. The virtual advising environment has in fact allowed our offices to reach more students than we ever before, and this has led to a significant increase in students graduating over the last 2 years. The College of Science saw our largest spring graduation class in 2022, and we believe these numbers are a product of the way that we and the university has been able to adapt our teaching and advising to a virtual environment. Below is a list of the benefits the students will be receiving: 1.) Better quality of virtual advising for students. 2.) Increased accessibility of more advising appointments. 3.) Convenience for students to participate in advising appointments from anywhere. 4.) Increased communication for students with advisors that will allow them to stay on track to graduate. 5.) Increased follow up on student records to notify students of academic deficiencies. Over the years, our office has been unable to upgrade computers for the advising office and it is starting to become clear that our technology is struggling to keep up with our need to deliver a consistent quality of academic services and support for our students. Additionally, we are experiencing significant technology issues with cameras, slow processing of software and hard drive breakdowns. These issues are greatly impacting the high quality of advising and support services that we aspire to for our students.

Facilities

College of Science Advising suite Boca all offices Davie campus College of Science advising office ES 290, 292, 286

Hardware Requirements

In order to continue to facilitate students in the virtual environment our advisors and staff need computer upgrades in order to keep with technology standards. The following is a list of upgrades that would be required: 1.) 18 desktop computers 2.) 6 laptops/ bags 3.) 18 monitors 4.) Misc. computer parts for sustainability

Software Requirements

The following software is also necessary: 1.) Adobe professional

Personnel Costs

None.

Other Costs

N/A

Timeline

Once we receive the approval we will being to work with our IT department to start purchasing all the computers, monitors and accessories. Projected time would be late spring of 2023 or summer and finish installation of all computers by spring 2024.

Sustainability

We predict that the requested desktop computers, laptops, monitors and accessories will be utilized for at least 5 years before they will need to be progressively upgraded and replaced due to hardware and software needs. Also, included in the purchase is 3 years of Service Support from Dell. We will work closely with the college of science IT manager to keep up with the needs of the requested items.

Resource Matching

N/A

Implementing Organization

We will be working in conjunction with OIT and College of Science IT department, to purchase and install equipment.