This presentation will discuss the approach of Memorial University of Newfoundland in its investigation of cloud computing possibilities relevant to higher education. The presentation will focus on the options explored, why email became the first priority, and an ongoing pilot project involving the transition of student email to Google Apps for Education. A discussion of pilot details, including the analysis and choice of a provider, decisions around pilot composition, technical setup, and project and communication planning will be provided.

The proliferation of wireless connectivity in everyday life has never been more obvious. The avatars and handles that define our online identities are no longer tied to the desktop computer. Instead, carrying our "online" presence with us on our mobile devices is now an expectation not a convenience.

At Simon Fraser University, we are shifting our wireless strategies to address the needs of the "always on" mobile world. As the chief entry point of our user community is now wireless networking, we are addressing the unique problems such a network presents in an effort to deliver the same features and functionality traditionally available to the wall port.

Central to our design are strategies that address IP utilization, security, and performance while simultaneously working within the confines of our support resources and vendor limitations.

All Payment Card merchants are required to be compliant to the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. The PCI requirements provide an excellent checklist for protecting sensitive information however they can be challenging to implement. Success and cost-effective compliance depends on the collaborative efforts of an integrated team to see that information technology and operational processes work hand-in-hand to protect the information.
In this presentation University of Western Ontario, which recently validated their compliance via a successful third party audit and McMaster University, which has several merchants with PCI Certification, will share experiences and lessons learned along their paths to PCI Compliance.
The presenters, who represent the different aspects of PCI (finance, information technology and audit) are:

• Tim Russell, Project Manager, University Technology Services, McMaster University
• Stacey Farkas, Supervisor, Financial Reporting, Financial Services, McMaster University
• Sharon Farnell, Director, Internal Audit, The University of Western Ontario

In late 2009 the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University completed construction of a new building that established the first Gold LEED certified institutional building in Ontario. As part of that eco-friendly initiative, the faculty also constructed one of the most energy efficient computer labs in the world. In addition to realizing enormous energy savings, this lab also boasts the world’s first use of 3-D modeling software in a fully virtualized environment.
This presentation will outline how the Faculty of Engineering was able to implement desktop virtualization in a highly resource intensive environment, while simultaneously realizing significant cost savings through energy reductions, scalability, and reduced equipment refresh rates. We will also examine the pedagogical benefits of VDI in the classroom, and the transition of the Faculty’s administrative desktop environment.

The Office of Research Services at Laurier identified a need for a software solution that would facilitate on-line submission and review of research proposals involving humans. The system had two main requirements: 1) to minimize the data input on the Research Services side by having applicants and reviewers use web-based resources to fill in forms; and, 2) to decrease the risk and liability to the university by ensuring it meets the obligations for continuing review of all research involving humans as required by research sponsors. Three options were investigated: 1) development of an in-house system; 2) purchase of commercial software; and, 3) software as a service. This paper examines why the software as a service solution was the best one for all three parties involved in the process: Research Services, ITS, and the vendor.

Universities use the end-of-semester course evaluation process to provide students with an opportunity to submit feedback on the richness of the course, the effectiveness of the instructor and course aids, and to offer suggestions for improvements. In addition, administrators use this input from students as one element in evaluating faculty for Tenure and Promotion.
Traditionally course evaluations have been conducted on scanable paper forms which is a very labour and resource intensive process and one that can churn through many thousands of sheets of paper each semester. This presentation will address: (a) Guelph’s strategy in moving away from paper forms to online surveys, (b) areas of challenge we encountered, and (c) recommendations for making the journey a smooth one. As well, attendees will be encouraged to offer perspective from their institution and explore areas of potential collaboration.