Proposal

Narrative

The Educational Benefit: The Department of Anthropology houses student computer laboratory space for both undergraduate and graduate students. Student projects include materials analysis (ceramic, lithic, shell, bone) data processing, pattern exploration, and write up of course exercises and student research in the fields of osteology, forensic anthropology, archaeology, GIS, and cultural anthropology (ethnography) that involves quantitative and qualitative analysis. Recently, two new faculty members have, utilizing old, surplus computers and furniture, created a qualitative analysis laboratory that is used for skills training of undergraduate and graduate students in our cultural research methods courses (undergrad and grad levels) as well as for student participation in faculty research projects. The addition of robust qualitative analysis skills will provide our students with demonstrable abilities that are sought after in the job marketplace. The acquisition of computer analysis skills is an increasingly important aspect of student training and as faculty we want to ensure that our students leave the university with skill sets that will make them attractive to employers. Updating our student computer facilities/labs is a critical step in that process and will benefit about 80 student users per academic year, based on our current usage estimates. Our student lab facilities, however, are comprised of old computers, almost all of which are "surplus" from prior college faculty or staff use. OIT personnel in the College of Arts and Letters recommended that these machines need to be replaced, due to their outmoded architecture. The last time we were able to update all student lab computers was in 2010 with the aid of a tech fee grant.

Facilities

No renovations or upgrades will be necessary.

Hardware Requirements

We are requesting a basic desktop setup: Dell 22 Monitor - P2222H, 54.6cm (21.5") Dell Monitor Slim Soundbar - SB521A OptiPlex Tower (Plus 7010)

Software Requirements

Most of the software needs will be with utilizing standard FAU software packages. However, we are requesting the initial purchase of specialized software for some of the workstations as follows: 4 machines with Adobe Photoshop for image processing 8 machines with DEDOOSE (qualitative analysis collaborative software) 4 machines with CDendro (tree ring analysis software) We are requesting the initial licenses for these products to support sections in our student facilities associated with the various ;tasks of qualitative analysis, image processing, tree ring analysis, plus other activities with currently available FAU software resources. In subsequent years, we expect to shift support to the College of Arts and Letters and the Department of Anthropology.

Personnel Costs

None

Other Costs

Basic desktop cost: $1485 (monitor, soundbar, cpu) We are requesting a total of 14 desktops for student use. 14 desktop units X $1485 = $20,790 Software (one year estimate) Photoshop: $198 X 4 desktops = $792 DEDOOSE: $13.95 X 12 months X 8 desktops = $1339.20 Cdendro: $68 X 4 desktops = $272 Software total: $2403.20

Timeline

Spring 2024, dependent on date of award, vendor speed, etc.: Jan. 15 - June 15.

Sustainability

We have managed to keep our student computer facilities up and running since 2010, although our desktop systems are by now old. With an influx of new machines, we expect that that these student use desktops will be operable for about ten years. We will maintain machines and update their software as needed. Software licenses after the first year will be managed through a variety of methods, from student course fees, department, and college funds.

Resource Matching

None

Implementing Organization

The project is initiated at the department level. The set up of the desktops will be done by the College of Arts and Letters OIT group.