The technology fee began in 1997-1998, and is only a portion of the overall expenditures for technology at UTM. The purpose of the $100-per-semester technology fee is to enhance student access to computers, increase student computer support, replace equipment and improve classroom instruction.

At the request of students and the SGA in 2003-2004, a portion of the 2004-2005 technology fee will be used to purchase a new e-mail and calendar system for students, including servers and software to replace the aging Mars e-mail system. The new system will utilize Microsoft Exchange, Outlook and the web interface. Online training materials will be developed. Students will be able to synchronize their notebooks and PDA’s with the email server, share calendars and much more. The system will be installed and tested during spring 2004 and implemented for summer 2004.

The largest portion of the technology fee (35 percent) is utilized to replace computer equipment. Equipment is replaced in all of the labs, which includes five general purpose labs and 26 labs for specific student use in the academic departments and dorms. It is also utilized to replace computers and now aging projectors in classrooms.

Plans are in place to ultimately equip 100 classrooms with technology to enhance teaching and learning over the next several years. (9 percent) of the technology fee is being used for working toward this goal.

The second largest portion (20 percent) goes toward networking and Internet access. This is a broad category that includes half of the cost of the DS3 that connects UTM to the greater Internet. It also includes replacing network technology in the residence halls, the expansion of the new wireless network for classrooms and student use areas and installation of ports in classrooms for computers and projectors to have access on the network.

Support for technology is also part of the technology fee (19 percent). This includes some of the resources allocated to protecting the network and computers from attacks and intrusions so that network access will not go down and is stable. It also includes 24-hour labs in Humanities and a 24-hour help desk staffed by regular staff, students and resident network assistants. The network, security and help desk resources are also funded by several other sources outside of the technology fee. In 2003 support processed over 12,000 calls that were logged.

Faculty development, library resources, printing, and other make up the last 17 percent. Student printing is subsidized through the technology fee (5 percent). The Instructional Technology Center lab facility for faculty is equipped with new equipment through Technology Fee. Faculty interested in utilizing technology in the curriculum come to the ITC lab to use new software, receive training on new technology resources and develop new material. Some of the online library resources and the upgrade to the Library Automation System, which provides the online catalog, are part of the technology fee (5 percent).

Support for technology on the UTM campus comes from many sources beyond the technology fee. The combination of the technology fee and other campus and external funds provide the resources to strive to meet the continually changing and expanding technology needs of the students, faculty and staff that are a part of our community.