Ted Rozelsky conducted overview training on the Microsoft Office 2007 system for 24 staff and faculty members on 2/19/09.  This 90-minute presentation demystified many of the new Office 2007 features -- including the Fluent User interface, file formats and help resources - for attendees from Environmental Health, Financial Aid, Telecomm, College of Human Ecology, Design & Construction, College of Law, Electronic Publishing and Copy Centers, Registrar, Information Studies, Accounting, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, Cash Operations, and Athletics.
 
A number of staff from ITS's Enterprise Application Systems (EAS) group recently helped implement the new online mid-semester progress reports (MSPR) system. The system allows faculty to assess mid-semester student progress in their course via MySlice and gives students immediate access to their information. In addition, the system provides reports to key academic advising areas throughout the campus and provides an early warning for students who may be in academic need. The project involved a number of people throughout SU including the Academic Sub-committee on Advising, Undergraduate Studies, the Registrar's office. According to Judy O'Rourke, Director of Undergraduate Studies, "This project signifies SU's commitment to the value of the MSPR process as an early alert for undergraduate students in academic need, a status report for student progress, and a valuable tool for retention and future retention studies." The new system replaces the use of optically scanned forms, enables a significant reduction in the distribution and collection of paper, reduces start to finish cycle time, and reduces the mistakes inherent in any paper process.
 
As part of Human Resources Staff to Staff workshops, ITS staff members Susan Watts and Nelson Pardee helped organize and present a Toastmasters demonstration meeting for potential members. Toastmasters, a non-profit club with nearly 235,000 members in 92 countries, offers 84 years of experience in helping people to improve their public speaking skills. The group relies solely on its members for developing these skills. Susan Watts is the president and Nelson Pardee a long time member.
 
Craig Chartrand participated in the Coaches vs. Cancer Spin-A-Thon on February 28th. This event was held at the Carousel Mall and sponsored by Fitness Forum and Bally Total Fitness. Craig rode a bike that was sponsored by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists and did spin for an entire 1 hour class - quite a workout!