Council on Academic Computing

September 27, 2006

Meeting Summary

Speakers and Seminars

The Council will continue to support the academic computing seminar series.  The Council should work with academic departments, such as the Department of Computer Science, and the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center to ensure the broadest possible coverage.  Two seminars will be held per semester.

Interdisciplinary Projects

The Council will work with Dr. Klinzing on several interdisciplinary initiatives.  Current initiatives cover topics related to modeling and simulation (including a degree program in academic scientific computing), energy, and national preparedness.  Other, ongoing infrastructure-related projects include E-Science and PittGrid.

Report from Computing Services and Systems Development

Jinx Walton, Director of Computing Services and Systems Development (CSSD), discussed the university-wide, wireless implementation plan.  The program was initiated in July 2006.  All previously existing student and library access points have been updated.  CSSD anticipates that wireless networks will be installed in 24 buildings by July 2007. 

Faculty, staff, and students will be able to access the network.  Visiting faculty and staff can establish guest accounts, from which they can access the network.  Guest accounts will be limited to 30 days duration.  CSSD is working with a Wireless Advisory Committee to determine how guest accounts can be supported. 

Ms. Walton mentioned several other issues:

  • Sponsored accounts
  • Government access to the University network
  • The enterprise exchange server

Miscellaneous

Several other issues also were discussed:

  • The Council’s meeting frequency
  • IBM-University interaction
  • Science 2006
  • Department of Homeland Security funding