FROM: Barry Jones, Chair

DATE: November 18, 2008

RE: Request for Proposals for Technology-Related Projects

The Office of Information Technology, with input from the Technology Committee, has the responsibility for developing a comprehensive technology plan for Austin Peay that fits into the strategic plan for the university. The Technology Committee has the responsibility for developing an annual spending plan for revenue produced by the Technology Access Fee (TAF) charged to all students each semester. Guidelines for TAF-eligible expenditures may be found at http://www.apsu.edu/atc/proposal/TAFGuidelines.htm 

To assist the development of a comprehensive strategic plan for technology and future TAF spending plans, the Technology Committee wishes to solicit technology proposals throughout the university.  This includes all technology requests, regardless of the funding source.  The committee solicits not only requests that are eligible for TAF funding, but also requests to be funded from year-end money, Centers of Excellence, external grants, or other similar sources. Therefore, please share this memorandum with vice presidents, deans, directors and department chairs and assure that it receives broad-based distribution and consideration. 

Both TAF and non-TAF technology proposals are being requested.  Technology proposals not meeting TAF guidelines will become part of the university budget cycle where they will be considered for funding along with all other university priorities.  Technology proposals must be submitted through this process to be considered for any type of university funding. 

Proposals must support the current five-year strategic plan for APSU.  The current strategic plan may be accessed at http://www.apsu.edu/ire/Strategic_Plan/StrategicPlan2005-2010_draft.pdf.  Additionally, TAF eligible projects must address student needs. 

Proposals must be submitted on the appropriate project form (attached to this email message) according to the instructions provided. The project form and instructions may also be downloaded as Word files from http://www.apsu.edu/atc/techrequest.htm. 

If the originator is in an academic unit, then the completed proposal should be sent to the chair for approval.  If the originator is in an administrative unit, then the completed proposal should be sent through the normal administrative channels, insuring that it reaches the appropriate Vice President for approval.  All proposals must be received by the appropriate administrator (Academic Chair or Administrative officer) for the appropriate signatures.  The project director must email the proposal without signatures to jonesb@apsu.edu by Friday, January 16, 2009.  Administrative Units must submit signed copies of proposals to the Office of Information and Technology by Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

Proposals that have been previously sent to the Technology Committee and have not been funded must be resubmitted to be considered for funding.  TAF proposals for lab operating and student workers in existing student computer labs should not be submitted at this time.  Additionally, proposals for updating or renovating multimedia classrooms (previously called smart classrooms) are not needed at this time.  The Technology committee has implemented procedures that will renovate multimedia classrooms on a regularly scheduled basis.

Thank you for your assistance in this important university project.

Barry Jones
Associate Professor of Art - APSU