The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents met Saturday and approved updates to the university’s computer infrastructure and electronic learning management system.
The university’s current computer system infrastructure was produced by Hewlett-Packard, but because of the age of the system, it will no longer be supported by the university’s software vendor.
“Oracle offers a bundled system, including hardware and operating system, that has the ability to run all the university’s central computer processes,” said Paul Davis, director of Information Technology Services. “This new system will not only replace the current antiquated system, but also includes a complete system for disaster recovery and is scalable to accommodate future growth over several years.”
Regents approved a contract for the system at a cost not to exceed $2.5 million, which will be paid in three installments during a three-year period.
Regents also approved a new learning management system for the university’s online and distance learning system. SFA currently uses the Blackboard Learning Management System, however the instructional technology office researched and tested both an upgrade to the Blackboard system and a system offered by Desire2Learn.
According to Dr. Randy McDonald, director of the Office of Instructional Technology, the Desire2Learn system would serve the university’s needs more effectively and will aid the university in achieving its strategic plan goal of improving distance education enrollment. The Desire2Learn system accommodates users with portable devices and includes implementation assistance.
The system was approved at a cost not to exceed $250,000 for the first year and $200,000 annually for the subsequent two years.
Regents also participated in a preview of a proposal for the university’s master plan through 2020 by the Perkins + Will architectural firm. The proposal will be presented to the board in its January board meeting.
