Tuition enhancement generates $2.4M for technology improvements at KU

LAWRENCE -- Last year the University of Kansas invested more than $2.4 million in tuition funds in technology improvements on campus. The funds supported upgraded computer labs and software, new classroom technology, the new Kyou Web portal, the Digital Library and many upgrades to technology within KU academic programs.

In the next few months, decisions on expenditures for this year's technology allocations will be made.

"We look forward to making additional enhancements to technology on our campuses," said Marilu Goodyear, vice provost for information services.

The university's five-year tuition plan -- now in year two -- generates about $10.8 million in revenue annually. Twenty percent of the funds goes to grants for students who qualify for need-based aid. The remainder is allocated based on needs identified by the Ad Hoc Committee on University Funding, composed of students, faculty and staff.

Students and faculty enjoy dozens of upgraded classrooms with cutting-edge technology, a continually improving Digital Library, an online enrollment system and the first KU Wireless Zones as well as many other improvements across campus.

"Tuition enhancement funds have improved significantly the campuswide technology resources that we provide to students," said David Shulenburger, provost and executive vice chancellor. "As a result of this new funding, students have more convenient access to the information and tools they need to manage their academic and business transactions at KU.

"Students advised us at all levels of these expenditures. The Student Senate's Tuition Advisory Committee worked closely with our information services staff to consult on the campuswide projects, while the professional schools and the College used their technology advisory committees to obtain student input."

Each professional school funded specific improvements, such as specialized software and equipment in several schools, a Mark III Disklavier Piano and an Avid Media Composer for theatre and film students, biofeedback sensors and software for the education school's Center for Psychoeducational Services, wireless transmitters in the law school and a Dead Sea Scrolls CD for students in religious studies.

Academic investments
Architecture and urban design -- $50,544
Business -- $176,652
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences -- $1,672,900
Education -- $217,652
Engineering -- $140,977
Fine arts -- $112,286
Journalism -- $59,582
Law -- $65,164
Pharmacy -- $65,080
Social welfare -- $62,798
Edwards Campus -- $136,280

Campuswide technology projects
Providing online self-services for students: Kyou portal and Enroll & Pay systems -- $459,000
A communication vehicle for instructors and classmates: KU's Course Management System -- $160,000
One-stop shopping for library resources: Digital Library -- $343,000
Protecting the KU network and its users: authentication database -- $250,000
Hands-on resources and advocacy for student technology needs: computer labs and technology programs -- $203,000
Untethering users with laptops: the first KU Wireless Zones -- $50,000
Technology for teaching and learning: instructional technology in more classrooms -- $298,000

A report on last year's accomplishments and next year's plans is being shared with KU student governance groups.