The Proposal

Improving the Efficiency and Functionality of CCNY’s IT Services

A Necessary Proposal

Date: November 13, 2018

To: The City College of New York, New York State Government

From: The Purple Beavers

• Brennen Cordero, Mechanical Engineering major at The City College of New York
• Mukhlisakhon Fazliddin, Mechanical Engineering major at The City College of New York
• Diego Perez, Computer Science major at The City College of New York
• Jannat Riya, Chemical Engineering major at The City College of New York

 

Introduction

One day Anita was working on an assignment in the NAC Library when the person sitting next to her, all of a sudden, started to panic and curse at the computer she was using. What occurred was that the person’s computer crashed and started to update without any notice. She had been working on her assignment for hours and in an instant, her work was gone. This was a loss of time and productivity solely caused by the maintenance of the computer. One student losing her work may not seem like a big deal, but what if a professor who was preparing their exams or lesson plans for their students? The exam would be delayed, students would fall behind in class, less topics would be covered, and there would be a serious impairment to the students’ academic progression. It is pertinent that the IT services improve so classes can run more smoothly and students can learn at their normal pace.

We surveyed 23 students on the quality of CCNY’s IT services. About half of the students said they usually wait for computer access in the NAC library. About 87% of students said there is a lack of access to computers and printing services in the Marshak Library. About 74% of the students said they often find the computers are slow and the WiFi isn’t functioning properly. When asked what they would like to see improved, students stated they want better internet and better accessibility to computers and printing services. One student said they wanted a printer in the Marshak Library. In our action plan, we directly address students’ needs from both surveys (we made a second survey which attained 33 responses similar to the first survey) as well as other possible plans that would make student life at CCNY much better.

 

Action Plan

With The City College of New York’s approval, we would perform the following four tasks to help determine the best course of action for integrating and improving the efficiency and functionality of the IT Services at The City College of New York:

Task 1: Regular maintenance of the computers on a weekly basis.

From our interview with Mr. Anthony, an IT worker in the NAC Library, we came to know the maintenance check for the computers is performed before every new semester. After that they rely on student reports about new computer issues. Then, if needed, an IT worker is called to resolve that specific issue. If we ensure regular maintenance of the computers, we can make them work more efficiently.

We propose to:

• Hire students through the Federal Work Study Program to allow for weekly maintenance of the computers to be completed in the NAC and Marshak Libraries.
• Provide training to these students in order for weekly maintenance to correctly occur.

If a computer has an issue or needs to go through an update, then the student worker can place signs on those computers indicating the issue with that computer. This would prevent students from losing their work because of a technical issue with the computer.

Task 2: Adding more computers to the City College’s server.

On the 2nd floor of the NAC Library, there are 70 computers that are currently being used inefficiently as some of them do not function, or are not connected to the WiFi.

We propose to:

• Add these 70 computers to the CCNY server and connect the to the WiFi.
• Fix or replace the 10 computers that currently aren’t functioning.

If the computers were connected to the CCNY system, then these students could avoid waiting in line for computers and could use their time more productively.

Task 3: More printing stations and printers.

The only place to free print in the Marshak Library is the computer lab. However, because the printer is currently having technical issues, students have to walk to the NAC computer lab/library to free print. Fortunately, the Office of Information Technology (OIT) is working on a project to improve the computer lab in the Marshak Library by adding an HP printer. However, it leaves out some other important student needs.

We propose to:

• Add two new HP printers in the Marshak Library.
• Add two charging tables in the group study area of the Marshak Library.

Task 4: More routers for increased WiFi speed.

With slow or no WiFi in certain areas, studying becomes limited in several places which creates crowds in the libraries.

We propose to:

• Add more access points (routers) in five key areas (listed in Cost & Benefits) to improve the WiFi performance

This improvement will allow students to study anywhere inside or outside the NAC and Marshak Science Building without slow or no WiFi.

 

Cost & Benefits

Budget for Task 1: Regular maintenance of the computers on a weekly basis

Number of Additional Work Study Students: 10

Hourly Rate: $13

Number of Working Hours/Student: 2

Total Cost: $260 per week

Task 1 Benefits:

Ten students working two hours, once a week, are able to perform maintenance checks on an estimate of 270 computers in the NAC and Marshak Libraries. This would allow for more computers to be available for use and it would allow more students to get their work done.   

Budget for Task 2: Adding more computers to the City College’s system.

Possible Cost of Replacing 10 Computers: $1,500

Task 2 Benefits:

1. Based on CCNY’s mandated technology fee of $125 (full-time students) and $62.50 (part-time students), the budget for general computers/laptops and its replacements are $78,000. The cost of replacing 10 computers would fall within this budget.
2. Connecting the 70 computers on the NAC Library’s 2nd floor to the CCNY system, won’t cost any additional funds as the software and computers are already paid for. It benefits students if these computers were connected to the system as there would be more available computers, meaning more students would be able to use them to get their work done.

Budget for Task 3: More printing stations and printers.

Cost of 2 HP Printers: $8,904

Cost of 2 Charging Tables: $1,000

Approximate Total Cost (including transportation): $11,000

Task 3 Benefits:

Adding printers would alleviate the lack of printing options available to students. Adding charging tables would prevent students from having to find a plug and instead they would focus on studying.

Budget for Task 4: Budget More routers for increased WiFi speed.

Picture: Aruba Networks 310 Series Access Point (Cost $650)

Number of Areas	Specific Areas for Aruba Access Points	Number of Additional Access Points	Total Cost ($)
1	NAC Library – 2nd Floor	1	$650
2	NAC + Architecture  Rooftops	2	$1,300
3	Courtyard	2	$1,300
4	NAC Library – 5th Floor	1	$650
5	Marshak Lecture Halls (MR1, MR2, MR3)	3	$1,950
Total: $5,850

 

Total possible cost (approximate): $18,610

Task 4 Benefits:

CCNY uses Aruba Networks 310 Series access points to provide internet access in many classrooms and areas on campus. The installation of the Aruba Network 310 Series access points in 5 areas at CCNY (listed in the table below) will boost the signal and allow for more students to be able to study, work, or relax as they see fit. The solution is to install access points into the 5 areas listed above in order to boost the WiFi signal and have an overall more efficient internet service.    

 

Experience

We are experienced college students who have participated in projects and activities in our communities and elsewhere.

• Brennen Cordero is a sophomore at The City College of New York intending to major in mechanical engineering. He graduated from NYC iSchool in June 2017. As a high school senior, he volunteered as an Algebra 1 Student Teaching Assistant. He organized lessons, tutored students, and graded homework and exams. As a volunteer for The American Red Cross for 13 months, he assisted in team meetings, organized clothing drives, and assisted in the New York AIDS Walk. He is familiar with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel as well as SketchUp. He’s previously helped decrease floodwater in a Staten Island household by attaching a motor and pump to a rain barrel.

 

• Diego Perez is a freshman at The City College of New York majoring in computer science. He graduated from Gregorio Luperon High School in June 2018. As a member of his high school’s robotics team for 3 years, he learned to work in groups and develop his leadership and communication skills, as well his programming skills in Java. He participated in the mechanical aspects as well as in the programming and coding areas of the team. He served as a volunteer for Centro Altagracia during his high school sophomore year, and with the help of other members, he helped clean up streets and plant trees in parks. Diego participated in the 2017 National High School Ethics Bowl during his senior year of high school.

 

• Jannat Riya is a sophomore at The City College of New York majoring in chemical engineering. She graduated from Martin Van Buren High School in June 2016. As a member of the National Honor Society, she raised funds for cancer treatment and for food/toy drives to serve less fortunate communities. Jannat previously volunteered to tutor P.S. 18 students with their science and math homework. Along with skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPress, and Audacity, she’s also fluent in English, Bengali, and Hindi. Taking Public Politics allowed her to be skilled in team management, communication, and in policy proposals. As a high school senior, she was awarded Student of the Year in Fine Arts for her skills and dedication towards Fine and Performing Arts. She has volunteered for New York Cares, assisting in various projects.

 

• Mukhlisakhon Fazliddin is a junior at The City College of New York majoring in mechanical engineering. She graduated from Al-Madinah School in June 2016. While there, she performed various types of volunteer work, such as assisting in the main office of her high school for six months, tutoring a student for two months, and translating for the non-English speaking parents during most of her time there. Whether working on academic or extracurricular projects, she applies teamwork and analytical skills, which she hopes to leverage into the project. She was a debate club minister and team leader for the Mist Bowl, an academic competition group at her school. Furthermore, she worked on projects like the Drug Abuse Awareness Project.

 

Conclusion

In summary, we propose The City College of New York to act upon any or all of our four tasks. One task involved hiring more students into the IT department through the Federal Work Study program in order to ensure the maintenance of all computers, printers, and WiFi. Another task involved adding more computers and printers to the NAC and Marshak libraries as well as adding more access points (routers) throughout the school to improve the WiFi efficiency and student satisfaction. The reason for the improvement in CCNY’s IT department is due to large student outcry. According to our survey, the majority of students displayed some discomfort regarding the number of printers and computers in the libraries as well as the overall efficiency of these machines as well as the internet speed. Most students said that they would like to have more computers and printing services in the libraries which is why we addressed that specific need.

If the IT department were to be improved by following our stated tasks, then there would be an increase in the students’ accessibility and comfort at CCNY. Therefore, there would be an increase in the students’ performance and grades. If these needs aren’t addressed, these existing issues would worsen and computers would remain unfixed. Students’ efficiency could be negatively influenced by this and as a consequence would negatively impact the overall image of CCNY. If The City College of New York would enact our proposed plan, student life at CCNY would dramatically improve.

 

References

Aruba Networks. (n.d.). 802.11ac access point Aruba 310 Series. Retrieved November 11, 2018,

from https://www.arubanetworks.com/products/networking/access-points/310-series/

 

Schneiderman, B. (2018, May 01). FY 2019 Tech Fee Budget Plan Breakdown | The City College

of New York. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/it/fy-2019-tech-fee-budget-plan-breakdown

 

Schneiderman, B. (2018, May 16). Student Technology Fee Plan FY 2019 | The City College of

New York. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/it/student-technology-fee-plan-fy-2019

 

The City College of New York. (2017, December 01). OIT Projects in Progress | The City College

of New York. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/it/projects_in_progress

 

The City College of New York. (2018, September 18). Federal Work-Study (FWS) | The City

College of New York. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ccny.cuny.edu/financialaid/federal-work-study-at-ccny

 

The City University of New York. (n.d.). Tuition & Fees – The City University of New York.

Retrieved November 11, 2018, from http://www2.cuny.edu/financial-aid/tuition-and-college-costs/tuition-fees/