Proposal

Narrative

This proposal is to use newly acquired funds for Wi-Fi, Cat-6 Internet, network drops, and power outlets in HE-1008i, FTL campus. This room, recently renovated for relocation of SCMS’ BA in Film, Video & New Media and MFA in Media, Technology & Entertainment, did not take into consideration the electrical and network accessibility until after structural renovations were complete. This has forced SCMS to put forth a Minor Projects Request to FAU’s Design & Construction Services as original funds for the relocation and construction from Davie to Fort Lauderdale for SCMS went over budget. Additionally, when SCMS’ MPR was approved, there was some carry-over funds available from the College and School. However, as SCMS waited and the quotes rose for the network and power renovations to HE-1008i, the carry-over funds were relinquished. Now, HE-1008i, although structurally ready, sits without accessible power and network drops, restricting students and faculty the full use of the room and the resources needed in it, which include: PCs and monitors, printers, scanners, instructor’s PC, monitor and lectern, video projector, smart TV, sound bar, media players, etc. By allowing SCMS to add or relocate power outlets and network drops within the space, HE-1008i would be up-to-speed as a functional, professional digital media environment, giving graduate students in SCMS the support and confidence needed when engaging in research and creative work. Further, it will eliminate any safety concerns for cables running along the floor. Essentially, having HE-1008i act as a fully functional and updated multimedia graduate research studio/lab will give students the opportunity to learn from faculty engaged in the design, media, and entertainment industries, effectively developing and designing professional portfolios for internships and careers in creative fields like film, video, photography, TV, radio, gaming, animation, VFX, etc., fulfilling FAU and SUS placement goals.

Facilities

HE-1008i is a small graduate student research space at the Fort Lauderdale campus that comfortably seats 8-10+ people, or 16-20+ per year. The room is in dire need of network drops and power supply. To effectively use the room, at minimum 9-15 network ports would be needed. Of the network ports available now, only 3 of 6 are active. Of the power supply that’s available now, all do indeed work, however, at least half need to be relocated to benefit the layout of the room, in particular, the instructor’s lectern and the wall that we will eventually install a smart UHD4K+ TV/monitor. The goal is to have enough for 8-10 PCs, 2 printers, 1 scanner, 4 laptops, etc. SCMS needs this MPR to make the room ideal for digital workspaces for students working on multiple digital media and design projects and platforms. Further, space in Fort Lauderdale is extremely restrictive and therefore the use of the room is shared with Graphic Design whom SCMS brokered an MOU with in the summer of 2021 that's been extended through summer 2023. Ergo, the implementation of these assets into HE-1008i for SCMS also becomes beneficial for other academic units across the university, and especially at Fort Lauderdale’s campus. Furthermore, the Broward campuses, in particular with the Fort Lauderdale campus, if it’s to become a hub for the College’s digital media art and design programs, should therefore be showcased and given the opportunity to improve its technology and spaces, remedying persistent problems such as this. Without opportunities and provisions to expand and upgrade using Tech Fees, the Multimedia Film, Video and New Media courses offered in our BA and MFA become desolate.

Hardware Requirements

AC power relocation and additions, as well as Wi-Fi/Network drop relocations and additions, cabling, etc., to HE-1008i at FAU’s Fort Lauderdale campus.

Software Requirements

No software is needed for this request. However, we do currently use standard preinstalled software that accompanies new computers. The current desktop image built by OIT also provides software access to word processing, design and production software for Windows and Apple computers distributed between SCMS instructional labs in Fort Lauderdale. Depending on the platform, most software packages include Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.); Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Compressor and Motion; Autodesk’s Maya and MotionBuilder. Our software subscriptions are often addressed through other complimentary Tech Fee proposals, other sources of the SCMS funding, or open-sourced, such as Unity’s 3D game engine, Audacity, or Pure Data. When new software is acquired, we ask OIT to assist with installation and deployment.

Personnel Costs

There is none currently. Often, faculty from SCMS, graduate teaching assistants, and production staff manage production labs and equipment resources. OIT will assist with the installation of computers and software.

Other Costs

There is none currently.

Timeline

Labor, Renovations, Installations – Summer 2023

Sustainability

The continued maintenance of the Wi-Fi, networks, and electrical will be from trained faculty, graduate assistants, and FAU OIT support staff. Hardware and all equipment warranties will be extended when applicable. Through regular use and anticipated general maintenance, the installation from the contractors should last for as long as SCMS and others utilize the space. Hardware and all equipment warranties will be extended when applicable.

Resource Matching

There is none at this time. However, the School of Communication & Multimedia Studies is committed to actively pursuing additional funding available through internal FAU grants, as well as external grants including the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts), NEH (National Endowment for the Humanities), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and others.

Implementing Organization

The School of Communication & Multimedia Studies under the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters with assistance from OIT, as well as FAU Design Construction Services, and possibly Jade Communications Inc., TYEC Engineering, and Tideline Construction.