Frequently Asked Questions
Q&A from 3/31/23 meeting with DSAs
q: does the department get to keep existing tech in the room if they choose to?
A: Departments are encouraged to surplus technology that is being replaced if the technology is out-of-date, out-of-warranty or unable to be properly supported. If existing technology can be repurposed to other spaces to support student, faculty and staff in their learning, teaching and university business, this is acceptable. The department will be responsible for making any necessary notifications that need to be made (for accurate records) when moving technology to new spaces. Please refer to your department, Inventory Contact, assigned by Inventory Services, for more information about that process.
Q: And, if yes, can current tech be integrated into the new tech being installed?
A: In most cases, we will integrate any existing computers, screens and projectors. Other common technology can usually be integrated without issues. If you have a highly specialized piece of equipment to be integrated, we will need to determine if there are any limitations (e.g. facilities, networking, etc. that could interfere with the installation or technology functionality. Please contact the project team and provide more information in these cases.
Q: If the installation of this new technology requires upgrades in rooms (power, ethernet, mounting hardware), is that cost covered under the initial installation?
A: Installation of the new technology will generally be modeled after the existing set-up which should minimize the need for facilities or networking upgrades. Some minor upgrades may be possible; in cases where significant investment – whether that Is time, resources or money—is needed, we may need to revisit installation of the technology in that room or how we upgrade technology to full functionality in a different way.
Q: Can the department choose where the lectern/projector goes? Is the placement ultimately the Department’s purview?
A: We plan to follow the current room layout for new technology installation. If there is an issue with how the room is currently set up, please let us know so we can work with you on viable alternative options. If extensive facilities or networking are determined to be necessary, the new set-up may not be viable for the project.
Q: Please reverify that classroom classification will not be affected?
A: The project does not intend to affect classification of these teaching spaces.
Q: By accepting this technology into the classrooms, will the department be opening up the classroom to be scheduled by other departments across campus?
A: The project does not intend to affect scheduling priorities or scheduling processes for these teaching spaces. Though the project does not focus on updating UTA’s classroom scheduling software with current technology and assets the team will plan to include this update during or after the project concludes.
Q: Will DSAs be supporting these rooms, or will a service ticket be required if there are any issues with functionality after installation?
A: In the installation pilot completed over Spring Break, DSAs were identified as the first point of contact for any classroom support needs. If DSAs were not able to resolve the issue, the issue was escalated to ETSS. Models for future classroom support will be considered in a separate (fourth) project.
Q: As a DSA, will I be given any training to support this new technology?
A: A separate (third) project will focus on developing training materials for the end user (instructor). In addition to preparing these deliverables, the project team will engage with FordAV to prepare and deliver technology support training to all appropriate technology leads at UTA and across the colleges.
Q: Can a tall chair/stool be added to this list, as some faculty cannot stand for too long?
A: Several rooms have now been equipped with tall chairs. Teaching spaces that are scheduled for updated technology installation in summer 2023 may have a different podium
Q: Will DSAs have access to equipment, or will this fall under Classroom Support for tech support?
A: DSAs should be able to access the technology in the teaching spaces upgraded through this project. Some technology may be locked in podiums or other secure areas; DSAs will be provided keys when new lecterns are installed in these teaching spaces. ETSS will be prepared to support DSAs with technology troubleshooting in these teaching spaces.
Q: Why are not all rooms listed in the quote? When will the rooms not listed on the quote be updated?
A: To be able to effectively utilize HEERF funding, the project is utilizing a phased approach to technology upgrades. It is our intention that all teaching spaces in the scope of the project will be updated in the summer months.
The vendor walked all rooms that are listed in AdAstra and there is a chance some teaching spaces were left off the list because the vendor was not able to determine how to equip those spaces. We are working with the vendor to return to campus; DSAs will be invited to join any additional walkthroughs as they are scheduled.
Q: Provide clarity around the funding.
A: Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding is federal funding awarded to UTA and will be managed centrally to complete this project. No funds will be moved to individual units.
