CLICK on news

May 2001, Volume 1, Number 3

 WHAT'S NEW
* Changes coming for computer support and repairs
* New look for publications site
* Update for news site

UPDATES
* ISU identity fonts available
* Capabilities folder describes CECS services
* Bachelor of Liberal Studies Across Iowa offers courses on ICN

QUICK TIPS
* Change your passwords
* Follow new computer purchasing standards

What's old ... but still useful? Check the archive and index. lt red dotted line

WHAT'S NEW

* Changes coming for computer support and repairs
As part of the ongoing restructuring and reevaluation of Extension Information Technology, we will be changing how we handle computer support, troubleshooting and repairs. Keeping Extension's computers up and running is both important and resource-intensive and we are looking at alternatives to our current system, ways to leverage resources and long-term changes. We're currently evaluating and discussing issues and options. Details will be coming soon.

 

* New look for publications site
The Extension publications Web site (http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pubs/) is getting a new look, but it is still home to the same great publications. Now the Web site more closely matches the catalog.

 

* Update for news site
The Extension news release Web site has a new look to help you find releases by date and topic area. Check the site at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/.

 

UPDATES

* ISU identity fonts available
The ISU identity fonts may be purchased at the University Bookstore. Check the ISU Printing Services Web site (http://web.print.iastate.edu/New%20Pages/ISUfonts.html) for more information about the fonts.

 

* Capabilities folder describes CECS services
Check the CECS capabilities folder and inserts (EDC 214) to learn about our services. We can help you with your program, course and material development and marketing to meet the needs of Iowans and other lifelearners.

Please become familiar with the contents of this folder (circulated in the May 11 transmittal packet), and also please present it to new Extension employees. Additional copies may be ordered through the Extension Distribution Center. PDF files soon will be available on the CECS Web site, http://www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/.

 

* Bachelor of Liberal Studies Across Iowa offers courses on ICN
An information session about the new Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) Across Iowa initiative will be held over the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) Tuesday, June 5 starting at 6 p.m.

This fall the Regents institutions will cooperatively offer courses over the ICN that work in the BLS degree program -- two courses each fall and spring semester and one course in the summer.

ICN sites for the June 5 information session are:

  • Bettendorf, Eastern Iowa Community College, room 210
  • Cedar Falls, University of Northern Iowa, Center for Ed Tech
  • Clinton, High School, room 143
  • Council Bluffs, School for the Deaf, Careers Center, 2nd floor
  • Estherville High School, room E-1
  • Iowa City, University of Iowa, North Hall 107
  • Muscatine, High School, room 135
  • Sioux City, AEA, 1520 Morningside Ave.
  • Turkey Valley High School
  • West Des Moines, Valley High School, room 118

More information about the BLS at Iowa State, including the brochure in pdf format, is available at http://www.lifelearner.iastate.edu/courses/degree/bls.htm.

 

 QUICK TIPS

* Change your passwords
It's always a good idea to change your passwords occasionally. This provides additional security (if you've given your password out to someone; if there's a chance someone has been able to see it inadvertently). Remember these tips:

- Do not use a recognizable word as your password.
- Passwords should include both upper- and lower-case letters and both alpha and numeric characters.

 

* Follow new computer purchasing standards
The University has developed standards for purchasing new computers. These standards took effect May 1. The one thing in the standard that is somewhat restrictive is that computers should be "enterprise class." Dell models that meet this include the Optiplex (desktop) and Latitude (laptop). More information can be found at the ISU Computer Standards Web site, http://www.iastate.edu/computing/standards/.

Check the Continuing Education and Communication Services Web site. Also visit the ISU Extension Web site. Send your comments or questions about this newsletter to Laura Sternweis (lsternwe@iastate.edu).


Nondiscrimination Statement and Information Disclosures