Jack Chen, Chief Information Officer
Letter from the Chief Information Officer

With this inaugural issue of the Technology@Adelphi newsletter, we would like to bring to light the people who use and support the technology at this University, as well as introduce our plans for the future.

Technology impacts every aspect of our lives. Yet too often, people think of technology as an impersonal machine, following commands written in a language that not everyone speaks. A solid infrastructure is the cornerstone of a successful technology plan and we have devoted great effort to ensuring a powerful and secure network. But at Adelphi, there is very human aspect to technology. Read more...


OITR Department Notes
President's Award

Fred HicksFred Hicks, Director of Network Systems, was a recipient of the 2007 President’s Award for Excellence in Service, granted by President Robert A. Scott on September 26. Hicks was recognized for his leadership in designing information technology systems, and their related security, integration, support, and management. He continually educates himself and his team on the latest solutions available to assure that the University uses cutting-edge technology at the lowest cost possible, and to minimize networking threats.

Chief Information Officer Jack Chen comments, “Fred’s dedication to the OITR and the University is seen in many ways. He has risen to the occasion many times—be it 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. on a Sunday. I can count on Fred to assure that the systems are well maintained, and that the Internet and email services will be available when the faculty, staff, and students begin their daily work.”

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Portal 2007 Conference - Up and Running

Fran Marino Berman, Director of Applications and Web Services, and Andrew Kursar, Manager of Web Services, presented at the Portal 2007: Up and Running at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania this summer. Their segment focused on “Online Forums in Higher Ed” as a medium for sharing information.

One of the main discussions was the usefulness of message boards as an alternative to email broadcasts, as it has an inherent archiving system, allows for feedback, and can allow users to answer each other’s questions in a way that can help future visitors. Other topics included portlet integration, delegated group administration, software, features, and successes of this technology.

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Relaunched Technology@Adelphi Site

Over the summer, the OITR relaunched its Web site to present a comprehensive overview of IT activities at Adelphi and support the mission of campuswide information technology. The Technology@Adelphi site includes information on:

  • Software downloads, resource manuals, and video tutorials
  • Classroom technology
  • GroupWise email, wireless hotspots, voicemail
  • IT policies and privacy
  • Faculty & staff workshops
  • Student Peer-to Peer-technology training
 Add Your Voice to a Technology Committee

Students, Faculty and Staff: We are always looking for participants in technology-focused committees so the voices of all campus constituents can be heard. Please contact technews@adelphi.edu if you are interested in joining the following committees:

  • Administrative Computing Committee (ACC)
  • Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC)

If you are interested in participating in the Senate Committee on Academic Information Technology (SCAIT), please contact Professor Coleman Paul at paul@adelphi.edu.

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Staff Highlights

Dr. Kees LeuneJust before Thanksgiving, we welcomed Dr. Kees Leune to the technology staff in the new role of Information Security Officer. Leune will be working with administrative and academic departments to develop procedures and guidelines to safeguard the sensitive data of the University, its students, and employees. He will also be teaching Computer Science classes at Adelphi. Leune has experience working in an academic setting as well as in the corporate world and holds a doctorate in Information Systems from Tilburg University in the Netherlands. He can be reached via email at leune@adelphi.edu or by phone at 516.877.3936. Read more about him on the OITR site.

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Hector GracianoThe FCPE has added instructional technologist Hector Graciano to its staff, which assists faculty in implementing technology as part of courses. Graciano was previously at the Center for Teaching and Learning at CUNY's LaGuardia Community College. He has a master's degree in Instructional Technology & Media from Columbia University Teachers College. Read what Graciano has to say about his approach to instructional technology in the FCPE Fall Newsletter.


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Erica Klein has been promoted to Manager of Web Communications at Adephi. Klein is a graduate of Adelphi's graphic design program and is no stranger to the OITR; she was a student worker for the Web Team during her undergraduate years and returned two years ago to the staff as Web Designer. She can be reached via email at eklein@adelphi.edu or by phone at 516.877.3744.