Archived Projects

The credit card industry imposes a security standard called PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Network Services and Business Operations staff were heavily involved in the design, implementation, verification, and security of a new environment used exclusively for cardholder data. Meeting PCI DSS requirements created the need for a separate network that included: additional servers, network gear, and other equipment used in a highly secure manner to protect cardholder data and meet PCI DSS requirements. PCI compliance also impacts business processes for all departments accepting credit cards as a method of payment. This project was completed October 1, 2010. The new environment requires ongoing maintance. Staff will continue to be involved as PCI DSS requirements are ammended and as new merchants are added to the campus community.

Thanks to ARRA funding Network Services started the process of expanding wireless coverage for instructional areas. The initial focus has been on 150 traditional classrooms and has involved the installation of conduit, cable and a new generation of wireless access points. These access points support a wide variety of wireless standards (802.11 A/B/G/N) and are capable of supporting 20 simultaneous connections. We expect to complete installation in these classrooms in early fall.

The second phase of this project will be to take a look at coverage within instructional laboratories across campus. We will continue the process of installing additional access points to serve these locations through the remainder of this academic year. This phase of the project will be funded by Student Technology Fees.

This year ITS will begin the upgrade of the wired portion of our computer network that supports 63 computer labs managed by ITS, Colleges and the Library. This project will involve upgrading fiber optic cable into 25 buildings across campus and the installation of network switches and routers that will support multi-gigabit transmission speeds. Due to the construction required and the size of this project we anticipate beginning in earnest in spring 2011 and should be completed by summer 2012. Following completion of the computer labs we will evaluate network capabilities of student kiosk machines and other student access machines located in various departments. Update 4/9/12 all student computer devices devices have been upgraded with the exception of the College o Business which requires to internal fiber infrastructure. A proposal has been created for the next phase to focus on network equipment supporting student wireless access. CBA switches were completed by 9/1/12.

ePortfolios have been in use at UNI for a number of years in various formats. ITS-Educational Technology has provided support for an ePortfolio system integrated with the eLearning system since 2006. Due to limitations with that system, a review of ePortfolio systems was conducted beginning in 2008. In Spring 2010 a decision was made to adopt ifolio, an eportfolio system developed by the University of Iowa. ifolio is in a pilot stage this year. Several programs are interested. For more information on ifolio or eportfolios in general, visit the ePortfolios at UNI web site. To learn more about the process to begin using ifolio click on the "Getting Started with ifolio" tab.

Update: As of Spring 2012, iFolio is being used by one program in the College of Education, Post-Secondary Education: Student Affairs.