IS.Communication - Spring 2008 
A Message from the Vice President
As usual, this issue of IS.Communications is filled with news of products and services that we are implementing to enhance support for the Fairfield University learning community. One significant development is news regarding our new contract with SunGard Higher Education. This new 5-year agreement is in support of administrative computing services and will ensure continuity of services, enable us to deliver new services more cost-effectively, and leverage the talents of Fairfield University staff.
The enhancements reported in each of our departments are practical, innovative, and cost-effective. They continue to build on the solid foundations we’ve created in consultation with faculty, staff, and students.
I encourage you to review this issue and I welcome your interest and your feedback.
Vice President for Information Services &
University Librarian
ADMINISTRATIVE COMPUTING
A new contract emerges with SunGard Higher Education
Details
We have signed a new 5-year agreement with SunGard in support of administrative computing services that will ensure continuity of services, enable us to deliver new services more cost-effectively, and leverage the talents of Fairfield University staff.
New Banner system implemented for ad-hoc reporting
Details
Administrative Computing is currently implementing a new system for creating ad-hoc reports called the Operational Data Store or ODS. It empowers users to easily generate operational and ad hoc reports.
Workflow enhancements target efficiencies
Details
Staff from Administrative Computing, Human Resources, Financial Aid and the Registrar's Office successfully completed the implementation of the "Student Withdrawal workflow," "Work-study workflow," and a "Non-exempt Employee Performance Review and Merit Increase Workflow."
StagWeb e-mail spam and virus blocker prove their effectiveness
Since acquiring the Sophos "Pure Message anti-spam/virus" software in early 2007, it has lived up to its hype. On average per day, there were 578,055 spam messages and 246 viruses that were blocked between January 1 and February 25, 2008.
New approach to student health insurance to be implemented
Administrative Computing has participated in the implementation of the University's new approach to student health insurance. The new policy will be in place for the 2008-2009 academic year. The forms, reports and transfer files will be tested by both the Health Center and the Bursar's Office in March.
COMPUTING & NETWORK SERVICES
OFFICE upgrade for Mac users
Details
Microsoft has just released Office:mac 2008, it's long awaited version of Microsoft Office for the Mac.
Get ready for Xythos
Details
How many times have you unsuccessfully tried to e-mail an attachment that was too big? If your answer is "too many," then you’ll love what you’re about the read.
DIMENNA-NYSELIUS LIBRARY
New databases fill research needs in literature, law and world news
Details
Our new database collections include "Literature Criticism Online," "FactsOnFile World News Digest," and "Westlaw Campus Research."
More electronic books being added all the time!
Details
A number of new e-books, such as The Encyclopaedia of Islam, The Encyclopedia of Popular Music, The Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography, and Encyclopaedia Judaeica have been added.
New Library blog - the DNL Report - about research and much more
Details
The DNL Report blog is designed to keep the faculty, staff, and students of Fairfield University up to date on Library news and resources that will help them with their research and intellectual development.
A facelift for Curriculum Collection Room
Details
The Curriculum Collection, located near the Circulation Desk, has received a facelift. Outdated materials have been removed and wonderful new materials added to help support our teachers in training.
Library Research Prize applications being accepted
Details
The Library is accepting applications for the second annual DiMenna-Nyselius Library Research prize. The competition attracts the very best undergraduate research projects.
Popular titles added to New Books and New Audio Books collections
Details
Are you wondering if it's worth trekking through the slush to see what we have? Here's a sneak peek at some of our newest acquisitions. Our first shipment of audio book titles includes Her Way: the Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Jeff Gerth.
New Librarian – Jin Wu welcomed
Details
Jin Wu, our new Reference & Instruction Librarian, joined the DiMenna-Nyselius Library on January 7. Jin is the liaison to the departments/programs of Asian Studies, Biology, Chemistry, Marine Science, and Physics.
MEDIA CENTER
Men’s and women’s basketball uplinked, viewed on cable TV
Details
This winter marked the first time that Fairfield University's basketball games have been produced and distributed via satellite uplink -- by the University, for the University.
Pixar we’re not, but our animated production will turn heads
Details
Work on "The (Spanish) Olive" continues as the "Olive" comes alive and talks about St. Ignatius of Loyola, the Jesuits and Jesuit education.
Videos produced by Media Center and students for sale on web site
Details
VOCATION OF TEACHERS, a series of interviews with top Jesuit educators shot last year in Paris by the Media Center, is one of the videos offered for sale on a newly formed web site: www.faculty.fairfield.edu/mediacenter/store
Media equipment reservations online for faculty and students
Faculty and students can now reserve media equipment online using their Stagcard ID number. The classroom Media Equipment Request Form can be accessed at
http://www.fairfield.edu/mc_ames_reservation_1.html. The Student Equipment Reservations request form can be accessed at http://www.students.fairfield.edu/equipment.
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